Bedtime Story | A Fight for the Future: Climate Litigation in Korea

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A Fight for the Future: Climate Litigation in Korea

Una lucha por el futuro: litigio climático en Corea

In recent years, the Earth has been suffering from numerous environmental problems, with climate change at the forefront. Many experts argue that humanity's actions have largely contributed to this crisis. In Korea, two years ago, a legal battle known as climate litigation commenced. En los últimos años, la Tierra ha estado sufriendo numerosos problemas ambientales, con el cambio climático a la cabeza. Muchos expertos sostienen que las acciones de la humanidad han contribuido en gran medida a esta crisis. En Corea, hace dos años, comenzó una batalla legal conocida como litigio climático.

Introduces climate change issues, locations include Earth and Korea.

The lawsuit was initiated by a group of concerned citizens who believed that the Korean government had not enacted sufficient measures to combat climate change. They were determined to safeguard the environment for future generations and uphold the basic rights guaranteed by the constitution. La demanda fue iniciada por un grupo de ciudadanos preocupados que creían que el gobierno coreano no había adoptado medidas suficientes para combatir el cambio climático. Estaban decididos a salvaguardar el medio ambiente para las generaciones futuras y defender los derechos básicos garantizados por la constitución.

Introduction of concerned citizens, mentions Korean government and constitution.

Despite the significance of this legal action, it did not receive widespread attention at first. Several other pressing issues, such as provocations from North Korea and serious accidents within the Republic of Korea Army, overshadowed the climate litigation news. A pesar de la importancia de esta acción legal, al principio no recibió mucha atención. Varias otras cuestiones apremiantes, como las provocaciones de Corea del Norte y los accidentes graves dentro del ejército de la República de Corea, eclipsaron las noticias sobre los litigios climáticos.

Reasons for lack of attention include North Korea and army accidents.

Among the citizens who initiated the lawsuit was Jihoon, a young environmental scientist with a passion for preserving nature. He had studied the adverse impacts of climate change and felt compelled to take action. He expressed concerns about the government's inactivity and sought justice. Entre los ciudadanos que iniciaron la demanda se encontraba Jihoon, un joven científico ambiental apasionado por preservar la naturaleza. Había estudiado los impactos adversos del cambio climático y se sintió obligado a actuar. Expresó su preocupación por la inactividad del gobierno y buscó justicia.

Introduction of young, fair-skinned, brown eyes, environmental scientist, passionate and concerned.

Alongside Jihoon was Hana, a dedicated lawyer passionate about environmental law. She believed in using the legal system to bring about positive change and represented the citizens in their case against the government. Junto a Jihoon estaba Hana, una abogada dedicada y apasionada por el derecho ambiental. Ella creía en el uso del sistema legal para lograr cambios positivos y representó a los ciudadanos en su caso contra el gobierno.

Introduction of lawyer, dark hair, green eyes, dedicated lawyer for environmental law.

The courtroom was filled with tension as Hana delivered her opening statement. She argued that the lack of environmental protections directly threatened the future of all Korean citizens, especially the younger generation. La sala del tribunal se llenó de tensión cuando Hana pronunció su discurso de apertura. Sostuvo que la falta de protección ambiental amenazaba directamente el futuro de todos los ciudadanos coreanos, especialmente de la generación más joven.

Courtroom setting, lawyer, dark hair, green eyes delivers opening statement.

She presented evidence showing the disastrous effects of climate change, from rising sea levels to frequent natural disasters. Jihoon also testified, providing scientific data and personal experiences regarding the environmental decline. Presentó evidencia que muestra los efectos desastrosos del cambio climático, desde el aumento del nivel del mar hasta frecuentes desastres naturales. Jihoon también testificó, aportando datos científicos y experiencias personales sobre el deterioro medioambiental.

Presentation of evidence, young, fair-skinned, brown eyes’s testimony, rising sea levels and natural disasters.

The government’s attorney countered, claiming that they had made considerable efforts to address environmental issues. They highlighted policies and international agreements Korea had signed to combat climate change, arguing these were substantial measures. El abogado del gobierno respondió, afirmando que habían hecho esfuerzos considerables para abordar los problemas ambientales. Destacaron las políticas y los acuerdos internacionales que Corea había firmado para combatir el cambio climático, argumentando que se trataba de medidas sustanciales.

Government's counterargument, mentions policies and international agreements.

However, Hana and Jihoon's team pointed out that despite these efforts, the results were insufficient and that more proactive measures were necessary to bring about meaningful change. Sin embargo, el equipo de Hana y Jihoon señaló que a pesar de estos esfuerzos, los resultados fueron insuficientes y que se necesitaban medidas más proactivas para lograr un cambio significativo.

lawyer, dark hair, green eyes and young, fair-skinned, brown eyes's rebuttal stressing insufficiency and need for proactive measures.

As the trial proceeded, public interest began to grow. Media coverage increased, and more citizens started to voice their concerns regarding the environment. The trial became a focal point of national discussion. A medida que avanzaba el juicio, el interés público comenzó a crecer. La cobertura de los medios aumentó y más ciudadanos comenzaron a expresar sus preocupaciones sobre el medio ambiente. El juicio se convirtió en un punto focal de discusión nacional.

Increased media coverage, rising public interest, national discussion.

Ultimately, the court ruled in favor of the citizens. The judge declared that the government’s actions had indeed violated the basic rights of its citizens by failing to address climate change adequately. This landmark decision led to the implementation of stricter environmental regulations in Korea. Al final, el tribunal falló a favor de los ciudadanos. El juez declaró que las acciones del gobierno efectivamente habían violado los derechos básicos de sus ciudadanos al no abordar adecuadamente el cambio climático. Esta decisión histórica condujo a la implementación de regulaciones ambientales más estrictas en Corea.

Court ruling in favor of citizens, judge’s declaration, stricter regulations implemented.

Through persistence and the united efforts of the concerned citizens, Korea took a step forward in the fight against climate change. Jihoon and Hana, along with their team, became symbols of hope and determination, demonstrating the power of collective action in safeguarding the future. Gracias a la perseverancia y los esfuerzos unidos de los ciudadanos preocupados, Corea dio un paso adelante en la lucha contra el cambio climático. Jihoon y Hana, junto con su equipo, se convirtieron en símbolos de esperanza y determinación, demostrando el poder de la acción colectiva para salvaguardar el futuro.

Conclusion with hope and determination, importance of collective action.

Reflection Questions

Why is it important for governments to take concrete actions against climate change?
How do citizens like Jihoon and Hana play a crucial role in addressing environmental issues?
What can you do in your daily life to contribute to protecting the environment?

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