At one time, there were claims that global warming was a conspiracy theory. Scholars and politicians who voiced such opinions appeared to clearly receive funding from carbon-emitting corporations. Witnessing the catastrophic collapse of glaciers in Nepal and the tragic submersion of Tuvalu's land under rising waters, it feels as though Earth's environment and climate are like a living organism, changing organically through a complex interplay of all conditions. One might wonder if the climate can change so easily, yet considering humanity's impact over the past century, one cannot help but feel a sense of awe at the magnitude of that influence.
From Earth's perspective, this may not be a significant change or crisis. However, life forms that have evolved in sync with long cycles and changes face extinction. Perhaps humans—and especially nations that have accumulated capital and technology while exerting immense influence on environmental change—will stubbornly survive. Ironically, this cruel and irresponsible outcome resembles the natural order of things.
Eco-bags, initially introduced to protect the environment, have now degenerated into fashion items. Instead, the eco-bag market has grown disproportionately, creating a bizarre scene where individuals own dozens of eco-bags. For an eco-bag to hold greater environmental value than plastic bags, it must be reused hundreds or even tens of thousands of times to offset the carbon emissions generated during its production. Yet we continue to consume these eco-bags endlessly. How many more are being produced, distributed, and stored in warehouses? What was once a well-intentioned practice of recycling old sacks and fabric scraps has now been corrupted into a tool for capital's profit-seeking, preying on human guilt and conscience. This is a bitter development commonly seen in capitalist markets.
Elon Musk's slogan "Mars is humanity's future" is merely clever rhetoric to attract capital. Repeated rocket launches may be spewing carbon that accelerates the destruction of humanity's very home. It goes without saying that if we possess the immense technology and capital required to terraform Mars, we could certainly revive Earth multiple times over.
The children's song "Leaf Boat," with lyrics by Park Hong-geun, includes the line: "Even when resting in my mother's arms, I still think of the leaf boat I left behind after playing during the day." It speaks of a single leaf boat floated on a stream during the day, which still lingers in memory even within the warmth of a mother's embrace. Reflecting on that childlike innocence—where natural leaves scattered freely in the forest were cherished as precious connections rather than flashy Lego blocks—we are prompted to ponder where true satisfaction and happiness truly come from.
Perhaps modern civilization, having lost its natural predators that once checked humanity and rendered absolute authority meaningless, resembles a runaway vehicle with broken brakes. Whether this leads to catastrophe or new hope remains uncertain, but it is clear that a massive crisis is approaching.
Europe, which once showed extraordinary concern for environmental protection, was in fact the primary driver of environmental destruction since the Industrial Revolution. In recent decades, while passionately advocating for environmental protection, record-breaking heatwaves have led to frantic battles in supermarkets over air conditioners—items previously dismissed as luxuries. Meanwhile, Nepal's president is demanding compensation from countries responsible for climate disasters, not merely calling for simple humanitarian aid.
South Korea, which late in the 20th century rushed into industrialization and has been racing ahead breathlessly, now ranks ninth globally in cumulative carbon emissions. Of course, countries accounting for 30% of emissions include China, while the United States accounts for 13%, and India 6%. However, shifting all responsibility solely to nations that emitted large amounts of carbon may be a one-sided view. Global corporations have established factories in China, consumed cheaply produced goods there, and enjoyed enormous profits and conveniences. How can this be considered an issue belonging only to specific countries? Earth, myself, and people on the opposite side of the globe in Africa are by no means unrelated.
We pray for the repose of the unknown brothers and sisters from Nepal who have passed away tragically.
in OPINION
