Climate change is one of the most significant and impactful issues in the world today, directly and indirectly causing environmental, social, and economic consequences that can change millions of people’s lives. 

The rapid increase in the level of emissions of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrous oxide (N2O), and more has alarmed many scientists for the past several years. For example, average levels of atmospheric CO2 increased from 403.3 parts per million (ppm) in 2015 to 405.5 ppm in 2017. The Earth has not experienced this CO2 level in 3-5 million years (UN), showing how significant the current situation is. This rise in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere heavily accelerates the greenhouse effect, causing a variety of other global issues, ranging from global warming, droughts, and heat waves, to unpredictable weather patterns, habitat loss, and much more (NASA).

To give an example of a country and its policies on climate change, South Korea has been viewed as undergoing many developments in its policies towards preventing greenhouse gas emissions and climate change in the recent years, but the country’s policies are still “highly insufficient” in meeting the Paris Agreement goals of limiting the increase in temperature at 1.5°C by 2030 (Climate Action Tracker).

Therefore, South Korea needs to reduce climate change by reducing its consumption of fossil fuels, especially coal, which takes up around 40% of the energy sources used every year (Reuter), as well as other products that release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. This is particularly supported by how it has been determined that the SK government has not limited coal plants as much as other countries such as the UK. Additionally, individuals can help by changing habits: use public transportation, or, even better, walk and bike. Reuse, reduce and recycle waste to cut down on the energy needed to dispose of it and produce new products. Finally, raise awareness about the issue by participating in climate strikes (like the recent ones initiated by young changemakers) and spreading the word!

Chung, Jane, and David Evans. “South Korea to Cap Operations of Coal, Oil Power Plants Due to Air...” Reuters, Reuters, 6 Nov. 2018, www.reuters.com/article/us-southkorea-coal-pollution/south-korea-to-cap-operations-of-coal-oil-power-plants-due-to-air-pollution-idUSKCN1NB1IU.

“Climate Facts and Figures - United Nations Sustainable Development.” United Nations, United Nations, www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/climate-facts-and-figures/.

“Global Climate Change: Effects.” NASA, NASA, 28 Nov. 2018, climate.nasa.gov/effects/.

“South Korea.” Climate Action Tracker, Climate Action Tracker, 3 Dec. 2018, climateactiontracker.org/countries/south-korea/.