Record-Breaking Climate Protest In Seoul: ‘Protect Our Lives!’ Say 30,000+ Marchers

In a significant demonstration in Seoul on Saturday, more than 30,000 people took to the streets, urging the government to adopt more aggressive measures to tackle global warming. The protest, the largest of the year in South Korea, saw participants of all ages braving temperatures over 30°C (86°F) to make their voices heard.

A Unified Call for Climate Action

Protesters, who gathered in central Seoul, held large banners proclaiming “Climate Justice,” “Protect Our Lives!” and “NO to Climate Villain (President) Yoon Suk Yeol’s Administration.” Yu Si-yun, an environmental activist and leader of the protest, emphasized the severity of the situation: “Without the air conditioner, this summer was unlivable. People could not live comfortably.”

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Demand for Systemic Change

The demonstration was organized by the 907 Climate Justice March Group Committee and followed a recent ruling by South Korea’s top court. The court found that the country’s climate change legislation fails to adequately protect human rights and lacks sufficient targets to safeguard future generations.

“We are facing a problem that is not confined to any one country or individual. We need systemic change, and we are running out of time to act,” Yu Si-yun added.

Human Rights and Climate Policy Concerns

The protest was also driven by concerns that the government’s climate policies violate citizens’ human rights. The 200 plaintiffs, including young climate activists and even infants, argued before the constitutional court that the government’s insufficient action on climate change breaches their rights.

South Korea aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 but remains one of the largest coal polluters among the Group of 20 economies, with a slow transition to renewable energy. Despite a reduction in its 2030 targets for cutting industrial greenhouse gas emissions, the government maintains its goal of a 40% reduction from 2018 levels.

Climate Change Impact on Daily Life

Climate change is also affecting South Korea’s agricultural sector. Farmers and producers report that the quality and quantity of napa cabbage, essential for making kimchi, are declining due to rising temperatures. Kim Ki-chang, a novelist and protester, highlighted the urgency of the issue: “This summer feels exceptionally long. It’s a significant threat to younger generations, and the older generation needs to take more active steps for their future.”

Strategic Protest Location

This year’s protest was held in Seoul’s Gangnam district, a popular financial and shopping area, chosen to maximize visibility among major corporations. Protesters blame these corporations for their role in carbon emissions and aim to pressure them into taking responsibility.

The protest underscores growing public frustration and the urgent demand for systemic change in addressing climate change and its far-reaching impacts.

(Includes inputs from online sources)

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