Climate Anxiety Surges in South Korea as Extreme Weather Intensifies
As South Korea faces increasingly severe weather patterns, a rising number of citizens are experiencing heightened stress and anxiety related to climate change.
Rising Climate Anxiety
Lee, a 34-year-old office worker, shares the intense stress caused by extreme weather. “When I go out in this scorching heat, it’s not just about feeling uncomfortable,” Lee says. “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.”
The Korea Meteorological Administration's recent forecast predicts higher temperatures and rainfall this summer, further fueling anxiety. June saw daytime temperatures soar to 35 degrees Celsius, breaking records and raising concerns about the upcoming summer months.
Last year’s extreme torrential rain led to a tragic incident in Osong, where flooding caused by a breached embankment resulted in 14 fatalities. The previous year, flash floods disrupted even the affluent Gangnam district in Seoul.
Global Context
These extreme weather events are not confined to South Korea. Globally, early summer heatwaves and severe storms highlight the widespread nature of the climate crisis. Such relentless events contribute to what experts call “climate depression,” a state of anxiety and stress about the imminent threat of climate change.
Kim, a 30-year-old professional, expresses growing 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.”
Personal Efforts and Government Action
Some individuals feel helpless despite their efforts to combat climate change. Lim, a 30-year-old, reduces unnecessary purchases but questions the impact of such actions: “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, criticizes the lack of governmental action and public awareness. “Individual efforts seem futile without government commitment,” he says. “Many people appear to have no awareness or interest in environmental issues.”
A study by Chae Sumi at the Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs revealed an average climate anxiety score of 1.90 out of 5 among 2,000 adults. Younger generations, especially those in their 20s, reported higher anxiety levels compared to those in their 60s.
While some climate anxiety can drive action, it requires proper management to prevent it from becoming pathological. Effective response measures are essential, as emphasized by researchers.
Need for Collective Effort
Professor Lim Myung Ho from Dankook University highlights the need for national and societal efforts. “While individuals experiencing depression symptoms can seek treatment, there’s a need for national and societal efforts. Ultimately, the government and society must take responsibility for addressing climate issues.”
Conclusion
The surge in climate anxiety in South Korea underscores the urgent need for comprehensive action. Addressing climate change requires both individual and collective efforts, with significant contributions from the government and society.
As South Korea experiences more severe weather patterns, many citizens report heightened stress and anxiety about climate change. A recent forecast predicts higher temperatures and rainfall, exacerbating these fears. Instances of extreme weather, such as record-breaking heatwaves and devastating floods, contribute to a growing sense of climate-related unease. Studies show younger generations are particularly affected, feeling anxious and powerless. Experts suggest that while climate anxiety can motivate action, it needs proper management to prevent it from becoming pathological. They emphasize the necessity of government and societal intervention in addressing climate issues.
FAQs:
What is climate anxiety?
- Climate anxiety is stress and worry caused by concerns about climate change and its impacts.
Why is climate anxiety increasing in South Korea?
- The increase is due to more frequent and severe weather events, such as heatwaves and floods, which heighten concerns about the future.
How are younger generations affected by climate anxiety?
- Younger people report higher levels of anxiety and feelings of powerlessness compared to older generations.
What can be done to manage climate anxiety?
- Proper management includes psychological support and proactive measures from both individuals and governments to address climate change.
Why is government action important in addressing climate issues?
- Government action is crucial as individual efforts alone are often seen as insufficient to tackle the large-scale problem of climate change.
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