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National Central University (NCU) hosted the inaugural International Forum on Climate Extremes and Societal Resilience: Drought, Heat Stress, and Human Habitability in a Warming World (CESR 2025) from November 23 to 25. Scholars and experts from multiple countries gathered to seek solutions for a sustainable future for humanity. The event was organized by the Preparatory Office of the Taiwan and Global Drought Investigation and Research Center (TGI DroughtHub), with Prof. Yuei-An Liou, Chair Professor of NCU’s Center for Space and Remote Sensing Research and Academician of the International Academy of Astronautics, serving as Forum Chair. The opening ceremony was jointly led by NCU Vice President Chyi, Jen-Inn, Vice-President for International Affairs Chang, Chung-Pai, and Director General Yen, Chi-Liang of the Department of Environmental Protection, Taoyuan City Government, underscoring the determination of academia, government, and industry to confront climate challenges together.
Several leading international scholars delivered keynote speeches. Prof. Dara Entekhabi of MIT examined links among water, energy, and carbon cycles and how heat waves worsen drought. Prof. Venkataraman Lakshmi of the University of Virginia highlighted AI- and ML-enabled advances in hydrology and satellite monitoring. Prof. Takashi Oguchi of the University of Tokyo outlined new drought-related geomorphological research needs in Japan and Taiwan. Dr. Tran Minh Tien, Vice President of the Vietnam Academy of Agricultural Sciences, discussed urgent issues in Asian food security and climate adaptation, illustrated by soil health in Vietnamese rice paddies.
A bilateral workshop between the TGI DroughtHub Preparatory Office and the Tropical North Queensland DroughtHub (TNQ DroughtHub) showcased tangible outcomes of international collaboration in building drought resilience. Topics included advances in Earth observation technologies for resilience, satellite-based water resource monitoring, urban habitability design under hot and humid climates, and delta studies in the context of climate change and social development. The workshop highlighted the close partnership between Taiwan and Australia in drought research, laying a solid foundation for strengthening climate resilience across the Pacific region.
Looking ahead, NCU and the TGI DroughtHub will continue to deepen partnerships with international collaborators, expand the center’s influence, and promote the application of research outcomes in policy and community action. Through close cross-national and cross-disciplinary cooperation, combining technological innovation with local wisdom, societies can build stronger climate resilience and leave a more habitable planet for future generations. This mission is not only the responsibility of scientists but also requires the collective participation of governments, businesses, communities, and citizens—transforming climate challenges into opportunities for sustainable development.
