Haneul friend: Jung Ah-hyun from Incheon to Rwanda | Connectography Speech 158

Just added my Connectography Speech of Rwanda!

Check out the video and let’s learn about Rwanda together.

Connectography Speech for World Environment Day 2025 | Jung Ah Hyun (Rwanda) | 158

 Rwanda is located near the equator, but it was interesting that the weather is mild and pleasant thanks to its high altitude. In particular, Rwanda has a variety of natural landscapes such as the Virunga Mountains, New Yingwe Forest, Kivu Lake, and Akagera National Park. These areas made you wonder how climate and topography interact. For example, the Virunga Mountains are often foggy due to the nature of the highlands, and the New Yingwe Forest is a rainforest, providing an environment where various animals and plants grow naturally. Lake Kivu has a unique topography where methane gas is accumulated, so I wondered how the climate and environment of the area change. To solve these questions, I asked my friend for pictures of Rwanda's various natural environments. In particular, he said that he wanted to see pictures taken in places such as the Virunga Mountains or Lake Kivu, and that he wanted to see scenes related to the climate - foggy hills, forest paths, and the sun setting over the lake. Through this, I wanted to feel firsthand how Rwanda's climate actually appears and its subsequent impact on the natural landscape.

 In addition, Lake Kivu, one of Rwanda's unique topography, was interested in the fact that it has a unique environment in which methane gas is deposited at high pressure at the bottom of the lake. I came to note that the lake is used as an energy source and also poses a risk of potential environmental disasters, and I came to ask questions to gain more vivid information from the experiences of local residents living close to the area. I wanted to explore how the climate environment in the area is connected to people's daily lives, asking my friend specifically if he had felt any changes in the environment near Lake Kivu, where methane gas was accumulated, and whether he had heard the stories of local residents related to it.

 Based on this additional information, it was confirmed that the extraction of methane gas from Lake Kivu can provide significant environmental benefits. The extraction of methane gas has several positive environmental effects, and most importantly, it can potentially reduce the risk of more dissolved gas. Methane gas accumulated in a lake can be released under high pressure, and the process of extracting it can contribute to preventing accidents and enhancing the stability of the lake. In addition, methane gas can be used as an important renewable energy source. Through this, communities can receive clean energy, which can be an important step toward sustainable development. This process is linked to environmental protection as well as securing energy resources. It is of great significance in that it can contribute to the conservation of the environment in a wider dimension and minimize negative effects on the natural environment through the extraction of methane gas. In conclusion, the extraction of methane gas from Lake Kivu not only helps to manage short-term environmental risks, but can also play an important role as a sustainable energy source for community and environmental protection in the long run. These environmental benefits are also directly linked to improving the quality of life of local residents, suggesting ways to utilize natural resources in a sustainable way.

 

I heard that Rwanda is working on solar power and tree planting projects to cope with climate change. What changes have these policies actually made to the lives of the local people?

 Rwanda has a tropical alpine climate with mild temperatures and sufficient precipitation throughout the year, so climate factors will likely play a major role in the way of construction. In particular, the structure or material selection of a building is important given that the rainy season and the dry season are clearly distinguished, so how is Rwanda developing architectural design in consideration of climate change and climate characteristics? Also, I wonder how traditional architectural methods and modern eco-friendly technologies are harmonized to realize sustainable architecture.

Hello! My name is Jung Ah-hyun and I was born in 2008. I have a great interest in the environment and engineering, especially through the keyword "appropriate technology," I want to make the world a better place. I would like to interact with friends who are experiencing environmental problems in various regions such as Rwanda, Cambodia, Laos, and Uganda and share their experiences and ideas. I think proper technology is an important tool to help meet the characteristics and needs of each region beyond just the development of technology. Based on my passion, I want to contribute to creating a sustainable world through the harmony of environment and engineering. I look forward to talking with you on these topics!