Climate Change Risks Ellie Paek

Seoul Korea Seoul is the capital and largest city in South Korea, boasting a population of 10.4 million in 605 km 2 (Seoul, 2011). Seoul produces 48.6% of national GDP and contains 25% of the national population on 0.6% of land (UN Habitat, 2010). With a high City Prosperity Index of 0.861, Seoul has rapidly developed since the 1950s (UN Habitat 2012). Seoul is divided into 25 districts, known as gu’s, with 17,219 people/km 2 (Seoul, 2009). The Seoul Metropolitan Government, the city’s administrative body, had an operating budget of US$18.4 billion in 2010 (Seoul, 2011).

Climate Risk Performing a climate risk assessment begins with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change projections of increases in both precipitation extremes and daily mean temperatures in East and Southeast Asia (IPCC, 2007). These hazards can negatively impact vulnerable populations within Seoul, particularly poor and disabled populations living in flood-prone areas. Rising temperatures, increased CO2 emissions, and the Urban Heat Island effect create health risks for sick and elderly people across income levels. Seoul may respond by adapting aging infrastructure to accommodate a growing population and reduce climate risk.

Response In an effort to mitigate urban heat island (UHI) effect, air quality issues, and congestion levels caused by population growth, this report recommends prioritizing expansion and development of energy-efficient public transportation while emphasizing carpooling, a No-Driving Day, and non- motorized transportation. This policy mechanism would be enforced the three transit regulators of Seoul, allotting a maximum allowance of CO2 emissions per vehicle in order to reduce transportation energy usage. On the demand side, fuel-efficient vehicles would be instituted for personal use and public transportation. On the supply side, carpooling would be incentivized as a way to increase maximum CO 2 emission allowances.

References Mehrotra, S., C.E. Natenzon, A. Omojola, R. Folorunsho, J. Gilbride & C. Rosenzweig. (2009). Framework for city climate risk assessment. Washington, DC: World Bank. Seoul Metropolitan Government (2011). Ranking. Retrieved from Seoul ranks highest in population density among OECD countries. (2009). Retrieved from UN Habitat. (2012). State of the world’s cities : Prosperity of cities. S.l.: United Nations Publications. UN Habitat (2010). State of the world’s cities 2010/2011: Bridging the urban divide. London: Earthscan.