Heatwaves are becoming deadlier but the burden falls on the weak more heavily.



Heat Waves Become the New Normal in Korea

South Korea endured another severe heatwave this summer, with the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) reporting the country’s second-hottest July. Nationwide, the number of heatwave days reached 14.5, more than 10 days above the seasonal average. Professor Changhoe Heo at Seoul National University’s School of Earth and Environmental Sciences explained that Korea’s seasonal averages have not risen gradually but in sudden jumps. He warned that this summer may mark a shift in Korea’s summer climate patterns, adding that the recent heat is not a one-off event but a consequence of global warming. Professor Heo stressed that the government must prepare for such extreme heatwaves to become increasingly frequent.

Threats to Safety

Outdoor laborers are among the most vulnerable to Korea’s rising summer heat, because they face direct the sun, limited shade, and little access to drinking water, leaving them at higher risk of heat-related illness—reported KBS News.

Housing conditions also shape the impact of heatwaves. On July 8, MBC News compared temperatures in Donui-dong’s jjokbang (tiny room) neighborhood with those in a nearby apartment complex just 2.5 kilometers away. At 2PM, the surface temperature of jjokbang buildings approached 60 degrees Celsius, while the apartment buildings measured closer to 40 degrees. Poor insulation left indoor jjokbang temperatures above 30 degrees, well over the 26 degrees considered safe for health, while apartment indoor temperatures measured just 26.7 degrees.

Effects Felt Throughout Asia

Rising summer heat is affecting not only Korea but also countries across Asia. A 2024 research by World Weather Attribut ion ( W WA) h a s fou nd t h at human-driven climate change has increased both the frequency and intensity of these heatwaves.

In West Asia, a three-day extreme heat spell struck communities already facing war, leaving many without proper shelter, electricity, or water. In China and the Philippines, a record 15-day heatwave disrupted daily life, particularly for low-income fa m ilies who had to remain outdoors without reliable electricity.

Across the region, temperatures soared above 40 degrees Celsius. While exact death tolls often went unreported, hundreds of fatalities were confirmed in the most affected nations.

The recent trend of heatwaves shows that while climate change affects the Asian region as a whole, the heaviest impact falls on vulnerable groups who are least able to cope, turning environmental concerns into a humanitarian emergency.

The Consequences of Climate Crisis: Climate Justice

As the climate crisis deepens, its impact is not evenly shared, and this disparity is often described with the concept of “climate justice.” Wealthier nations produce the bulk of greenhouse gas emissions, yet poorer communities suffer more of the negative consequences. Refugees, low-income workers, and people in developing countries are more likely to lack adequate cooling, healthcare, or infrastructure, leaving them more exposed to extreme heat. Achieving climate justice will require greater accountability for high-emission countries, stronger international cooperation, and inclusive policies that prioritize those most at risk from the effects of climate change.

Reporters

Seongbeom Hong

hongsb@seoultech.ackr

Somin Hong

hongsomin@seoultech.ac.kr

Reporter 홍성범

• 직책 :
• e-mail : hongsb@seoultech.ac.kr

홍소민 기자

• 직책 :
• e-mail : hongsomin@seoultech.ac.kr