On July 15, ASEZ, the University Student Volunteer Group of the World Mission Society Church of God, held the ASEZ Biodiversity Seminar 2024 at the Gaon Hall, Seoul National University, Rep. of Korea. The ASEZ Biodiversity Seminar, now in its fourth year, was held to encourage university students, the future generations, to take the lead in responding to the climate crisis and restoring ecosystems through carbon neutrality.
The seminar, titled “Carbon Neutrality: Toward Ecosystem Restoration,” featured a lecture by Professor Cho Myung-rae, who served as the 18th Minister of Environment and the 11th Director of the Korea Environment Institute and is now a Chair Professor of Carbon Neutrality at Dankook University. Approximately 200 ASEZ members gathered to discuss the importance of carbon neutrality and the need for biodiversity conservation. They also considered the role of university students in these efforts.
The seminar began with ASEZ’s introduction video and the choir for environmental protection. ASEZ reminded the audience of the importance of protecting the environment by singing “Let’s Save the Forests,” which was honored with the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) Executive Secretary’s Award.
Professor Cho Myung-rae highlighted the impact of humans on ecosystems with the subject, “Climate (Environmental) Crisis and Carbon Neutrality in the Anthropocene.” Carbon neutrality means having a balance between emitting carbon and absorbing carbon from the atmosphere in carbon sinks. Professor Cho suggested three key words for carbon neutrality: improvement, restoration, and conservation. His methodology is based on the principles of nature. He emphasized that Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) are an effective carbon-neutral method for green transition. This lecture presented the scientific rationale for climate change, highlighting the urgency and importance of responding to the climate crisis. It introduced various strategies and policies to achieve carbon neutrality, and the role of university students to achieve carbon neutrality.
Lee Yeong-bin from Seoul National University said, “For me, ‘People-Based Solution’ was impressive during the lecture. In order to cope with the climate crisis, people must change first. I believe we should change ourselves to make this world a better place.” Kim Tae-heon from Seoul National University said, “In a situation where international efforts to achieve carbon neutrality are still insufficient, I have come to think that as university students, we should strive to shape public opinion starting from our campuses and contribute even a small effort to protect the natural world as conscious global citizens. Since ecosystem conservation begins in the area where I live, I will make efforts to preserve ecosystems on my campus and in my community.”
The event was hosted by ASEZ, the University Student Volunteer Group of the World Mission Society Church of God. The term ASEZ stands for “Save the Earth from A to Z,” which means, “Save the earth from the beginning to the end.” For the well-being and happiness of humanity, as well as for peace and harmony, ASEZ is engaged in a variety of activities. These include environmental cleanup, crime prevention education and campaigns, forums and seminars, the Cheer Up campaign, and support for vulnerable populations, focusing on social welfare, awareness-raising, emergency relief, and environmental protection.
The seminar played an important role in raising awareness of the critical issues of biodiversity loss, which is as pressing as the global warming crisis. It urged students to alter their behavior in response to these environmental challenges. Starting with this event, we look forward to ASEZ’s continued efforts for a better future.
