Jamsu Bridge on the Han River in Seoul is inundated on July 16, 2023, after torrential rains across South Korea overnight. (Yonhap)
SEOUL, July 18 (Korea Bizwire) — South Koreans are becoming increasingly aware of climate change in the wake of this year’s deadly heavy rains. The memories of Seoul’s Gangnam area being submerged last summer remain vivid.
“I now realize that heavy rainfall can be a matter of life and death after witnessing so many people lose their lives,” said Lee, a 29-year-old office worker.
“I have truly experienced the impact of climate change, both this year and last year.”
Han Min-jeong, a 28-year-old freelancer, watched a weather forecast earlier this year that predicted unprecedented heavy showers in the summer due to El Nino.
“I felt the effects of climate change after experiencing torrential rainfall and the resulting damages,” She said.
Some individuals have taken action against climate change.
Park, a 63-year-old office worker, decided to join the movement to reduce plastic usage after watching news about the victims of the heavy rain.
“I always considered taking action but ended up ordering food for delivery. Now, I feel a strong urge to act immediately,” he said.
Experts argue that climate change has indeed contributed to the occurrence of heavy summer rain.
“The Earth’s surface temperature will continue to rise throughout the 21st century, and as a result, the frequency of heavy showers will increase,” said Jung Ki-cheol, an associate researcher at the Korea Environment Institute.
Major foreign media outlets, such as the New York Times and CNN, covered the story of South Korea’s heavy rainfall and asserted that climate change is intensifying the risks of extreme weather in East Asia.
H. M. Kang (hmkang@koreabizwire.com)
