The 18th ASEZ WAO Environmental Seminar Held in Geumcheon-gu, Seoul
Encouraging Local Office Workers and Citizens to Respond to the Climate Crisis
On February 25, ASEZ WAO (Church of God Young Adult Worker Volunteer Group) held the 18th ASEZ WAO Environmental Seminar at the small theater of the Geumcheon-gu Community Culture and Sports Center in Seoul. Under the theme of the Green Workplace Project, which promotes eco-friendly activities in the workplace, the seminar provided an opportunity for participants to recognize the role of office workers amid the climate crisis and learn practical response measures. Geumcheon-gu, where the seminar was held, is home to G Valley (Seoul Digital Industrial Complex) along with Guro-gu, and is emerging as a hub of Seoul’s IT industry. A total of 330 people attended, including office workers in the Seoul area, ASEZ WAO members and activists, figures from political and media circles, and local citizens.
During Part 1, the opening ceremony, ASEZ WAO Branch Director Yoon Mu-gang said, “I hope today’s seminar will help strengthen solidarity among young people, companies, and society, who will lead the future, and contribute to creating a sustainable environment.” Following this, nine distinguished guests from various sectors pledged solidarity and cooperation with ASEZ WAO through support signatures.
Part 2 began with presentations on Green Workplace by two ASEZ WAO activists. The project promotes saving electricity, water, and resources at work to protect the environment and respond to the climate crisis. Since people spend much of their day in and around the workplace, the project aims to reduce energy use there, thereby lowering the consumption of fossil fuels used for energy production and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The presenters introduced twelve practical actions, such as turning off power strips and using public transportation, and explained the expected carbon reduction from each activity.
The next session was an expert lecture. Park Se-hoon, Korea Representative of the Global Climate Change Situation Room (GCCSR), warned, “We are no longer living in the age of global warming, but in the age of global heating,” citing groundwater depletion and desertification occurring around the world as evidence. Emphasizing carbon neutrality as the key to overcoming current challenges, he said, “Movements toward carbon neutrality are becoming more active throughout society, including the government and the economic and educational sectors.” He then explained government projects and environment-related occupations connected to this effort in detail, highlighting the role of office workers in the age of the climate crisis.
Before the main event, a side event area was set up on the first floor of the center. Through panel exhibitions, participants learned about the reality of the climate crisis. They also enjoyed Environmental Protector Tuho, an activity adapted from the traditional game tuho, while naturally learning various practices of the Green Workplace project.
Participants shared their thoughts, saying, “It made me reflect on small but easily overlooked actions such as turning off monitors and using handkerchiefs,” and “Through this seminar, I will continue making concrete efforts in daily life to reduce carbon emissions.”
