North Korea: Kim Jong-un calls for urgent action to tackle climate change

The effects of climate change are being felt more and more as of late with the unusual weather patterns countries have been experiencing, including North Korea. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has reportedly called for action to be taken in solving the matter.

A report by the Korean Central News Agency revealed that Kim ordered Pyongyang officials to take action in combating climate change. This comes as the unusual weather patterns have led to food shortages across the isolated nation. Kim made the order last week during a Politburo meeting with his officials.

During the Politburo meeting, Kim also reportedly turned down international offers of doses of COVID-19 vaccines as the pandemic has also affected North Korea. This also includes doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine. Instead, Kim has pledged to combat the coronavirus pandemic in their own way.

Kim also reportedly warned that the threat of climate change is increasing and that the extreme weather would only get worse over time. Back in 2020, North Korea experienced severe flooding and typhoons. In 2021, crops in North Korea have also been affected by flooding and droughts.

North Korean state-owned media reported that the heavy rains have forced 5,000 residents in the South Hamyong province to be evacuated. Kim has also called for his officials to launch a plan to protect the nation. The plan reportedly includes river improvements, reforestation to combat erosion, dyke maintenance, tide embankment projects, and sustainable flood management infrastructure.

Last week, an assessment by the 38 North website showed that North Korea also appears to be restarting activities in the secret Yongbyon nuclear facility, according to satellite images. This is a sign that North Korea may be looking to get back into operations in developing its nuclear arsenal. This report comes days after the International Atomic Energy Agency found signs of operation of North Korea’s nuclear reactor and the radiochemical laboratory at Yongbyon.

“Commercial satellite imagery of the Yongbyon Nuclear Scientific Research Center provides more evidence that operations at the 5 MWe Reactor have likely restarted,” said the report.

“Consistent with the recent report by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), a discharge of cooling water into a new outflow channel leading into the Kuryong River is visible in satellite imagery from August 25,” the report added.