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In Seoul’s most disadvantaged neighborhoods, residents endure challenging living conditions, often residing in cramped micro-units devoid of basic amenities such as bathrooms, kitchens, and adequate heating or cooling systems. Despite contributing minimally to climate change, these individuals disproportionately bear the consequences of environmental degradation due to entrenched historical and systemic inequalities. A recent study from the University of Kansas sheds light on these disparities, advocating for social workers to take on a pivotal role in amplifying the voices of marginalized communities in tackling issues related to climate change and social justice.
Joonmo Kang, an assistant professor of social welfare at the University of Kansas, immersed himself in a jjokbang-chon, often referred to as Seoul’s “last remaining slum,” for a year. This firsthand experience was part of a research initiative focusing on the everyday impacts of climate change-related disasters on marginalized populations. His recent study assessed the carbon footprint of jjokbang-chon residents, highlighting the significant climate injustices they face.
“Residents of jjokbang-chon experience some of the most severe effects of climate change while contributing minimally to its causes. This situation isn’t limited to Seoul but reflects a larger global pattern of injustice,” Kang noted. “We see that affluent nations and urban centers significantly contribute to emissions through their consumption patterns, while it is the less affluent countries and marginalized groups that are disproportionately impacted by climate crises. This phenomenon, often referred to as the carbon divide, illustrates that nearly half of global emissions are produced by the top 10% of the wealthiest population, while those with minimal carbon output face the gravest challenges.”
Kang, in collaboration with Chris Weatherly from the University of Georgia, calculated the carbon footprint of the residents based on surveys and interviews that evaluated energy usage, transportation habits, and household expenditures.
The research unveiled that residents of jjokbang-chon emit just under 4 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually, less than a third of the average emissions for South Koreans, even as South Korea ranks among the highest per capita emitters worldwide. This significant contrast highlights the deep-rooted inequalities in carbon emissions and the broader context of climate injustice in the country.
The low emission levels among jjokbang-chon residents are closely linked to their lifestyle conditions shaped by poverty. The study found that these individuals seldom leave their locality, primarily due to structural obstacles, resulting in limited transportation usage. They face significant energy deprivation, worsened by a living environment that lacks proper heating and cooling solutions. Additionally, exploitative practices by landlords further restrict access to essential resources, heightening their vulnerability to climate-induced challenges.
Although jjokbang-chon inhabitants produce considerably less carbon than the South Korean average, their emissions still surpass those of millions in the Global South. This underscores the intricate balance required in emissions reductions while ensuring social equity, as pointed out by the researchers.
Published in the journal Ethics and Social Welfare, Kang and Weatherly discuss the challenges social workers encounter when attempting to implement climate solutions that achieve both emissions reduction and justice for marginalized populations. They underscore the indispensable role social workers play as advocates and facilitators, emphasizing the need for collaboration and empowerment within communities to develop just and equitable responses to climate change.
For instance, initiatives led by the government to redevelop jjokbang-chon neighborhoods have faced ongoing opposition from private developers over the years. Social workers are vital in representing the interests of those without political influence, especially in advocating for housing rights. While the construction and development processes contribute to carbon emissions, it is crucial for jjokbang-chon residents to have robust advocacy efforts within a larger context of climate justice. The researchers suggest that efforts could go beyond mere redevelopment to consider carbon-neutral public housing initiatives. Social workers are pivotal in steering society towards a future that diminishes reliance on a carbon-dependent economy and enhances equity.
The study’s insights affirm that addressing climate injustice cannot follow a universal model, further building on Kang’s previous research, which highlights the significance of community-driven strategies to tackle climate vulnerability effectively.
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