The 1st ASEZ WAO Environmental Concert to End Plastic Pollution by 2040

“♬We have desperate dream for a beautiful green Earth / We are bound to achieve it even in challenges♪”

On December 1, the 1st ASEZ WAO Environmental Concert to End Plastic Pollution 2040 was held at the New Jerusalem Pangyo Temple in Korea by the Church of God Young Adult Worker Volunteer Group (ASEZ WAO). The event, featuring musical performances, expert lectures, and presentations by activists, brought together approximately 600 attendees, including ASEZ WAO activists, diplomats in Korea, and university professors, united in their efforts to combat plastic pollution. On this occasion, ASEZ WAO performed seven songs to raise awareness of the environmental challenges humanity faces and to reaffirm their commitment to protecting the environment.

1st ASEZ WAO Environmental Concert

The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has forecasted that robust international plastic reduction policies could substantially reduce plastic pollution by 2040. However, public interest and participation remain critically low. According to the “People’s Awareness Survey on Environmental Preservation” released last year by Korea’s Ministry of Environment, public concern for environmental issues in 2023 hit its lowest point since the survey began in 1995. In response, ASEZ WAO has combined environmental initiatives with cultural content, leveraging music as a powerful and approachable tool to engage and inspire the public.

The 1st ASEZ WAO Environmental Concert provided a platform for members to perform environmental songs, engage in discussions with experts, and present their future initiatives. During the opening ceremony of the first session, Kim Yong-gap, President of ASEZ WAO, stated, “Plastic takes over 500 years to decompose. It releases toxic substances and disrupts the ecosystem while accumulating and decomposing in various parts of the earth. This is a grave issue that threatens the future of humanity and the planet.” He emphasized that the event was organized to raise awareness and gather solutions from diverse fields. Jang Dae-sik, Director of the Net Zero 2050 Climate Foundation, added, “If we do not address environmental problems now, there will be no way to solve them. I urge you to take the lead in this effort.” Additionally, Sheila Aggarwal-Khan, Director of the Industry and Economy Division at UNEP, and Mauricio Cabrera Leal, Vice Minister of Environment of Colombia, expressed their support for ASEZ WAO’s environmental initiatives through congratulatory messages.

Before the concert, two representative ASEZ WAO activists took to the podium to present the “Joint Statement on Ending Plastic Pollution by 2040.” They committed to raising awareness through campaigns and forums, protecting the environment through the 3Rs Movement (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle), and actively addressing plastic pollution by fostering stronger collaboration with government agencies and international organizations worldwide.

With Determination and Hope Woven Into the Songs

The second part of the environmental concert began with a duet performance of “Our Dream,” symbolizing hope and determination for a greener Earth. The chamber orchestra accompanying the choir performed “Over the Rainbow,” the theme song from the movie The Wizard of Oz, enhancing the concert’s atmosphere. On that day, ASEZ WAO members performed songs named after their environmental projects, including “Green Workplace” (focusing on environmental protection activities at workplaces). and “No More GPGP” (addressing the prevention of plastic waste islands). The performances, which incorporated various formats such as choir and dance, featured songs written and composed by members of the Church of God, including ASEZ WAO activists, adding deeper meaning to the event. The audience fully embraced the performances, following the dance moves and waving their phone flashlights in sync with the music. The song, “One Step,” which encourages taking steps toward a hopeful future, resonated with attendees, who then joined together to sing “Together with ASEZ WAO,” expressing their solidarity and commitment to protecting the environment.

An environmental discussion took place between performances, titled “Environmental Stories With ASEZ WAO Activists.” During the segment, the activists shared details of environmental projects conducted in various countries, emphasizing the importance of sustainability. They highlighted that “sustainability of activities is more important than anything else. Efforts must be made to establish them as a lasting culture rather than as one-time events in each country.” Shim Jae-seong, Director of Climate and Energy Division at the Gyeonggi Environmental Energy Agency, delivered a lecture titled “The Age of Great Change.” Drawing from his experience in planning and implementing environmental policies, he proposed effective strategies for capturing public attention and actively engaged with attendees by answering their questions.

At a pre-concert side event, participants were introduced to creative and enjoyable methods of upcycling¹ resources. Activities included coloring on pre-hardened coffee grounds and crafting keychains by weaving old socks into flower shapes. Additionally, a panel exhibition and quiz zone provided attendees with valuable information about the dangers of microplastics and various environmental concepts.

1. Upcycling: To add new ideas and designs to recyclables and to recreate them as products with new values.

“May It Be a Cornerstone for Taking a Leap Toward Environmental Protection”

Kim Gye-yeong, an ASEZ WAO activist in Daegu, said, “While encountering environmental issues and making plans to cope with them, I felt the importance of building awareness and consensus. I think many people will naturally be interested in the environment through easily accessible songs.” Yoo Seo-jin from Seongnam said, “The initiative of ASEZ WAO was clearly reflected in the song, which conveys the message, “Let’s protect the earth together.” I will reduce plastic at work together with my co-workers.”

Jeong Dae-yeon, Director of the Asia Climate Change Education Center, said, “Singing is an effective means of social consensus and solidarity. In that sense, I believe today’s event will serve as a cornerstone for advancing environmental protection to its fullest potential.” Lee Gyu-seo, Dongdaemun District Councilor in Seoul, expressed support for ASEZ WAO, saying, “To address indifference to environmental issues, it’s important to encourage community participation.”

Starting with this environmental concert, ASEZ WAO plans to actively carry out awareness-raising activities by combining overseas performances, street campaigns, and busking.

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