Republic of Korea
day 32
35.9078° N, 127.7669° E
Date: 07 Jun 2025
Hello, my name is Wonkyung Choi. I’m 23 years old and currently living in Ulsan, South Korea.
Following the massive wildfire that swept through South Korea in 2025, I feel compelled to raise my voice about the increasingly severe issue of deforestation. Now more than ever, it is time for all of us to speak up and take action to prevent further destruction of our forests.
This spring, South Korea experienced one of the largest wildfires in its history, causing extensive damage. A combination of unusually hot and dry weather, strong winds, and human negligence during the early response phase led to the rapid spread of the fire. Alarming reports now show that due to climate change, the likelihood of wildfires has nearly doubled—an urgent warning we cannot ignore.
Forests play a crucial role in mitigating climate change.They absorb carbon dioxide, release oxygen, and act as ecological buffers that regulate the Earth’s temperature.
Yet reckless development—such as the recent release of greenbelt zones for urban expansion—is shrinking our green spaces. This trend not only reduces carbon absorption but also worsens urban heat island effects and increases fine dust levels. Pursuing short-term economic gain through unchecked development risks long-term environmental destruction.
If we do not act now, we may face an irreversible future.Forests are not just part of nature—they are the foundation of our survival.It is not too late. Together, we must protect them.
Following the massive wildfire that swept through South Korea in 2025, I feel compelled to raise my voice about the increasingly severe issue of deforestation. Now more than ever, it is time for all of us to speak up and take action to prevent further destruction of our forests.
This spring, South Korea experienced one of the largest wildfires in its history, causing extensive damage. A combination of unusually hot and dry weather, strong winds, and human negligence during the early response phase led to the rapid spread of the fire. Alarming reports now show that due to climate change, the likelihood of wildfires has nearly doubled—an urgent warning we cannot ignore.
Forests play a crucial role in mitigating climate change.They absorb carbon dioxide, release oxygen, and act as ecological buffers that regulate the Earth’s temperature.
Yet reckless development—such as the recent release of greenbelt zones for urban expansion—is shrinking our green spaces. This trend not only reduces carbon absorption but also worsens urban heat island effects and increases fine dust levels. Pursuing short-term economic gain through unchecked development risks long-term environmental destruction.
If we do not act now, we may face an irreversible future.Forests are not just part of nature—they are the foundation of our survival.It is not too late. Together, we must protect them.
With gratitude to YAC for the collaboration.