Thousands Rally in Seoul to Demand Urgent Climate Action

Over 30,000 protesters in Seoul demanded stronger government actions against global warming in a significant demonstration. The march follows a court ruling that critiqued the nation's climate change law. South Korea's goal of becoming carbon-neutral by 2050 faces criticism due to its reliance on coal and slow renewable energy adoption.

More than 30,000 protesters gathered in South Korea's capital on Saturday, braving extreme heat to demand more aggressive government actions to tackle global warming.

With temperatures soaring above 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit), demonstrators clogged central Seoul, waving banners with messages like "Climate justice," "Protect our lives!" and condemning President Yoon Suk Yeol's administration as a "climate villain."

"Without air conditioning, this summer was unbearable. We are facing a global issue that requires systemic change, and time is running out," said environmental activist Yu Si-yun, who led the protest.

The rally was organized by the 907 Climate Justice March Group Committee. It followed a recent ruling by South Korea's top court that criticized the country's climate change laws for failing to protect basic human rights and for lacking adequate targets for future generations.

South Korea, aiming to be carbon-neutral by 2050, is criticized for its heavy reliance on coal. Last year, the government lowered its 2030 targets for reducing industrial greenhouse-gas emissions while retaining a commitment to cut national emissions by 40% from 2018 levels.

"Feel how prolonged this summer has been," said novelist Kim Ki-chang, a repeat participant in the protest. "It's a bigger survival issue for younger generations, so the older should act more decisively."

Seoul has experienced 20 consecutive nights of temperatures above 25 Celsius (77 Fahrenheit). The protest moved to the Gangnam area to target major corporations blamed for high carbon emissions.

(Writing by Cynthia Kim, Hyun Young Yi; Editing by William Mallard)