Environment & Climate Change
Are the government's efforts aligned with our goal of achieving carbon neutrality?
Last Updated (Monday, 15 January 2024 11:06)
Human society has entered the golden age, thanks to the development of technology. However, as technology advances, Mother Earth's fate is heading in the opposite direction. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO), under the United Nations (UN), announced that there is a 66% likelihood that the global average temperature will exceed the 1.5°C reference point by 2027. So, what should humanity do to deal with the climate crisis?
In our daily lives, many of us might be familiar with climate actions that we can all practice, such as recycling, reducing disposable products, using public transportation, and avoiding meat products. However, resolving the climate crisis solely through individual efforts is a challenge.
Greenhouse gases, a direct cause of the climate crisis, are primarily generated in energy sectors such as oil and coal power plants, and most of the energy resources are consumed in the industrial sector. It has been stated that 20 global companies account for 35 percent of the world's total carbon emissions, and the top 10 Korean companies’ greenhouse gas emissions account for 46 percent of the country's total carbon emissions. Additionally, most of these companies were found to be major energy corporations or state-led power generation energy companies.
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Pamphlet depicting the responsibility of the government and companies in climate change
Sorae Wetland Ecological Park
The University YMCA in Seoul (Climate Crisis Team) tried to learn more about the climate crisis and to promote climate action to the citizens of Seoul. Our team organized a one-day ‘dark tour’ in Seoul to observe the devastation of the climate crisis at this point. The tour included visiting the mudflats, a marine ecosystem; Incheon's industrial complex; and Songdo, a landfilled residential area which could be especially vigilant against climate change. During the tour, we planned to conduct citizen interviews and plogging (combining environmental work with outdoor exercise).
For our first destination, we visited the Sorae Wetland Ecological Park. The Sorae Wetland Ecological Exhibition Hall features accessible exhibits regarding the various organisms inhabiting the wetlands, the importance of mudflats and wetlands, and their influence on humankind. One particularly noteworthy point was the bird observatory on the third floor of the exhibition hall, which provided a panoramic scenery of the port of Sorae and the surrounding mudflats.
There was a bird-watching observatory in the middle, where we could closely observe the migratory birds flying over the wetlands. During our visit, we had an opportunity to observe egrets engaging in feeding activities in the restored wetland on-site. The ecological park also featured an educational area utilising non-functioning salt fields.
Wetlands naturally purify water, earning the nickname "nature's kidneys". In addition, wetlands offer various benefits, such as flood prevention, coastal erosion control, and groundwater recharge. They are ecologically valuable and contribute to creating beautiful and unique aesthetic landscapes.
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Visiting the Sorae Wetland Ecological Park
Sorae Port fish market
After visiting the ecological park, we saw the Sorae Port fish market to discover the damage caused by the flooding in August 2023. We interviewed two fishermen who have worked in the Sorae Port for a lifetime. Fortunately, we had an opportunity to hear Sorae's voice. Our interviewees, the two fishermen, were attentive to the issues in Sorae Port, including the environmental issues.
Beginning with the interview on Sorae Port fish market inundation, we could easily imagine the damage to merchants in Sorae Port, as we heard that the flood was high enough for water to enter their boots. The first interviewee emphasized on the role of government in the environment. He stated that a practical policy should be implemented in Sorae to improve the lives of residents.
In succession, the second interviewee claimed he could feel negative environmental changes. While working in the fishing industry, he noticed the water's surface had risen about 30cm, and he tried to pick up marine garbage. Initially, there was a policy that if someone picked up a bag of marine garbage, the government rewarded them with some incentives. However, because of cases of policy abuse, it was suspended. Therefore, he mentioned the necessity of policy that could induce public participation to reduce pollution without policy abuse.
As a result of the interview, the interviewees agreed that the primary agent and responsibility for environmental pollution is the 'government,' and they wanted a substantial voice.
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Interviewing fishermen at the Sorae Port fish market
Interviewing Songdo citizens
In the Central Park, a resting place for many Songdo residents, we conducted climate response campaigns and interviews with Songdo residents. The campaign recommended that citizens living in Songdo, on the verge of flooding due to rising sea levels, raise awareness of climate response and inform governments and businesses of their responsibility in the climate crisis. Furthermore, we recommended they be aware of the problem of the climate crisis through examples of climate response by domestic and foreign governments and companies.
One citizen who participated in the interview mentioned the Korean government’s colour replacement of civil defence suits to turquoise green. He pointed out the unnecessary waste of the government budget and the environmental destruction caused by this decision. He mentioned that the government should set an example for the citizens to respond to the climate crisis and continually contemplate ways to reduce the waste of resources.
Interviewing Songdo citizens
Team members go plogging
While some of our teammates conducted interviews and campaigns, others went plogging at Sorae Port and Songdo Central Park. We picked up 50 litres and 20 litres of trash at each site within an hour.
Among the trash dumped on the side of the road, cigarette butts took up the most significant portion, followed by many paper cups, plastic bottles, and disposable cups from nearby coffee shops. The trash was thrown away by the passing citizens of the commercial district, especially in Sorae Port. Looking at the lack of trash cans in the vicinity and the absence of smoking areas, we felt the urgent need for the government and local government to play a significant role in solving the problem of garbage neglect. Our local governments must actively manage and create a commercial environment, such as building designated smoking areas and arranging trash cans in precise locations.
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Photos of team members plogging
In the BIT zone
Our final destination was the Bio-information technology industry zone (BIT zone). There are several factory sites, including the Gyeongsin Songdo plant, Daeyang Electric Industrial Plant 3, and Celltrion Plant 1 and 2. Moreover, the KEPCO Songdo Substation and Incheon Songdo public sewage treatment plant are located in the BIT zone. By visiting the industry, we could see how much responsibility corporates bear regarding the environmental issues.
Smoke emitting from Celltrion plant in Songdo BIT zone
From this dark tour, the University YMCA in Seoul (Climate Crisis Team) recognised the solemn responsibility of the government and industry sector regarding climate crisis issues. This tour allowed us to understand the importance of wetlands as an ecological treasure land and listen to the voices of locals through Sorae and Songdo resident interviews. Moreover, we recognised the seriousness of trash disposal on street walks through plogging events. After visiting the factory sites, we had time to consider how much companies contribute to eco-friendly activities despite the insistence of ESG management of major industries.
In particular, as a member of Uni YMCA, we felt this generation of young people should be the leader in raising awareness of the climate crisis and sharing our thoughts on the problem. We must take a further step by requesting the local government to provide the necessary policies and for organisations to advocate our "environmental rights as human rights." Last (but not least), we want to state the following phrase: Climate crisis responsibility, it is time for the government’s response!
Holding up a slogan saying, “Climate crisis responsibility, it is time for government’s response!”
By Suhyeon Um, Seohyun Park, Suji Yun, Yeonji Lee, Bohun Kang
University YMCA in Seoul (Climate Crisis Team), YMCA Korea
Reflection on Green Ambassadors Training 2023
Last Updated (Friday, 30 June 2023 14:20)
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| ↑ Jasmine Lim, one of the participants of the Green Ambassadors Training last May 2023 |
The Green Ambassadors Training held at Chiangmai provided a holistic training approach that allowed us to learn from one another the different perspectives in different countries and to be able to see and experience through the meaningful visits to Doi Inthanon National Park, Mae-Jo University, Ban Rai Dong Village, and Sao Hin YMCA.
Particularly in our 5-day training, we learned from the participants who represented their respective schools and local YMCAs about how they tackle climate change in their countries and the education approach where they impart skills and knowledge to the younger generation.
During the Doi Inthanon visit, we had the opportunity to see and understand the Royal Project and the strong support from the Thai government towards the farmers, together resulting in a deeper understanding of the farm-to-table concept.
Visiting the highest spot on the mountain and the forest provided us a time to connect deeper with nature through our different senses, which are sight, sound, smell, and touch, and to reflect in the serene environment.
The visit to the university also brought us another perspective of how we can make use of renewable resources such as sunlight and the wind energy to generate electricity rather than the traditional methods which are harmful for the environment.
At Bai Rai Dong Village, we had the opportunity to help build the check dams and plant trees. It was an enriching experience for me to be reminded that we are stewards of God’s creation and there is a need to preserve nature so that our future generations are able to enjoy the goodness of His creation.
As for the visit to Sao Hin YMCA, I was thankful for being able to visit the learning centre where much knowledge has been imparted from the facilitators. This experience triggered the sensitivity to the urgency of climate change issues.
The 5-day training was impactful, enriching, and meaningful. It provided us the opportunity to brainstorm and come up with the action plans that we could bring back to our local YMCAs and schools. If we try to do it alone, there is only how much we can do. But if we work together, the impact will be greater.
By Jasmine Lim
Green Ambassador, May 2023
Metropolitan YMCA of Singapore
‘Time for Climate Action Towards YMCA Vision 2030’ - Green Ambassadors Training 2023
Last Updated (Wednesday, 31 May 2023 11:36)
Around thirty-five participants from the YMCAs of Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand met in Chiangmai, Thailand last May 22-27, 2023 to learn about climate change and its impact to people and communities; to engage in dialogue on enhancing ‘Green Ambassadors’ capacity for environment and climate change action to secure net zero by 2030 to keep global temperature 1.5 degrees within reach; to share good practices on carbon emission reduction and other green project; and to strengthen cooperation, network and green movement towards a Greener YMCA and communities. The training was also joined by the Y Green Schools from Thailand and Laos as partner schools of YMCA of So Hin YMCA in its effort to combat climate change.
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| ↑ Participants during the opening session |
The training included key presentation by Colin Lambie, APAY Green Team Member on the current climate change situation in the Asia and Pacific region and how governments are failing to limit warming to 2C or preferably 1.5C. He emphasized that YMCAs and like organisations must ‘pick up the slack’ and make up for lack of action by governments through mitigation and adaptation actions. He also reiterated the Mandate of the 20th APAY General Assembly in Japan that the YMCAs in the region commit to reducing the carbon emissions and taking effective steps to become carbon neutral by 2030. In his presentation, he highlighted the steps on how to become zero net carbon by 2030. It also incorporated case studies from Green Ambassador graduates and Green Team members who have successfully implemented climate action in their respective YMCAs. The case studies presented highlighted the works on carbon audit, education and advocacy as tools to combat climate change. The following case studies were presented:
- Installation of Solar Panel, YMCA of Makati, Philippines
- Integrated Agriculture and Food Security; Nay Pyi Taw Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA)
- Environment and Climate Change Education Learning Center; Sao Hin YMCA, Thailand.
In addition, APAY Climate Defender Project Coordinator Beng Seng Chan shared the current activities under the said project that will continue to work on the aim of becoming a zero net carbon YMCA. Such activities include education and awareness raising, training of carbon auditors, and e-learning among others. The training also included exposure trips to partner institutions:
- School of Renewable Energy; Mae Jo University (alternative energy in daily life i.e. solar power, biogas, biomass, wind Power, etc.)
- Environment & Energy Learning Center Sao Hin YMCA
- Doi Inthanon Royal Project (alternative crops to solve the problems of deforestation and poverty of the hill tribe people; environment protection, reduce the use of chemical, agriculture development, and marketing system
- Co-management of Natural Resources (to see the highest spot in Thailand on the top of Inthanon Mountain, visit the nature trail and learn about the important of cloud forest, biodiversity and role of community and government in forest conservation
- Ban Rai Dong Village, the model village on environmental and natural resources to preservation to learn about appropriate technology and the advantage of check dams; construct check dam and plant trees with the youth and committee members of Rai Dong Village, Chomtong District.
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| ↑ Participants during their nature trail at Doi Inthanon National Park | ↑ Visit at Maejo University School of Renewable Energy |
In preparation for the participants discussion and planning session, Narupacha Muang-in, APAY Green Team Member and Head of Climate Change Education Program, Sao Hin YMCA, Thailand presented guidelines on how to design climate change actions. APAY Executive Secretary Maria Cristina Miranda also shared the fund sources that could be tapped by Green Ambassadors for the implementation of their projects. Through these inputs, the training also facilitated small group discussion and sharing of experiences on local/national observed effects/impacts climate change. The proposed projects were presented by each team during the last day of the training.
As a conclusion, APAY General Secretary Nam Boo Won gave an encouraging message to continue to work together to address the climate crisis. The training was co-organized by APAY with its Green Team and Sao Hin YMCA.
By: Maria Cristina Miranda, APAY Executive Secretary
Waste Management Project by YMCA Cuttack
Last Updated (Tuesday, 30 May 2023 16:15)
To create awareness about the re-usage of waste amongst the people living in nearby slums and the local ward, YMCA Cuttack launched Waste Management Project on 28.04.2023 in association with SwitchON Foundation. A seminar was organised regarding managing waste from kitchens and households by segregating dry and wet wastes and making valuable objects from plastic debris, i.e., disposable water bottles, glasses, plates and bowls, and other indecomposable plastic materials. Above 150 women attended the seminar, out of which municipality sweepers and municipality volunteers were also present, apart from women staying in local slums. On this occasion, Rev. Kishore Chandra Digal offered a word of Prayer for the project’s success.
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Combating Climate Change: China Y’s Actions
Last Updated (Monday, 29 May 2023 16:16)
China YMCA and YWCA have taken small but meaningful steps to combat climate change by following the motto "think globally and act locally" from Earth Hour on 25th March 2023, to Earth Day on 22nd April, 2023. NCY China responded to APAY's 29-Days of Climate Action campaign and encouraged local YMCAs and YWCAs to take action. Local Ys promoted and amplified the program by organising various thematic activities, completing challenges, posting on social media, mobilizing members and volunteers, and integrating environment-friendly concepts when designing social services. Indeed, as the saying goes, tiny drops of water make a mighty ocean. By sparking small but lasting changes, we can combine our individual creative efforts to promote a low-carbon lifestyle and shoulder more responsibility for global citizenship.
Beijing YMCA
On 25th March, Beijing YMCA advocated the Earth Hour concept and program via WeChat.
On 20th April, Beijing YMCA staff joined a hiking and garbage sorting program in Xiangshan Park to take care of Mother Earth with tiny acts.
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Beijing YWCA
From 25th March to 22nd April, Beijing YWCA organized a 29-day climate action challenge and promoted a low-carbon lifestyle. More than 2,700 members and volunteers participated in the challenge.
Participants reported their daily acts of adaptation to climate change via an app, from turning lights off for an hour to picking up garbage, hiking, watching videos on ways to reduce waste, and so on.
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Tianjin YMCA
Tianjin YMCA encouraged members and volunteers to participate in the 29-day climate action challenge. Participants practised climate actions following themes such as vegetarianism, no-plastic, low-carbon, low-water, zero waste, recycling and buy local.
Tianjin YWCA
Tianjin YWCA launched the 29-day Climate Action Challenge and organized staff and members to adopt vegan diets on Mondays and cultivate a low-carbon lifestyle.
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Shanghai YMCA/YWCA
On 22nd April, Shanghai YMCA and YWCA conducted an Earth Day climate action activity. Five groups, composed of forty members and volunteers together with their families, walked past classic buildings in Shanghai, learned about environmental protection knowledge, and practised a low-carbon lifestyle through acts.
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In Shanghai YMCA local centres, thematic climate actions targeted different groups. These included recycling and upcycling programs for the elderly at nursing homes, vegetarian diet cooking for students, and handicraft painting for children with autism.
Guangzhou YMCA
The carbon footprint and water footprint were discussed a lot by Guangzhou YMCA staff during this period. They also planned various climate actions for youth such as advocacy, training, handicrafts, sports, volunteering, etc.
On 8th April, more than 20 youths took public transportation to South China Botanical Garden to embrace nature.
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Guangzhou YMCA staff and volunteers played frisbee on one Saturday in April, introducing new sports to the community.
On 25th March, more than 50 volunteers from Guangzhou YMCA distributed leaflets to community residents to introduce climate actions and concepts. They also picked up rubbish along the road and assorted shared bikes in designated parking areas.
Guanghou YWCA
Guangzhou YWCA took climate action from 25th March to 22nd April by organizing lectures and scientific experiments for primary school students. Those kids showed interest in watching videos about plastic pollution, and their awareness of saving energy and protecting the earth was highly enhanced.
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Wuhan YMCA
Wuhan YMCA cooperated with local communities and encouraged volunteers and members to take climate action. They picked up garbage in public areas, cleaned streets, and popularized knowledge of environmental protection in local communities.
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Wuhan YWCA
Wuhan YWCA initiated a climate action proposal to all staff, board members and volunteers. They started with small, simple practices such as cycling to work, turning off lights for an hour, avoiding plastic usage, etc.
On 19th April, Wuhan YWCA invited board members, volunteers, and community residents to participate in a hike. The hike lasted three hours, during which participants picked up garbage while enjoying the nature scenery.
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Chengdu YMCA\Chengdu YWCA
From 25th March to 22nd April, 2023, Chengdu YMCA launched the 29-Day Climate Action Challenge.
On 22nd April, 2023, various activities were carried out such as environmental bag DIY, English Club themed on environment protection, environmental Eco craft basket making.
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Xi’an YMCA
On 15th April, Xi’an YMCA organized a visit to Qinling National Botanical Garden for 29 primary school students. Coming close to nature and observing various plants educated children about how important environmental sustainability was from an early age.
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Xi’an YWCA
On 1st April, Xi’an YWCA held a youth volunteer training activity for ‘Zero Waste Green Action Project’. Twenty volunteers participated in the training, which included group discussion, action plans and designing, among other activities.
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Hangzhou YMCA
More than 200 staff, members, and volunteers from Hangzhou YMCA participated in the 29-Day Climate Action Challenge. During this period, participants organized programs about reducing water footprints, introducing environmental protection concepts, and promoting green development.
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Hangzhou YWCA
From 25th March to 22nd April, Hangzhou YWCA organized the 29-Day Climate Action Challenge and carried out six various activities on environmental protection among members, volunteers, college students, the elderly, social workers, etc.
Healthy Diet
On 27th March, Hangzhou YWCA held a membership activity near the West Lake. Since it was Monday, all the members were encouraged to take climate action by practicing a vegetarian diet. The activity also included introduction of tips on energy saving, etc.
Lecture on environment protection
From 19th April to 21st April, Hangzhou YWCA held a thematic lecture on water protection and Earth Day introduction. They also organized a street cleaning activity and prepared an upcycling program for the elderly. More than 300 individuals participated, and the program received positive feedbacks from participants. By sparking small lasting changes, Hangzhou Y aims to help more citizens assume civic responsibility and remain committed to environment protection.
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Contributed By NCY China
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