By: ABID SIDDIQUUE CHAUDHRY
The World Ambassador
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Time to Prepare for New-Normal Countermeasures Against Climate Change
Unprecedented Drought and Heatwave in Early July
July 2025 marked an extraordinary period in Korea’s meteorological history with relentless droughts and recurring heatwaves.
Since modern weather observations began in the early 1900s, Korea had never recorded temperatures above 40°C or experienced “extreme tropical nights.” However, on July 8, Seoul set a new record, surpassing 40°C for the first time in 117 years.
Major cities breaking record-high temperatures included:
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Uljin (38.6°C), Donghae, Jeongseon, Gumi (38.3°C),
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North Gangneung (37.9°C),
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Jeongeup (37.8°C),
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North Changwon (37.7°C).
Causes of the Heatwave:
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Global warming increased sea surface temperatures, strengthening the North Pacific High and pushing back the monsoon front, leading to hot, dry air over the Korean Peninsula.
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Hot, dry Tibetan air from the west trapped heat over the peninsula.
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The Föhn wind effect from the east dried and heated air crossing the Taebaek Mountains.
This early heatwave devastated agriculture:
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Massive livestock deaths,
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Sharp declines in egg and poultry production,
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Fruit cracking, vegetable wilting, and stunted ginseng growth,
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Zoos and wildlife were also at risk.
The Ministry of the Interior and Safety reported that 604,636 livestock perished between May 20 and July 10 — approximately 11 times more than the same period last year (53,238).
The Bank of Korea stated that each 1°C increase due to heatwaves raises agricultural product prices by 0.4–0.5%. Prolonged increases can drive food prices up by 2%, pushing consumer inflation by 0.7%.
Heat-related illnesses among farmers, outdoor workers, and delivery drivers increased 2.6 times compared to last year during the same period.
Four Days of Torrential Rainfall
From July 16 to 20, Korea saw record-breaking once-in-200-years torrential rainfall.
Areas with the highest rainfall totals:
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Sancheong (793.5 mm),
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Hapcheon (699 mm),
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Hadong (621.5 mm),
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Gwangyang (617.5 mm),
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Changyeong (600 mm),
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Haman (584.5 mm),
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Seosan (578.3 mm),
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Damyang (552.3 mm).
On July 17, Seosan recorded 114.9 mm of rain per hour.
This shows that extreme storms, once expected every 100 years, are now happening every 2–3 years.
Heat and Rain in Rapid Succession
Heavy rains ended on July 20, but scorching heat immediately returned, making July 2025 one of the hottest months in history.
Power demand soared to 85,023 MW, the highest since data collection began in 1993.
Seoul recorded its hottest night in 117 years, with temperatures staying above 25°C.
On August 3, localized heavy rains brought 142.1 mm in just one hour at Muan Airport, Jeonnam. On August 13–14, torrential rains again lashed the central region.
Economic and Social Impacts
The extreme cycle of heatwaves and rainfall is devastating Korea’s economy:
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Sharp declines in business activity and tourism,
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Rising agricultural product prices,
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Heavy losses for farmers and fishermen.
The term “Climate Inflation” has been introduced to describe inflation directly caused by climate change.
The government is considering “Climate Insurance” to compensate citizens and farmers for weather-related losses, including:
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Heatwaves,
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Typhoon or flood damage,
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Crop and fishery losses.
