A growing number of citizens are reporting heightened levels of stress and anxiety related to climate change. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, Jun. 25 (Korea Bizwire) – As South Korea grapples with increasingly severe weather patterns, a growing number of citizens are reporting heightened levels of stress and anxiety related to climate change.
A 34-year-old office worker referred to only as Lee recently opened up about the severe stress caused by experiencing extreme weather.
“When I go out in this scorching heat, it’s not just about feeling uncomfortable,” Lee said.
“I worry about how we’ll cope if extreme climate conditions worsen. No matter how much I think about it, I can’t see a solution, and it makes me feel endlessly depressed.”
Lee’s concerns come in the wake of a weather forecast from the Korea Meteorological Administration last month, which predicted a higher likelihood of above-average temperatures and rainfall this summer.
The anxiety has been further fueled by the onset of stifling heat in June.
On June 19, daytime temperatures across the country surged to around 35 degrees Celsius, shattering records for the highest June temperatures in numerous locations.
This early heatwave has raised alarming questions about the potential severity of the upcoming peak summer months in July and August.
The memory of last summer’s unprecedented rainfall, which introduced the term “extreme torrential rain” into the national vocabulary, adds to the apprehension about this year’s monsoon season.
In July 2023, a catastrophic incident occurred when flooding caused by a breached embankment led to a tragedy in an underpass in Osong, resulting in 14 fatalities.
The previous year, in 2022, even the affluent Gangnam district of Seoul was thrown into chaos by flash floods.
Summer heat in Goyang city (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
These extreme weather events are not unique to South Korea. Globally, record-breaking early summer heat is causing distress, with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius in some regions.
Simultaneously, floods and storms are occurring in various parts of the world, highlighting the global nature of the climate crisis.
The relentless onslaught of such events has led some individuals to experience what experts term “climate depression” — a state of anxiety and stress stemming from the belief that climate change poses an imminent threat to oneself, family, and the broader community.
Kim, a 30-year-old professional, expressed a growing sense of unease: “It’s depressing to think about how the number of days with ‘good weather’ seems to be decreasing. The increasing frequency of climate crises and abnormal weather reports in the news only adds to the gloom.”
Some individuals report feeling helpless despite their personal efforts to combat climate change.
A 30-year-old referred to only as Lim, who has been consciously reducing unnecessary purchases, shared, “I often wonder if my actions alone can make a difference. It feels like trying to save a forest by conserving toothpicks.”
Kim Jong-hyun, a 26-year-old graduate student, expressed frustration with what he perceives as a lack of governmental action and public awareness.
“Individual efforts seem futile without government commitment,” he said. “Many people appear to have no awareness or interest in environmental issues.”
A recent study published in the Health and Social Welfare Review by Chae Sumi, director of the Future Disease Response Research Center at the Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs, provided quantitative insight into this growing phenomenon.
The study, which surveyed 2,000 adults aged 19-65, revealed an average climate anxiety score of 1.90 out of 5 points.
Notably, the research found that younger generations reported higher levels of anxiety. Those in their 20s scored 2.02 points, compared to 1.75 for those in their 60s.
While individuals over 50 tended to express milder emotions like “worry” about climate change, those under 40 reported higher levels of anxiety and feelings of powerlessness.
The researchers emphasized that while some degree of climate anxiety can serve as a motivator for climate action, it requires proper management to prevent it from developing into pathological issues.
They stressed the importance of timely and effective response measures.
Professor Lim Myung Ho of Dankook University’s Department of Psychotherapy added his perspective on the issue.
“While individuals experiencing depression symptoms can seek treatment, there’s a need for national and societal efforts,” he said.
“Ultimately, the government and society must take responsibility for addressing climate issues.”
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
