Tens of thousands in South Korea protest lack of climate progress

More than 30,000 protesters gathered in South Korea’s capital in broiling heat on Saturday, demanding more aggressive action by the government to combat global warming.

With temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit), protesters young and old marched in the country’s biggest demonstration so far this year, snarling traffic in central Seoul.

They waved large banners reading “Climate justice,” “Protect our lives!” and “NO to climate villain (President) Yoon Suk Yeol’s administration”.

“Truth is, without the air conditioner, this summer was not liveable and people could not live like people,” said Yu Si-yun, an environmental activist leading the protest.

“We are facing a problem not unique to a country or an individual. We need systemic change and we are running out of time to act.”