Recently, South Korea has experienced unusual spring weather. As of April 2025, daytime temperatures in central regions such as Seoul have reached 24 to 27 degrees Celsius, which is higher than average. Spring flowers such as cherry blossoms and azaleas bloomed earlier than usual, and many people are already wearing short sleeves. This is not merely a seasonal variation, but a possible sign of climate change.
In fact, South Korea has been experiencing more obvious signs of climate change in recent years. During the summer, the number of extremely hot days is increasing, and sudden heavy rainfall often causes flooding in urban areas. Meanwhile, in winter, there is less precipitation and very little snowfall, making seasonal boundaries more unclear. In agriculture, the growth period of crops is shifting, and this affects crop yields, which could impact national food security. In the summer of 2023, Seoul experienced its heaviest rainfall in 115 years, resulting in flooding across multiple areas.
To respond to the climate crisis, South Korea is promoting a range of environmental policies aiming for carbon neutrality by 2050. The government is expanding electric vehicle charging stations, operating an emission trading system, and implementing regulations to reduce plastic usage. The share of renewable energy is also being increased, and public campaigns promoting zero-waste lifestyles are actively underway.
While reviewing these policies, I also became interested in Moldova's environmental strategies. Although Moldova is one of the poorest countries in Europe, it has recently been making significant efforts toward sustainable development. Notably, Moldova is working with the EU to expand the share of renewable energy, improve waste management, and restore forests. The country has set an ambitious goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by over 70% by 2030, focusing especially on reducing carbon emissions in agriculture and energy sectors.
I’m curious to know whether these efforts in Moldova are producing real effects, and to what extent citizens are involved in these environmental actions. Especially, I would like to understand how Moldova balances its environmental policies with economic development, considering its financial limitations.
