On October 25, 2024, VANK has initiated a global campaign to promote energy conservation in celebration of Dokdo Day. The striking poster reads, “Global sea level rise, Dokdo is no exception,” highlighting a 10 cm increase in sea levels from 1993 to 2022.
While this may seem minor, NASA warns that the current rate of sea level rise is unprecedented in 2,500 years. Since satellite observations began in 1979, Antarctic ice cover has reached a record low of 1.79 million square kilometers, with similar conditions noted in the Arctic region.
The rate of sea level rise has more than doubled in the last decade compared to the first decade of satellite records. The World Meteorological Organization reported a 4.77 mm increase in global average sea level from 2015 to 2023.
VANK points out that the waters surrounding Ulleungdo and Pohang have experienced rises of 5.13 mm and 4.55 mm annually, respectively, surpassing the national average of 2.87 mm and the East Coast’s 3.50 mm. This increase has led to the distribution of tropical and subtropical fish in the waters near Ulleungdo and Dokdo.
VANK attributes the significant rise in sea levels primarily to energy consumption, stating that fossil fuel use and greenhouse gas emissions are key contributors. Data shows that emissions in the energy sector rose by 145% from 1990 to 2021. To combat this, VANK advocates for the adoption of energy-efficient appliances at the national level, while also encouraging individuals to adjust their thermostat settings and unplug devices when not in use.
Hye-seung Seong, a youth researcher, underscored the importance of collective action in light of Dokdo’s significance. Director Park Ki-tae emphasized that addressing the climate crisis is no longer optional and criticized the Korean government’s limited response.
VANK has also partnered with Gyeonggi Province to develop a project aimed at training 100,000 global climate ambassadors, promoting a collaborative effort to address climate change.