The Korea Times close
National
  • Politics
  • Foreign Affairs
  • Multicultural Community
  • Defense
  • Environment & Animals
  • Law & Crime
  • Society
  • Health & Science
Business
  • Tech
  • Bio
  • Companies
Finance
  • Companies
  • Economy
  • Markets
  • Cryptocurrency
Opinion
  • Editorial
  • Columns
  • Thoughts of the Times
  • Cartoon
  • Today in History
  • Blogs
  • Tribune Service
  • Blondie & Garfield
  • Letter to President
  • Letter to the Editor
Lifestyle
  • Travel & Food
  • Trends
  • People & Events
  • Books
  • Around Town
  • Fortune Telling
Entertainment
& Arts
  • K-pop
  • Films
  • Shows & Dramas
  • Music
  • Theater & Others
Sports
World
  • SCMP
  • Asia
Video
  • Culture
  • People
  • News
Photos
  • Photo News
  • Darkroom
  • The Korea Times
  • search
  • Site Map
  • E-paper
  • Subscribe
  • Register
  • LogIn
search close
  • The Korea Times
  • search
  • Site Map
  • E-paper
  • Subscribe
  • Register
  • LogIn
search close
Opinion
  • About the past
  • Imbricated Chaos
  • Voices from the North
  • Korea: deConstructed
  • Parchment Made of Sheepskins
  • Dialogues with Adoptees
Wed, August 17, 2022 | 22:17
Another day of protest in Seoul against silence on climate change
Posted : 2019-04-21 13:31
Updated : 2019-04-21 16:42
Print Preview
Font Size Up
Font Size Down

By Emanuel Pastreich

April 20, 2019

I went out in Seoul again today to protest against the silence on climate change. Massive protests are taking place around the world right now in response to the increasingly dire reports about the future of our planet ― including articles by scientists (as opposed to ignorant politicians or corporate PR experts) ― who suggest that the planet will be uninhabitable by the middle of the century.

I spent about four hours outside with my placard and stickers, protesting against climate change indifference in Seoul.

Walking back and forth on the subway.
Walking back and forth on the subway.

I was alone. I have sent notes to others asking if they would like to organize an event together soon to protest indifference to climate change, but I have yet to get a response.

Korea is a leading country in science and technology and the level of education of children about science is quite remarkable. When I came here 12 years ago, I was deeply impressed by the level of education of average Koreans.

But I have learned that such education does not guarantee a scientific perspective on the world, especially when that scientific investigation leads to unpleasant truths.

Walking back and forth on the subway.
On the bus.

The topic of catastrophic climate change is taboo in the Korean media today, even so-called "progressive" media do not mention it. The environmental groups that are active tend to focus on the impact of pollution on local communities, or the fine dust pollution. Climate change is rarely discussed by NGOs, nor is it a subject for discussion in committees in the National Assembly (with the exception of commitments to international agreements that the Korean government has unwillingly made).

Walking back and forth on the subway.
One of my stickers.

As I walked the streets, and walked back and forth in the subway, as I stood in the bus with my Korean placard reading "Silent on climate change? Enough!" I did not get much response. Some people did stare. Naturally it is certainly odd for anyone to do what I did in Korea these days. For a foreigner to do so is even odder.

A few people asked about my protest, but not many. They did not try to start a conversation. I felt as if most people responded by purposely avoiding my gaze. Not one person asked why climate change is an issue or what needs to be done. It looks like there is still a lot of work for us to do.


Emailepastreich@asia-institute.org Article ListMore articles by this reporter
 
LG
  • Korean builders desperate for foreign construction workers
  • 2 Buddhist monks assault solo protester
  • Western, traditional Korean medicine doctors clash over terminology
  • Korea grapples with excess rice
  • Gates calls on Korea to play greater role in fight against COVID-19 pandemic
  • Instructors furious over scaling down of gugak in music teacher education
  • Ruling party chief accuses president of verbal abuse
  • Concerns grow over Korea's pension fund
  • Do Kwon says he will cooperate with investigation
  • NPS reduces Samsung shares, while increasing TSMC stocks
  • Interactive News
  • With tough love,
  • 'Santa dogs' help rebuild burnt forests in Andong
  • 'Santa dogs' help rebuild burnt forests in Andong
  • A tale of natural wine
    • 2PM's Lee Jun-ho proves versatility at 'Before Midnight' concert 2PM's Lee Jun-ho proves versatility at 'Before Midnight' concert
    • 'Confidential Assignment 2' has even more action, humor 'Confidential Assignment 2' has even more action, humor
    • [INTERVIEW] Director of 'A Model Family' on blending Korean and European-style thrillers [INTERVIEW] Director of 'A Model Family' on blending Korean and European-style thrillers
    • Thriller series 'Flower Of Evil' becomes first K-drama to be remade in India Thriller series 'Flower Of Evil' becomes first K-drama to be remade in India
    • 'Extraordinary Attorney Woo' to be made into musicals in 2024 'Extraordinary Attorney Woo' to be made into musicals in 2024
    DARKROOM
    • Ice is melting, land is burning

      Ice is melting, land is burning

    • Tottenham 6-3 Team K League

      Tottenham 6-3 Team K League

    • Afghanistan earthquake killed more than 1,000

      Afghanistan earthquake killed more than 1,000

    • Divided America reacts to overturn of Roe vs. Wade

      Divided America reacts to overturn of Roe vs. Wade

    • Namaste: Yogis to celebrate International Yoga Day

      Namaste: Yogis to celebrate International Yoga Day

    The Korea Times
    CEO & Publisher : Oh Young-jin
    Digital News Email : webmaster@koreatimes.co.kr
    Tel : 02-724-2114
    Online newspaper registration No : 서울,아52844
    Date of registration : 2020.02.05
    Masthead : The Korea Times
    Copyright © koreatimes.co.kr. All rights reserved.
    • About Us
    • Introduction
    • History
    • Location
    • Media Kit
    • Contact Us
    • Products & Service
    • Subscribe
    • E-paper
    • Mobile Service
    • RSS Service
    • Content Sales
    • Policy
    • Privacy Statement
    • Terms of Service
    • 고충처리인
    • Youth Protection Policy
    • Code of Ethics
    • Copyright Policy
    • Family Site
    • Hankook Ilbo
    • Dongwha Group