The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment (MCEE, Minister Kim Sungwhan) announced that it will hold the 31st Environment Day Commemoration Ceremony and the Launch Ceremony of Korea Climate Action under the theme “Green Korea Realized Through Climate Action” at the outdoor stage of the multipurpose sports field in Jamwon Hangang Park (located in Gangnam-gu, Seoul) from 4:30 p.m. on June 5.

The launch ceremony serves as an opportunity to reaffirm the commitment of all members of society to unite and begin taking climate action as the nation transitions from a carbon-based civilization to a green civilization, and from a fossil fuel-dependent petroleum economy to a renewable energy-powered electric economy.

The launch ceremony will be attended by approximately 5,000 participants, including pre-registered citizens who have joined the Climate Action Declaration, as well as Kang Kum-sil, Global Climate and Environment Ambassador of Korea; Archbishop Chung Soon-taick of the Archdiocese of Seoul; Venerable Seonil of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism; Cho Eun-yeong, President of the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA); and Chung Dae-jin, Chairman of the Korea Automobile & Mobility Association. 

Singer Miyeon and actor Kwon Yul, who serve as Climate Action Ambassadors, will announce the “Korea’s 10 Commitments of Climate Citizens” at the launch ceremony, including pledges such as “We reduce carbon emissions to protect our one and only Earth” and “We generate electricity from sunlight and wind.” Representatives from all sectors of society, including religious organizations, industry, climate and environmental groups, and public institutions, will also gather to declare their support for climate action. To encourage participants to commit to climate action ahead of the launch ceremony, the MCEE has been operating the Climate Action Declaration website through the Carbon Neutrality Action Portal since May 20 (www.gihoo.or.kr). 

Following the launch ceremony, the Korea Climate Action Preparatory Committee, which was inaugurated on April 28, will be reorganized as “Korea Climate Action.” Beginning after June 5, it will discuss measures to expand climate action and annually review the progress and achievements of its activities. 

In line with the purpose of the Environment Day Commemoration Ceremony and other events held that day, the MCEE encouraged participants in advance to minimize carbon emissions by using reusable containers, such as reusable cups (tumblers), and by using public transportation. 

In addition, participants will be encouraged at the event venue to practice waste separation and take their waste home with them, helping ensure that participation in the event itself translates directly into climate action. 

In addition, despite the nature of outdoor events requiring substantial electricity, the MCEE plans to reduce carbon emissions by minimizing lighting use and actively utilizing energy storage systems (ESS). From the day of the event through the end of June, it will also promote broader participation in climate action through a “Double Carbon Neutrality Points* Accumulation Event.”

* Incentives are provided based on participation in climate actions such as using tumblers and reusable containers (registration and activity records can be checked through the Carbon Pay app). 

Meanwhile, the 5th Environmental Education Week Expo will be held in the event area from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., featuring exhibitions of various environmental education materials and promotional resources focused on environmental conservation and climate action. 

In particular, a variety of family-friendly programs will be offered, including hands-on experiences with recycling initiatives and eco-friendly products that visitors of all ages can enjoy together.

Affiliated and partner organizations of the MCEE, including the Korea Environmental Conservation Institute, will also operate exhibition booths to provide information on various policies and engage with the public through a range of interactive programs.

Later that evening, from 7:00 p.m. for three hours, a special outdoor recording of The Seasons, a special Environment Day music program produced in collaboration with the Korean Broadcasting System (KBS), will take place. The program is scheduled to air on KBS 2TV at 11:00 p.m. on June 12. 

The MCEE plans to use the broadcast to raise awareness of participation in climate action in commemoration of Environment Day and to foster public engagement and support among all citizens, including younger generations.

In addition, to commemorate Environment Day, a government awards ceremony will be held at the main auditorium of the Government Complex Seoul to present national honors to 37 individuals recognized for their contributions to environmental conservation and efforts to address the climate crisis. 

In particular, awards will be presented in recognition of the dedicated efforts of individuals who have quietly contributed to climate and environmental causes across society, including Professor Hong Jong Ho of Seoul National University, an environmental economist who has contributed to the advancement of the field and will receive a national decoration.

Minister Kim Sungwhan stated, “Now is the time for all of us to act together with a sense of urgency.” He added, “We hope that Korea Climate Action for carbon neutrality and the great energy transition will take root throughout our society, and that this year’s Environment Day will mark the beginning of a nationwide climate action movement that spreads climate action as a culture of everyday practice.”

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