The effects of global warming have led to an increase of one degree Celsius in Taiwan's average temperature over the past century, reported Taiwan's local media.

Temperatures recorded at weather stations in Taipei, Taichung, Tainan and Hualien show that the island is undergoing a climate change that has resulted in rising average temperatures, according to an analysis by the Taiwan's local weather observatory released Tuesday.

Taiwan's climate has been steadily getting warmer over the past century, said the local observatory, adding that population density and urbanization are factors besides global warming effects that influence climate change.

The annual volume of rainfall in Taiwan last year was also higher than the average, with Suao topping the list in this area, experiencing a rainfall volume of 6,595 mm for the year.

The annual volume of rainfall is expected to increase by 7 percent from now until the end of the 21st century.

(People’s Daily 02/27/2001)