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Busan Metropolitan City to Operate the “18th Climate Change Week” in Celebration of the 56th Earth Day

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Busan Metropolitan City (Mayor Park Heong-joon) announced that, in celebration of the 56th Earth Day (April 22), it will operate the “18th Climate Change Week” from today (April 20) through April 24, hosting a range of events under the theme “The Earth is Undergoing a Green Transformation: Connecting the World through Carbon Neutral Practices.”

Earth Day was designated as April 22 each year following a major offshore oil spill in California, United States, in 1969, to promote environmental protection. Since then, it has grown into a global observance led by civil society.

In Korea, since 2009, the week surrounding Earth Day has been designated as “Climate Change Week,” during which various promotional activities and campaigns are carried out to raise awareness of the seriousness of the climate crisis and the need for practicing carbon-neutral lifestyles to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

During this year’s Climate Change Week, the city plans to share the importance of carbon neutrality with citizens and promote climate action in daily life through events such as the Earth Day commemorative ceremony, a sustainable design exhibition, a lights-off event, and programs in cooperation with districts and counties.

In particular, the 56th Earth Day commemorative ceremony will be held tomorrow (April 21) at 2:00 PM in the main auditorium on the first floor of City Hall, with the participation of citizens, organizations, and related institutions. The event will include the Green Apartment Awards, commendations for contributions, lectures, and exhibitions.

At the ceremony, awards will be presented to seven Green Apartments selected for 2025, and nine individuals will be recognized for their contributions to greenhouse gas reduction. A commemorative address and a special lecture will also be delivered. Actor Kim Seok-hoon will give a lecture titled “The Environment is a Matter of Consumption,” emphasizing the importance of practicing carbon-neutral lifestyles.

In the first-floor lobby of City Hall, works by designer Kim Ha-neul will be exhibited under the theme of “Sustainable Design,” including seven pieces such as the stool series “Stack and Stack,” created using discarded plastic masks.

In addition, an environmental book curation and a climate crisis photo exhibition will be held to raise awareness of the severity of the climate crisis. A promotional booth for participation in the carbon neutrality points system will also be operated to encourage practical engagement.

Furthermore, the city will hold a “Lights-Off Event” for Earth Day on April 22, turning off lights for 10 minutes from 8:00 PM. Major landmarks—including Busan City Hall, the Busan Metropolitan Police Agency, Gwangan Bridge, Busan Tower, Busan Harbor Bridge, Nurimaru, and Busan Cultural Center—will simultaneously participate in the lights-off initiative.

Additional events include a climate crisis photo exhibition (April 20–24, from the City Hall lobby to the urban railway passage), a “No Food Waste Day” at the City Hall employee cafeteria (April 23), and a carbon-neutral lifestyle campaign (April 24 in front of the Climate Clock at Busan Citizens Park).

Lee Byeong-seok, Head of the Environment and Water Policy Office, stated, “Through the ‘18th Climate Change Week’ held in celebration of the 56th Earth Day, we expect to expand public consensus on carbon neutrality and establish a culture of practicing carbon-neutral lifestyles in everyday life. We ask for the active interest and participation of citizens in the various commemorative events during Climate Change Week, and especially encourage everyone to join the lights-off event in reflection of the meaning of Earth Day.”