In the heart of one of Seoul’s most impoverished areas, the stark contrast between affluence and deprivation is vividly illustrated in the lives of the residents of jjokbang-chon, a locale often referred to as the city’s last remaining slum. These vulnerable communities reside in micro-units that lack basic amenities such as bathrooms, kitchens, heating, and cooling, leading to precarious living conditions that expose them to various social and environmental risks. A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Kansas emphasizes the urgent need for social workers to advocate for marginalized communities on issues regarding climate change and social inequality. This research brings to light the deeper implications of environmental injustice that disproportionately affects those who contribute the least to climate degradation.
Joonmo Kang, an assistant professor of social welfare at the University of Kansas, devoted a year to immersing himself in the daily lives of jjokbang-chon residents as part of a larger research project aimed at understanding the everyday realities of climate change-related disasters in marginalized communities. His study not only provides insights into the lives of these residents but also presents a quantitative assessment of their carbon footprint, illustrating the paradox of poverty in an era of climate crisis. By utilizing surveys and interviews to gather data, Kang and co-author Chris Weatherly from the University of Georgia provide compelling evidence of the inequities faced by these residents, including their minimal contributions to climate change in stark contrast to the significant burdens they endure.
The core findings of the study are staggering: jjokbang-chon residents emit a mere 4 metric tons of carbon per year, significantly lower than the average South Korean citizen, who emits over three times that amount annually. This data not only reveals the gross inequities surrounding carbon emissions but also emphasizes how developed nations contribute disproportionately to climate change while the most marginalized communities, often living in the Global South, bear the brunt of its repercussions. This disparity, aptly coined the carbon divide, highlights the troubling reality that the wealthiest 10% of the global population accounts for nearly half of all carbon emissions. This overwhelming statistic serves as a call to action for governments and organizations worldwide to address the systemic inequalities that perpetuate climate injustice.
The juxtaposition of the lifestyles of jjokbang-chon residents against the backdrop of rampant carbon emissions from affluent societies forms a crucial part of Kang’s research narrative. The residents’ limited mobility, not by choice but rather by circumstance, perpetuates their seclusion and further restricts their carbon output through minimal transportation needs. Many find themselves confined to their neighborhoods due to financial limitations and structural barriers, with travel becoming a luxury they cannot afford. As such, their daily experience is marked by energy deprivation, compounded by a built environment absent of adequate climate control systems. This very lack of infrastructure results in heightened vulnerability to heat waves and bearing the consequences of a changing climate.
While jjokbang-chon residents’ emissions are paltry by global standards, they still often exceed those of billions in the Global South, reflecting the complexities of climate action and social equity. The researchers thus encapsulate their findings with a recognition of the delicate balance that must be struck when formulating policies aimed at reducing emissions while simultaneously ensuring that marginalized communities are not further disadvantaged. The intersection of environmental policy and social justice necessitates a careful consideration of how solutions are designed and implemented, advocating for approaches that champion equity and sustainability.
Kang and Weatherly’s publication in the journal, Ethics and Social Welfare, delves deeper into the moral dilemmas social workers frequently encounter in their pursuit of climate solutions. The role of social workers transcends mere advocacy; they are positioned as facilitators of community empowerment, advocating for comprehensive reforms that not only tackle emissions but also safeguard the rights of those most affected by climate disasters. The study articulates a vision of collaboration and partnership, where community voices drive the dialogue on climate action, instead of passive acceptance of top-down infrastructural changes that fail to consider the needs and aspirations of the most vulnerable.
For instance, social workers have faced sustained opposition to government-led redevelopment efforts in jjokbang-chon neighborhoods, often driven by private developers looking to profit from the area’s real estate potential. Such initiatives are frequently unwelcomed by community members, who recognize that while redevelopment might lead to modernization, it could also displace long-standing residents without adequate provision for their housing rights. In this context, advocacy becomes crucial as social workers engage in the complex balancing act of supporting community interests while addressing the pressing demands of climate justice. The potential for carbon-neutral public housing, developed through inclusive dialogue with residents, reflects a more holistic approach to urban planning that can meet both ecological and social needs.
Kang’s research also builds on previous work highlighting that there is no universal solution to combat climate injustice. Each community exhibits unique characteristics shaped by their social, economic, and geographical contexts. Thus, a community-driven approach remains essential when addressing vulnerabilities related to climate change. This perspective calls for tailored interventions that reflect the specific realities faced by diverse communities, ensuring that solutions are both relevant and effective in mitigating the effects of climate change.
In conclusion, the research underscores a profound and urgent need for interdisciplinary collaboration, where social workers, environmental scientists, policymakers, and community members unite to forge pathways toward climate justice. The critical involvement of social work professionals is not merely an afterthought; it is foundational in driving systemic change toward an equitable and sustainable future. Through shared advocacy, empowered communities, and a commitment to addressing historical wrongs, a more just society can emerge — one that acknowledges the inherent link between social welfare and environmental sustainability.
Subject of Research: Climate justice and carbon emission inequality in marginalized communities.
Article Title: Climate Justice and Carbon Emission Inequality: Social Work’s Dilemma in Marginalized Communities.
News Publication Date: 27-Mar-2025.
Web References: Journal Article DOI: 10.1080/17496535.2025.2469736
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Image Credits: N/A
Keywords: Climate change, social work, carbon emissions, environmental justice, poverty, social equity, community empowerment, urban populations, housing rights, disaster vulnerability, sustainable development, carbon footprint.
