Protests in South Korea Against Climate Change

By Sebin Choi and Daewoung Kim

SEOUL (Reuters) – On Saturday, over 30,000 protesters braved the sweltering heat in South Korea’s capital, demanding stronger government action on global warming.

With temperatures soaring above 30°C (86°F), this was the largest demonstration of the year, disrupting traffic in central Seoul. Protesters, young and old, displayed large banners stating “Climate justice,” “Protect our lives!” and “NO to climate villain (President) Yoon Suk Yeol’s administration.”

Environmental activist Yu Si-yun mentioned, “Without the air conditioner, this summer was unbearable. We need systemic change and are running out of time to act.”

The protest was organized by the 907 Climate Justice March Group Committee and followed a recent ruling by South Korea’s top court, which stated the country’s climate law fails to safeguard basic human rights, lacking targets for future generations.

The 200 plaintiffs, consisting of young climate activists and some infants, argued that the government’s inaction on climate change violates citizens’ human rights.

South Korea, aiming for carbon neutrality by 2050, is the second-biggest coal polluter among the G20 nations and is slow to adopt renewable energy. While it lowered its 2030 greenhouse-gas reduction targets last year, it still plans a 40% cut from 2018 levels.

Even the beloved kimchi has been affected by climate change, with farmers noting declines in the quality of napa cabbage due to rising heat.

Kim Ki-chang, a 46-year-old novelist participating in the protest for the third consecutive year, remarked, “This is a bigger threat to future generations. The older generation must act for them.”

Seoul has experienced a record 20 consecutive nights categorized as “tropical,” with nighttime lows not dipping below 25°C (77°F).

Kim Eun-jung from the organizing committee explained that this year, they chose the bustling Gangnam district to amplify their message to the corporations contributing to carbon emissions.