The Ministry of Environment (Minister Han Wha-jin) will operate the ‘2024 Climate Change Week’ from April 22 to April 28 in celebration of Earth Day (April 22).

This year’s Climate Change Week theme is “Embrace Our Carbon Neutral Lifestyle, It's Actually Great!” It conveys the meaning that practicing a carbon-neutral lifestyle is not only about protecting the Earth from the climate crisis but also brings positive benefits to individuals, rather than it just being difficult and bothersome to perform.

This Climate Change Week will commence with an opening ceremony on the morning of April 22 at COEX (located in Gangnam-gu, Seoul), followed by various events and promotional activities (campaigns) held in collaboration with the public, including 1) Future Generation Climate and Environment Video Contest Awards Ceremony, 2) Carbon Neutrality Lecture, 3) Nationwide Lights-Out Event, and 4) Communal commemorative events by local governments.

On the opening ceremony, attendees will include Chairman Kim Sang-hyeop of the Carbon Neutrality and Green Growth Commission (hereinafter referred to as the CN&GG Commission) and Minister Han Wha-jin of the Ministry of Environment, along with Lee Woo-kyeon, Permanent Representative of the Korea Climate and Environment Network (K-CEN), representatives from businesses and civic organizations, as well as supporters of carbon neutrality such as the Carbon Neutrality Youth Supporters and the CN&GG Commission’s citizen supporters (Net Zero Friends). 

Furthermore, the Ministry of Environment has appointed the popular game character ‘Koongya’ (MNB, a subsidiary of Netmarble) as the ambassador for promoting carbon neutrality practices. Utilizing the Koongya character, the ministry plans to inform future generations about carbon neutrality guidelines in an easy and enjoyable manner.

Following this, a joint inauguration ceremony for the Carbon Neutrality Youth Supporters under the Ministry of Environment and the Net Zero Friends (citizen supporters) under the CN&GG Commission is also held. The integrated support team, consisting of a total of 265 members, will lead impactful carbon neutrality initiatives that the public can easily recognize and engage in through innovative perspectives and vibrant voices until the end of this year.

Furthermore, agreements have been signed with 12 new institutions and companies* that have newly joined the Carbon Neutrality Point System, and these institutions and companies are committed to promoting the Carbon Neutrality Points and activating the system.

* △ (Electronic Receipt Issuance) KEB Hana Bank, Dobong-gu Facilities Management Corporation, AK Plaza, HD Hyundai Oilbank, △ (Reusable Cup Usage) SE Empower, DBI Co., Ltd., DTwoResource Co., Ltd., △ (Reusable Container Usage) Cloudstone, The Greet, △ (Refill Stations) Bottle Factory

△ (High-Quality Recycling Collection) SuperBin, Seongnam City

In addition, from April 22nd to 23rd at COEX, various events, which will be participated in by experts, will be held including 1) Green Official Development Assistance (ODA) and International Greenhouse Gas Reduction Policy Conference, 2) International Climate Adaptation Symposium, and 3) Cross-Technology Expert Meeting on Carbon Neutrality. Furthermore, a Carbon Neutrality Practice Promotion Hall will be operated with participation from 17 companies and organizations.

In particular, during this Climate Change Week, companies are actively participating in carbon neutrality public service activities. CJ CheilJedang and Binggrae are engraving the theme* of Climate Change Week on their product packaging materials to widely promote awareness. LG Electronics, Netmarble, Sempio, Chong Kun Dang Holdings, and Korea Energy are posting information on carbon-neutral lifestyle practices on their social networking services to join in the public service activities of Climate Change Week.

* Climate Change Week Theme: Embrace Our Carbon Neutral Lifestyle, It’s Actually Great!

Furthermore, the Ministry of Environment will conduct various promotional activities to commemorate Climate Change Week. Firstly, they will unveil a special symbol (special logo) for Earth Day on Naver and carry out ‘Carbon Neutral Lifestyle Practice Public Service Activities’ until May 17.

In Naver’s public service activity service, ‘Happy Bean Good Action,’ by participating in quizzes on lifestyle practices and writing your own methods of practice, you can join in donation activities that support climate-vulnerable groups.

In addition, through the Ministry of Environment’s social networking service and a dedicated website for Climate Change Week (www.gihoo.or.kr/earthday2024), participating in events where you make pledges for carbon-neutral lifestyle practices will allow you to receive a commemorative KakaoTalk emoticon for Climate Change Week for free. 

Meanwhile, various commemorative events led by local governments and civic organizations are taking place nationwide. 

On Earth Day, April 22, starting from 8:00 p.m. for 10 minutes, a lights-out event will be held nationwide to raise awareness about the importance of the Earth. This event involves simultaneously turning off lights across the country. Public institutions such as government buildings (in Seoul, Gwacheon, and Sejong), as well as nationwide apartment complexes, corporate buildings (including Woori Bank), and local landmarks (such as Sungnyemun Gate, Gwangan Bridge in Busan, Hwaseong Fortress in Suwon, etc.), will participate.

Environment Minister Han Wha-jin stated, “Active participation and practical actions from all sectors of society are crucial to overcoming the climate crisis.” She added, “We will continue to expand systems that benefit the lives of citizens, such as the Carbon Neutrality Points System, to provide better incentives to those striving for carbon neutrality.”

For further information, please contact the Public Relations Division. 

Contact person: Gina Lee, foreign media spokesperson

Phone: +82-44-201-6055

Email: gcjgina @gmail.com