South Korea's Pollution Crisis: A Dire Situation

South Korea's pollution levels have been a significant cause for concern, with the country ranking 59th out of 138 countries for air pollution in 2024. The country's rapid shift from an agrarian to industrial economy post-World War II, fuelled by coal-fired power generation and high vehicle emissions, has had a detrimental impact on air quality. While pollution levels have shown a downward trend in recent years, the health risks associated with exposure to pollutants remain a critical issue.

South Korea's pollution is caused by China's factories and coal-fired power plants

South Korea's pollution is a complex issue with multiple contributing factors, including domestic sources and external influences. While South Korea's own industrial activities and power generation methods have played a significant role in its air pollution, it is important to acknowledge the impact of China's factories and coal-fired power plants on South Korea's air quality. Here are some paragraphs elaborating on this topic:

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South Korea has experienced a significant increase in pollution, particularly air pollution, since its shift from an agrarian to an industrial economy after World War II, which was accelerated by the Korean War. This transformation was fueled by foreign aid, and South Korea became a manufacturing and export powerhouse, ranking 11th in global gross domestic production by 2015. However, this rapid industrialization came at a cost to the environment, with coal-fired power generation and high vehicle emissions contributing to the country's air pollution levels.

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Multiple studies have revealed that a significant portion of South Korea's pollution originates from China, specifically from the spread of fine dust produced by Chinese factories and coal-fired power plants. Prevailing winds from China, particularly during the colder months with slower air currents, blow a large percentage of pollutants into South Korea. China's growing economic activities have led to the burning of an estimated 4 billion tons of coal annually, contributing up to 50% of South Korea's PM2.5 particles on average air quality days and up to 80% on the worst air quality days. This has resulted in a surge in the concentration of air pollutants in South Korean air.

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China's rapid industrialization and energy demands have led to a significant increase in the number of coal-fired power plants. As a result, China has become the world's largest coal producer and the largest emitter of greenhouse gases. While China has recently announced its commitment to ending the financing of overseas coal projects, it continues to expand its domestic coal-fired power generation. This expansion has direct consequences for South Korea, as the proximity of these Chinese power plants contributes to the transboundary movement of air pollutants, affecting South Korea's air quality.

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The impact of China's factories and coal-fired power plants on South Korea's pollution is particularly evident during specific weather conditions. Slow air currents during the colder months create smog-like conditions, trapping pollutants in the air over South Korea. Additionally, dust storms originating from China's western deserts and Inner Mongolia carry fine dust particles across the sea, exacerbating the pollution levels in South Korea. These dust storms have been linked to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, as well as economic damage in the affected regions.

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While China's industrial activities significantly influence South Korea's pollution levels, it is important to acknowledge South Korea's domestic efforts to address its own contributions to air pollution. The South Korean government has taken steps to reduce emissions, such as regulating hazardous air pollutants and planning to close several coal power plants by 2025. Additionally, the government has implemented measures like providing free public transportation during high pollution days and banning heavy and old diesel-using vehicles on such days. However, these short-term solutions have had limited success, and South Korea continues to struggle with the impact of both domestic and external sources of pollution.

South Korea's reliance on coal-fired power plants and diesel fuel

South Korea's rapid transformation from an agrarian to an industrial economy has resulted in a heavy reliance on coal-fired power plants and diesel fuel, contributing significantly to the country's air pollution issues.

Coal-fired power generation has been a key driver of South Korea's economic growth, with coal accounting for 29% of the country's primary energy supply. As of 2016, South Korea operated 43 coal power plants, and the country had plans to build 20 new coal-fired plants by 2022. However, facing growing concerns over air pollution and a pledge at the 2015 Paris climate summit to reduce emissions, South Korea committed to shutting down 10 ageing coal-fired power plants by 2025. The closure of these plants is expected to lower fine dust levels and reduce emissions, with the government targeting $37 billion in renewable energy investment by 2020.

Diesel fuel has also played a significant role in South Korea's economy, with the past popularity of \"clean diesel\" policies promoting diesel vehicles as eco-friendly and offering tax benefits and incentives to consumers. As a result, the number of registered diesel vehicles surged to around 10 million in 2015. The importance of diesel is further emphasised by the country's cargo trucks, with about 83% of Korea's 422,761 cargo trucks being powered by diesel. However, the recent urea crisis has exposed Korea's overreliance on diesel, threatening to bring diesel vehicles to a halt and impacting various industries. To address this overreliance, Seoul has taken steps to phase out diesel, banning the purchase of new diesel cars for public use and aiming to remove all diesel vehicles from public transportation by 2025.

While South Korea has taken measures to reduce its dependence on coal-fired power plants and diesel fuel, its growing economy and energy demands have presented challenges. The shift towards cleaner fuels and renewable energy sources is ongoing, but the country still faces the task of balancing its energy needs with environmental sustainability.

The pollution in South Korea is not solely due to its reliance on coal-fired power plants and diesel fuel. Multiple studies show that a large percentage of pollutants, particularly the fine dust particles known as PM2.5, are blown into South Korea from China. On days with the worst air quality, China's influence on South Korea's pollution levels can reach as high as 60 to 80 percent. However, South Korea's domestic air pollutants, including emissions from traffic, factories, and power plants, also play a significant role in the country's air quality issues.

Fossil fuel combustion is the biggest contributor to air pollution

South Korea's air pollution increased after World War II, as the country rapidly shifted from an agrarian to an industrial economy. Today, South Korea is a manufacturing and export powerhouse, with its economy growing by 10% annually through the 1980s and 1990s. This growth has been driven by coal-fired power generation and high vehicle emissions.

In modern South Korea, fossil fuel combustion is the biggest contributor to air pollution. Korea has minimal fossil fuel resources and imports almost all of its coal supplies. The country relies heavily on fossil fuels due to its growing economy and energy needs, with oil accounting for 38% of its primary energy supply, coal for 29%, and gas for 15%. Conventional power plants burn fossil fuels to generate energy, releasing hazardous gases such as oxides of nitrogen, carbon monoxide, particulates, and hydrocarbons into the air.

The combustion of fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and gasoline, has severe environmental and health impacts. When burned, they release large amounts of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas that traps heat in the atmosphere, causing global warming and contributing to climate change. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has found that emissions from fossil fuels are the dominant cause of global warming, with 89% of global CO2 emissions in 2018 originating from them.

The health consequences of fossil fuel combustion are particularly detrimental to children, who are more vulnerable to the adverse effects of toxic air pollutants. Exposure to air pollution has been linked to various health issues, including respiratory and circulatory diseases, cancer, tissue damage, and asthma. It has also been associated with increased mortality, with a recent study finding that air pollution from fossil fuels contributes to nearly one in five deaths worldwide.

To address these issues, South Korea is taking measures to reduce air pollution. The government plans to modify enforcement rules under the Clean Air Conservation Act to strengthen standards for fine dust warnings and watches. Additionally, they are implementing changes to coal-fired power plants, such as retrofitting them with carbon dioxide capture and storage systems, and transitioning some to natural gas-fired power plants.

Air pollution is linked to cancer, heart disease, pneumonia, and low birth weight

South Korea's air pollution is a growing concern, with the country ranking 59th out of 138 countries for air pollution in 2024. The country's rapid industrialisation, reliance on fossil fuels, and vehicle emissions have all contributed to this issue. According to the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Seoul, the nation's largest city, has some of the worst air pollution globally. This has resulted in health and environmental problems, with air pollution being linked to cancer, heart disease, pneumonia, and low birth weight.

Cancer

The link between air pollution and cancer has been well-established. Exposure to particle pollution increases the risk of lung cancer, with pollution particles being small enough to bypass the body's natural defences. In addition to lung cancer, there is also evidence suggesting links to other cancers.

Heart Disease

Air pollution has been associated with an increased risk of heart disease, including ischaemic heart disease. Fine particle pollution has been linked to heart attacks and a higher risk of death from cardiovascular causes.

Pneumonia

Susceptibility to respiratory infections, including pneumonia, is heightened due to air pollution. The risk of hospitalisation and emergency department visits increases with exposure to air pollution.

Low Birth Weight

Maternal exposure to air pollution is associated with adverse birth outcomes, including low birth weight. Particle pollution and ozone pollution during pregnancy can lead to premature births and lower birth weights. The risk is further amplified for individuals with other risk factors, such as living in poverty or having asthma.

The South Korean government's efforts to improve air quality

South Korea's air pollution increased following World War II, as the country shifted from an agrarian to an industrial economy. Today, South Korea is an export powerhouse, and this has been driven by coal-fired power generation and high vehicle emissions. Fossil fuel combustion is the biggest contributor to air pollution in the country, with oil accounting for 38% of the primary energy supply, coal 29%, and gas 15%.

The South Korean government has acknowledged the problem of air pollution and has taken several steps to improve air quality. Here are some of the key efforts:

• The Korean Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy announced plans to close 30 coal-fired power plants by 2034, with 24 of them being renovated as natural gas-fired power plants.
• The government will also replace turbines at several plants to improve power efficiency and expand the capacity of circulation pumps to reduce emissions.
• Outdoor coal storage facilities will be replaced by indoor storage facilities by 2024 to prevent coal dust from being blown away by the wind.
• The government is taking measures to retrofit coal-fired plants with carbon dioxide capture and storage (CCS), selective catalytic reduction (SCR), and flue gas desulfurization (FGD) systems.
• The Clean Air Conservation Act is constantly being revised to include provisions for low-emission vehicles and to regulate emissions of hazardous air substances.
• The Korean Ministry of Environment plans to modify enforcement rules under the Clean Air Conservation Act to strengthen standards for fine dust watches and warnings.
• The government has set a goal to lower fine dust concentration by over 35% by 2030 compared to 2018 levels.
• During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a decrease in the concentration of air pollutants due to reduced movement, social activities, and industrial operations.
• The government has also considered implementing artificial rain to mitigate pollution, although this has raised environmental concerns.
• South Korea is exploring partnerships with U.S. suppliers of environmental technology to further enhance its air pollution control market.

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