Kim Sung-woo

Chuseok holidays in Korea have traditionally been among the most cherished celebrations in the country. After the scorching summer in August, the cool, breezy weather during this September holiday season would typically herald the arrival of fall and signal a farewell (for now) to air conditioners. However, this year's Chuseok was not as “cool” as in previous years. Air conditioning became essential for preparing family feasts amid a heatwave that pushed temperatures well above 30 degrees Celsius. Visiting ancestral graves, often situated in mountainous areas, as part of this long-standing tradition must have been particularly challenging. According to the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA), the highest daytime temperatures in September 2024 averaged close to 30 degrees Celsius, marking a record high for fall in 118 years.

What’s more frustrating is that this past Chuseok may be the coolest one compared to those in the future. While climate change affects younger generations far more than older generations, decision-makers — who are primarily from older generations — are not adequately addressing these issues. In this context, on Aug. 29, 2024, the Korean Constitutional Court issued a landmark decision, the first of its kind in Asia, regarding a constitutional petition asserting that existing laws are insufficient to protect the fundamental rights of younger generations against the escalating........

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