Air Pollution Deaths In South Korea: A Sobering Reality

South Korea has been facing a growing threat of air pollution, which has been detrimental to the environment and public health. South Korea's rapid industrialization, reliance on fossil fuels, and proximity to China have all contributed to the country's poor air quality. The air pollution in South Korea has been linked to an increased number of deaths, with estimates suggesting that it will be responsible for the premature deaths of 1.069 per 1 million South Koreans in 2060. This paragraph will explore the issue of air pollution in South Korea and its impact on mortality rates.

South Korea's air pollution sources

South Korea's air pollution comes from many sources, both domestic and international. South Korea's rapid industrialization has led to a massive increase in pollution, especially in its cities. In particular, fossil fuel combustion is the largest contributor to air pollution in South Korea. The country has very few natural resources and relies heavily on fossil fuels to meet its energy demands. Oil accounts for 38% of the country's energy supply, coal for 29%, and gas for 15%. The number of vehicles on the road is also increasing, with many of these vehicles being powered by diesel fuel, which is particularly dirty.

South Korea's growing economy has also led to an increase in imports and exports, which has further increased fossil fuel combustion. The country's power plants, factories, and construction equipment also contribute significantly to air pollution. In addition, South Korea's air pollution is exacerbated by pollution from China. Slow air currents in the colder months mean that air pollution from China, including fine dust particles and emissions from coal-fired power plants, can affect South Korea. On days with the worst air quality, it is estimated that up to 80% of South Korea's PM2.5 pollution comes from China.

The South Korean government has taken some steps to improve air quality, particularly in the Seoul Capital region. For example, diesel buses are being replaced with natural gas vehicles, and emission-reduced devices are being provided for cars. The government has also implemented policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote environmentally friendly alternatives. However, many of the country's air pollution-related policies focus on temporary solutions and diesel emissions reduction, rather than long-term strategies.

The effects of South Korea's air pollution are severe. The country has the worst air quality of the 35 richest countries in the world that are part of the OECD. It is estimated that 16% of all deaths recorded in Seoul, the nation's largest city, are due to air pollution. Residents of Seoul are expected to lose 1.7 years of life expectancy if pollution levels are not remediated. Overall, it is clear that South Korea's air pollution has multiple sources and is a significant threat to the health and well-being of its citizens.

The impact on health

Air pollution in South Korea has a significant impact on the health of its citizens. The country's rapid industrialization, reliance on fossil fuels, and proximity to China have all contributed to poor air quality, which has resulted in various health issues and even premature deaths.

One of the main health concerns is the increased risk of respiratory and cardiovascular problems. Long-term exposure to high levels of PM10, PM2.5, NO2, and SO2 has been linked to higher mortality rates, especially in those with pre-existing respiratory and cardiovascular conditions. Research has shown that a 1 microgram per cubic meter increase in PM2.5 can lead to an additional 31.2 deaths per million people each year. This increase in air pollution has also resulted in a rise in daily emergency room visits for asthma and rhinitis.

The impact of air pollution on health can vary depending on individual characteristics such as sex, health behaviours, and socioeconomic status. For example, people living in urban areas with factories or heavy traffic are more likely to be vulnerable to the adverse effects of air pollution. Additionally, infants and young children are particularly susceptible, with a 2.1% increase in infant mortality associated with higher PM2.5 levels.

The University of Chicago's Energy Policy Institute (EPIC) estimates that the average South Korean can expect to lose approximately 1.4 years of their life expectancy due to poor air quality. This is particularly pronounced in Seoul, where residents are expected to lose up to 1.7 years of their lives if pollution levels are not improved. The situation is so severe that on highly polluted days, people are advised to stay indoors and use masks if they need to go out.

While South Korea has taken steps to improve air quality, such as replacing diesel buses with natural gas vehicles and implementing the Special Act on Seoul Metropolitan Air Quality Improvement, the problem persists. The country's heavy reliance on imported fossil fuels, particularly oil and coal, and its expanding economy and vehicle usage continue to contribute to air pollution. Additionally, while China's efforts to reduce pollution have resulted in fewer transboundary pollution deaths in South Korea, domestic pollution from South Korean factories and power plants remains a significant contributor.

The role of China

South Korea's air pollution is an increasing threat to its people and environment, and it has the worst air quality of the 35 richest countries in the world that are part of the OECD. On average, the air pollution will be linked to the premature deaths of 1.069 per 1 million South Koreans in 2060. The main sources of air pollution in South Korea are both domestic and international.

China is a major contributor to South Korea's air pollution. On days of average air quality, China is responsible for 30 to 50% of the PM2.5 in South Korea, but this figure can increase to 60 to 80% on days with the worst air quality. This is due to the prevailing winds from China, particularly during the colder months when air currents are slower and cannot effectively disperse pollutants. China's growing economic activity has led to the burning of approximately 4 billion tons of coal annually, contributing significantly to the high levels of PM2.5 in South Korea.

The impact of China's air pollution on South Korea is not limited to the environment; it also affects the health of South Korean residents. Studies have shown that an increase in PM2.5 pollution leads to a rise in mortality rates, with a particular impact on infants, the elderly, and those with respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, there is a correlation between increased air pollution and a higher number of emergency room visits for asthma and rhinitis (nasal inflammation).

However, it is important to note that China has been taking steps to address this issue. Since 2014, China has implemented a nationwide air pollution reduction program, which has resulted in a decrease in transboundary air pollution affecting South Korea. This has led to a reduction in mortality rates in South Korea, with approximately 300 fewer deaths for every million people annually. The success of these policies highlights the importance of global cooperation in tackling air pollution and its impact on neighboring countries.

Furthermore, seasonal activities in China can influence air pollution levels in South Korea. For example, during the summer, agricultural strawberry burning in northern China increases particulate matter levels, which can affect South Korea's air quality. Similarly, in the winter, lower temperatures in northern China lead to increased fossil fuel burning for heating, resulting in higher pollution levels that can impact South Korea.

Government initiatives

South Korea has implemented various government initiatives to tackle air pollution, a problem that has been partially attributed to industrial cities on the eastern coast of China.

The South Korean government has imposed new regulations on industries, tightening controls on air pollution and SO2 emissions. They have also been working with the Chinese government to solve this intercontinental air pollution problem. In 2016, US and Korean scientists collaborated to determine the sources of Seoul's air pollution, finding that 34% of the haze pollution on the Korean peninsula was from China.

In addition, South Korea has made progress in shifting fuel sources and improving fuel quality. The market for air pollution control equipment in South Korea has been growing, indicating that the country is taking steps towards environmental recovery. The Department of Commerce indicates that the market for air pollution control equipment in South Korea climbed from $557 million in 1992 to $910 million in 1993 and is projected to continue growing.

The Special Act on the Improvement of Air Quality, passed in 2003, began the process of regulating industrial emissions of NOx and sulfur oxides (SOx) through a cap-and-trade system in the Seoul Metropolitan Area. The city government of Seoul has also implemented initiatives to improve air quality, such as providing subsidies for liquified petroleum gas for school buses, supplying air purifiers in classrooms, and creating "Clean Zones" near schools and elder care facilities.

Furthermore, South Korea has been working with other countries, such as Japan, to address transboundary pollution issues. Agreements between South Korea and Japan call for cooperation on emissions from vehicles and factories, water pollution, and the elimination of substances that cause acid rain.

While South Korea has made significant progress in tackling air pollution, there are still challenges to be addressed, including the need for better technology to track pollutants and ensure compliance with emission regulations.

Public perception

The public's perception of China's role in South Korea's air pollution is a significant aspect of this issue. Multiple studies and the public's perception indicate that a large proportion of South Korea's pollution comes from China due to the spread of fine dust produced by Chinese factories and coal-fired power plants. This perception was particularly reinforced in November 2013 when Seoul experienced unusually high concentrations of ultrafine dust originating from China. The number of news articles and comments associating fine dust with China increased during this event, shaping public opinion.

However, data from joint research by the National Institute of Environmental Research (NIER) and NASA revealed that 52% of the fine dust at Olympic Park in Seoul came from South Korean domestic factories, while only 34% came from western China. This discrepancy between public perception and scientific data highlights the impact of misinformation and shared information bias on public opinion.

To address air pollution, the South Korean government has implemented various initiatives. In 2018, the government declared a social disaster and released emergency funding in response to a survey where 97% of respondents noted that air pollution was causing physical or psychological pain. The government has also committed to reducing domestic emissions by 30% by 2022 and plans to shut down old coal plants while promoting green technologies and sustainable practices.

The scientific community in Korea is also taking direct action to improve air quality and public perception. For example, they are planting trees in the Gobi Desert to block the spread of yellow dust by winds. Additionally, the Korean scientific community is working to gain the public's trust by ensuring that scientific claims are not promoted for financial or societal gain but are instead focused on social consequences.

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