Jeonnam Province to Observe Climate Change Week Until the 28th in Commemoration of 'Earth Day'

Nationwide Lights-Out Events and Plogging Campaigns Diverse

[Muan=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Yoon Jamin] Jeonnam Province announced on the 22nd that it will operate Climate Change Week until the 28th in celebration of Earth Day (22nd).

Under the theme "Earth Recovery: Right Now, Starting with Me! 2050 Carbon Neutrality," various campaigns will be conducted to widely promote the importance of responding to climate change and practicing low-carbon living.

Earth Day originated from a commemorative event held on April 22, 1970, mainly by senators and university students, following the 1969 oil spill accident in California, USA. It is a civilian-led movement encouraging environmental protection practices.

This year marks the 13th Climate Change Week. Considering the spread of COVID-19, large-scale events are avoided, and various campaigns focused on small-scale activities and reducing greenhouse gases in daily life will be conducted mainly online through the provincial website.

On the evening of Earth Day, from 8 PM for 10 minutes, the provincial government headquarters, business offices, cities and counties, and education offices will participate in a public building lights-out event, while private buildings such as apartments and companies are encouraged to voluntarily turn off their lights.

Additionally, until the 23rd, a plogging campaign to reduce greenhouse gases will be conducted in Yeosu City and Muan County in cooperation with social organizations.

Plogging is an exercise that involves picking up trash while jogging. It has recently gained popularity on YouTube and social media as it benefits both health and the environment.

The province, together with the Jeonnam Climate Environment Network, plans to carry out various campaigns such as the "Visiting Carbon Neutral Environmental Play Festival" and "Ssakssuri Jupjup Plogging" over 45 days until June 5.

Park Hyunsik, Director of the Environmental Forestry Bureau of Jeonnam Province, said, "This year is the inaugural year of the province's declaration of 2050 carbon neutrality, and we will actively promote a citizen practice movement to reduce greenhouse gases." He added, "On the 51st anniversary of Earth Day, we hope many citizens will participate in the lights-out event and greenhouse gas reduction campaigns."