Urban parks, also known as municipal parks, are crucial parts of federal land that was set by law to pursue both physical and mental well-being of citizens. Not only do urban parks function as protectors for the individuals' health, but it is also a sustainable urban infrastructure that contributes to protecting the quality of life as well as the environmental sustainability of the region. Though this land that I stand on—South Korea—is a tiny country at the very edge of Asia, it boasts a population over 50 million which 90% reside in the urban areas that only constitute 16% of the territory.

                Although mountains, the most obvious form of 'green space', takes up roughly 70% of the nation?s territory, when a mountain is in a city, bringing in a lot of green space, it becomes priceless. It?s not simply about the theoretical benefits, such as 'Trees can absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen!?, that science textbooks offer all the time; it is worth something much more than that. The wind that crossed the mountain can cool the nearby area; urban parks can function as a 'cool island', taking the temperature down 1 to 5 degrees Celsius as far as 80 meters away.

                Despite its numerous benefits, recently Korea?s environmental legislation is hugely threatening the urban parks? fundamental existence. As long as the legislation stands, all urban land that was previously reserved for municipal park space but not put into action until 2020 will be forced to cancel the entire plan and sell the land off for industrial purposes.

While each individual in Paris (France), London (England), and Toronto (Canada) have 10.35 m², 24.2 m², 29.7m² of green space, respectively, the Koreans are receiving much less privilege, only allowed access to approximately 8m² in the national average. Population habituating in Busan, Korea's second largest city, is allowed to less than 5m² of park space per individual. Though these shockingly low numbers demand immediate attention, many politicians of local governments are currently avoiding direct confrontation of the issue.

Many Korean citizens, especially those deeply interested in environmental issues, are still waiting for the response. Given that all the parks 'expire' in less than two years, this is an extremely urgent issue. However, the politicians, the follow up legislation, and even the government continuously remains silent and seals their lips. This issue has been stagnating for years now, wasting more time than what we have left today. We now all have a reason to stop thinking and start acting.