Environmental Challenges
Jeju faces growing environmental issues driven by tourism, pollution, and poor waste management. Learn more about these challenges and the potential solutions.
Ocean Pollution
Marine waste collected from Jeju has been steadily increasing since 2015, reaching over 22,000 tons in 2021. The pollution is largely driven by ocean currents, winds, and poor waste management.
Causes:
- Waste from other regions carried by currents
- Local disposal issues and tourist activities
Solutions:
Improved waste management and active community involvement, like beach clean-ups through organizations such as Thank you Jeju, are key solutions.
Littering and Waste Management
Jeju’s infrastructure struggles to handle waste from tourists, leading to illegal dumping and littering, which harms the ecosystem.
Causes:
- Insufficient infrastructure
- Lack of public awareness
- Overwhelming number of visitors
Solutions:
Investments in waste management systems, regulations, and educational campaigns for both locals and tourists are essential to solving this problem.
Carbon Emissions
The influx of tourists traveling by car and plane significantly increases Jeju’s carbon footprint. Flights and vehicle emissions are major contributors.
Causes:
- High volumes of flights and car rentals
- Limited public transportation options for tourists
Solutions:
Jeju's government aims to meet 100% of its energy needs with renewable energy by 2030, alongside promoting sustainable tourism.
Soil Degradation
Intensive fertilizer use for agriculture, combined with soil erosion, affects the health of Jeju’s land, contributing to water pollution.
Causes:
- Overuse of chemical fertilizers
- Poor land management
Solutions:
Sustainable farming practices and land conservation techniques can reduce environmental impact.
Conclusion
Collective action and policy changes are vital to solving Jeju’s environmental issues. Sustainability is key to preserving the islands natural beauty for future generations.