How is climate change affecting Gyeonggi Province?
Gyeonggi Province, like many regions around the world, is experiencing the growing impacts of climate change. The most prominent climate-induced hazards are floods and heatwaves. In 2024, intense localized rainfall and river overflow led to the inundation of the Saegyo Underpass in Pyeongtaek. That same year, a prolonged heatwave lasting more than 20 days resulted in a significant increase in heat-related illnesses across the province.
What action are you taking to address climate change?
We are implementing Climate Insurance to address climate-related health risks and bridge the ¡°climate divide¡±, where some residents are more vulnerable to climate hazards. This policy provides coverage for all residents in the province without requiring individual enrollment. It offers fixed-sum compensation for health impacts and physical injuries caused by climate-related events. It includes additional benefits for climate-vulnerable groups, such as support for hospitalization, medical transport, ambulance services, and mental health care.
What are the benefits? Why is it important?
Gyeonggi Province¡¯s Climate Insurance is a public safety net that explicitly addresses the health impacts of climate change by automatically providing coverage to all residents. As socially vulnerable groups are disproportionately affected by the climate crisis, it is the public sector¡¯s responsibility to support them and close the ¡°climate divide.¡± Through Climate Insurance, we aim to build a climate safety net and contribute to the realization of climate justice.
