Sustainability News
Reporting, analysis, and commentary on sustainability from Breeze in Busan.
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South Korea Debates Revised Grain Management Act amidst Surplus Rice Production
South Korea's National Assembly rejected a revision to the Grain Management Act that would have required the government to purchase surplus rice. The bill faced strong opposition from President Yoon Suk Yeol, who exercised his right to veto the legislation, citing concerns over wasting government resources. The controversial bill aimed to address the country's surplus rice production in the face of decreasing consumption patterns. South Korea's grain self-sufficiency rate, including feed, stood
1 min read
South Korea's Food Security and Agricultural Challenges
South Korea faces pressing challenges in food security and agricultural productivity, characterized by declining self-sufficiency rates and an aging farming population. These issues have raised concerns about the country's ability to provide for its growing population in the coming decades. In response, South Korea is turning to innovative technologies such as smart farming to revolutionize its agricultural sector. By examining successful cases in other countries and tailoring these strategies t
4 min read
Striking the Right Balance: Reevaluating the OWHC Travel Scholarship Program Amid Controversy
The Organization of World Heritage Cities (OWHC) Travel Scholarship program has recently faced criticism due to the actions of scholarship recipients. Their controversial attempt to hitchhike from Seoul to Busan in South Korea, which they documented and shared on social media, has sparked a heated debate on the delicate balance between cultural awareness and sustainability in the context of the program. The couple's social media video soon ignited discussions on Twitter, where detractors argued
4 min read
The Escalating Threat of Pine Wilt Disease in South Korea
Pine wilt disease, caused by pinewood nematodes, has emerged as a severe issue in South Korea, with approximately two million pine trees affected and consequential damage to the nation's forests and natural resources. This lethal affliction has no known cure once a tree is infected, and its rapid spread is exacerbated by climate change. South Korea faces an urgent challenge to implement effective measures to control the devastation and protect its valuable forests. In this article, we will discu
3 min read
Sigmogil (Arbor Day) in South Korea and the International Day of Forests
South Korea's Arbor Day, known as Sigmogil, has been an important tradition in revitalizing the country's deforested land and raising environmental awareness since 1949. Sigmogil shares its core principles with the International Day of Forests, a global event designated by the United Nations to raise awareness about the significance of forests and promote their sustainable management. As environmental challenges become more pressing, both Sigmogil and the International Day of Forests serve as cr
5 min read
Japan, South Korea, China, and Hong Kong Face Population Crisis: Implications for the Future
East Asia is facing a population crisis as several countries in the region experience significant declines in birth rates, raising concerns about future workforce availability and economic stability. Japan, South Korea, China, and Hong Kong are among the countries most affected by this trend, prompting the need for comprehensive policies and societal changes to address the issue and its implications. In Japan, with a record low of 840,000 births in 2021 and deaths totaling 1.4 million, the natu
3 min read
Japan's Controversial Decision to Release Treated Fukushima Water Raises Global Concerns
Japan's plan to release over 1 million tonnes of water from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power station, which they claim has been treated and cleared of harmful radionuclides, has been met with growing opposition from neighboring nations, local residents, environmental groups, and international critics. The Japanese government asserts that its Advanced Liquid Processing System (ALPS) has effectively removed nearly all radionuclides from the diluted water, which is to be discharged into the Paci
2 min read
RE100 vs. CF100: Why South Korea Should Choose a Renewable Future
As South Korea's government contemplates adopting CF100 instead of RE100 as a key component of its energy policy, it is essential to comprehend the distinctions between these two approaches and examine the recent disputes between France and Germany surrounding climate policies. This Editorial will not only explore the importance of RE100 but also argue why it should be the cornerstone of South Korea's pursuit of a sustainable and eco-friendly future. We will also assess the implications of the F
5 min read
Debunking Nuclear Power Myths: The Urgent Need for Renewable Energy Investment Amidst EU Disputes and South Korea's Shift
Nuclear power is often promoted as a quick and efficient solution for large-scale decarbonization, which is crucial for mitigating the worst effects of climate change. Some politicians and industry groups favor nuclear power over substantial investment in renewable energy, citing its safety, efficiency, stability, and rapid deployment. However, as renewable energy solutions become more cost-effective and the consequences of climate change intensify, it is crucial to address the myths propagated
2 min read
A Tipping Point: IPCC Report Emphasizes Urgency of Comprehensive Climate Action
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has issued a stark warning, emphasizing that the world is on the brink of a climate tipping point. In a comprehensive report, the IPCC stresses the urgent need for nations to take bold and transformative action to prevent surpassing the dangerous temperature threshold within the next decade. Failing to do so will lead to catastrophic consequences that will challenge humanity's ability to adapt and survive. The report's findings reveal a compl
2 min read
Exploring the Promise and Challenges of Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology
The global transition towards clean energy sources has led to the development of innovative renewable energy technologies, with hydrogen fuel cell technology being one such promising technology for the future. Hydrogen fuel cells can provide a clean and efficient source of energy that can be used in various applications, from transportation to power generation. However, there are still significant challenges and limitations that must be overcome before hydrogen fuel cell technology can become a
7 min read
Paths to a Green and Smart Future for Korean Cities
As the world's population continues to grow and urbanize, cities face increasing pressure to become more sustainable, efficient, and livable. Two concepts that have emerged in response to this challenge are smart cities and green cities. A smart city is a city that uses technology, data, and information to improve the quality of life for its residents, enhance sustainability, and increase efficiency in various sectors. This includes areas such as transportation, waste management, energy use, an
9 min read