Korea’s Climate Crisis: Why 70% of Citizens Are Ignoring the Urgent Call to Action!

This survey was conducted from September 24 to October 15, 2025, with responses from 3,008 individuals aged 19 to 69. The data highlights a troubling trend: while 70.5 percent of respondents in the 2018 survey prioritized environmental protection, that figure has diminished significantly as economic pressures have mounted. Researchers attribute this change to ongoing challenges in South Korea's economic landscape, including rising inflation and elevated joblessness, coupled with a sense of frustration over the lack of tangible results from environmental discussions.

Gender differences in attitudes towards convenience and the environment are also notable. Approximately 28.7 percent of men prioritize convenience, compared to 17.6 percent of women. Conversely, 61.5 percent of women prioritize environmental concerns over convenience, while only 47.2 percent of men hold the same view. Additionally, men are more likely to express apathy towards climate change, with 31.5 percent indicating they do not have strong feelings about the issue, compared to just 24.1 percent of women.

The survey results also reveal generational divides. Among the 19-29 age group, the percentage prioritizing convenience stands at 36.2 percent, while only 38.3 percent place more importance on environmental issues. In contrast, the older demographic (ages 60-69) exhibited a higher commitment to environmental concerns, with only 11.3 percent prioritizing convenience and a striking 72.1 percent emphasizing the environment.

Despite the shifting priorities, public awareness of climate change remains high. The survey found that 83.5 percent of respondents believe climate change significantly impacts society, while 57.9 percent feel it affects them personally. However, concern about climate change appears to be waning, as the proportion of respondents expressing anxiety over the issue dropped to 73.1 percent, down from 89.5 percent in 2022. Additionally, those who indicated that climate change affects their personal lives increased from 56.7 percent to 66.5 percent in 2024, but then fell by 8.6 percentage points over the following year.

When asked if climate change is an important personal issue, 79.3 percent responded affirmatively in 2025, a decrease from 83.7 percent in 2024. The researchers concluded that these trends indicate a deterioration in public awareness of climate change severity, suggesting that the ongoing economic struggles may be overshadowing environmental considerations for many South Koreans.

This shift raises questions about the future of environmental policy in South Korea and the balance between economic stability and ecological responsibility. As the nation grapples with pressing economic challenges, the growing prioritization of convenience over environmental action may complicate efforts to cultivate a sustainable future.