E2024-G076

Everyday Climate Action in Gwangju

Narrative

Civic groups engaged in climate action in Gwangju continue their efforts through everyday practices rooted in local living spaces. Gwangju–Jeonnam Green Korea United was founded in 2000 by members of environmental organizations. In 2019, it launched the Gwangju Virtual Power Plant to address the climate crisis and promote energy self-reliance, and in 2020 established the Bitgoeul Citizen Solar Power Cooperative, building a citizen-led model of renewable energy.

Hansaebong Dure is a community formed in 2009 by residents concerned with ecology and the environment, who practice environmentally friendly rice farming in Ilgok-dong. The Vegan Climate Action Network, founded in 2011, has promoted a once-a-week vegetarian campaign and related educational activities, and in 2022 operated an online course titled “Vegan School 2022.”

Songjeong Village Cafe Igong is a zero-waste cafe located near Gwangju Songjeong Station. Through a tumbler-rental system, a refill station, and a neighborhood recycling center, it puts resource circulation into everyday practice. 1.5 Degrees, a youth climate action group in Gwangju, takes its name from the recognition that a 1.5°C rise in global average temperature marks a critical threshold of the climate crisis.