The air pollution observed near a park by the Han River
Photo Credit: The Korea Times
Recently, the temperature fluctuations in South Korea have been showing extreme signs as seasons change. Within the past three months, there have been multiple events where heavy rain from the monsoon season hit. This includes the extreme rainfall in August, which has been reported to be the heaviest in the past 115 years in Korea.
The most current example of a natural catastrophe is the flooding from the heavy rain in August 2022. While the regular monsoon season continues from June to September, the rainfall surpasses the average rates from a climatological perspective. It led to significant consequences for some areas in South Korea, like Gangnam, as the drainage systems were not prepared for the large mass of rain. The intense weather is rooted in the high temperatures' precipitation, resulting in more rainfall. Ever since the start of industrialization, there has been an increase in heat in South Korea. According to the world meteorological organization, the Korean peninsula's temperature increased rainfall by 19%.
Another major issue is fine dust, a prolonged environmental problem causing greater concern in Korea, especially in Seoul. Fine dust often affects people's daily lives as it deters long-term health. The Air Quality Index (AQI) ranked South Korea as the 52nd most polluted country. One of the most prominent reasons for the change in average temperature and fine dust in South Korea is fossil fuel emissions. As the economy grows and more needs are met to support the large population, Korea relies exponentially on fossil fuels and other factories. The higher and lower temperatures from seasons could be only the beginning of extreme weather events. And it is crucial to consider that 52% of fine dust is from domestic factories in Korea, although it partially originates from neighboring countries like China.
Various forms of entertainment that many people enjoy can also have a huge impact on the environment. For example, the Seoul International Fireworks Festival, an event that has been held since 2000 near the Han River, has set off a controversy over using toxic materials that do not disintegrate and are left in the environment. Much research regarding the consequences of fireworks indicates they cause puncturing holes in the ozone and raise air pollution levels. For this reason, environmental activists have claimed that there should be moderation in using fireworks or banning them.
As a citizen, simple actions can create a better future for our entire community. Taking part in recycling, using transportation instead of personal vehicles, and being responsible for using potentially harmful materials to the environment could help improve the environment and slow down the additional climate change overall. Taking the first step in our daily lives can bring a great influence toward a better future on this earth.
Written by Yubin Lee | Staff Writer
Revised by Yoonhye Cho | Managing Editor
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