Global K-pop fan activism is influencing environmental policies

K-pop enthusiasts worldwide leverage their community power to advocate for environmental changes, influencing significant corporate and public decisions on climate issues.

Victoria Milko reports for The Associated Press.

In short:

Kpop4Planet, started by fans in 2021, effectively engaged in environmental causes, including a significant petition against Hyundai over coal energy usage.
The group's efforts have prompted changes in the entertainment industry towards more sustainable practices, including eco-friendly album productions.
K-pop fans, known for their organizational skills on social media, are now recognized as a potent force in climate activism, advocating for broader environmental awareness and policy shifts.

Key quote:

"I spotted how K-pop fans can be seen as a potential power. We think we can harness that power for climate change action."

— Nurul Sarifah, co-founder of Kpop4Planet

Why this matters:

K-pop fans have organized themselves into a force capable of mobilizing quickly and effectively. They've flooded social media platforms with campaigns urging major companies to adopt more sustainable practices or to reconsider their environmental impacts. This activism extends to pressuring governments to implement stricter environmental regulations, demonstrating their commitment to leveraging pop culture for the greater good.

apnews.com

Senator Whitehouse puts climate change on budget committee’s agenda

For more than a decade, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse gave daily warnings about the mounting threat of climate change. Now he has a powerful new perch.

Global K-pop fan activism is influencing environmental policies

Earth's worsening climate crisis demands immediate action

Wildlife populations drop sharply as habitat loss continues

Florida’s homelessness crackdown complicates hurricane recovery

Insurance costs squeeze commercial real estate as climate risks rise

Contamination from flooded industrial sites during major hurricanes is a growing concern

Midwest eyed as safer business spot amid rising climate risks

Western states could see significant carbon cuts with new energy transmission projects

Houston area has more than 100 unauthorized air pollution events already this year

An EHN analysis finds nearly half were related to flaring.

LISTEN: Mokshda Kaul on making the clean energy transition work for all

“Coalitions become this interesting way to create buy-in.”

Op-ed: Is plastic the biggest climate threat?

A plastics treaty for the climate and health must address overproduction of plastics and head off the petrochemical and plastic industry’s planned expansion.

Residents say Pennsylvania has failed communities after state studies linked fracking to child cancer

Last year Pennsylvania Department of Health studies showed increased risk of childhood cancer, asthma and low birth weights for people living near fracking. Advocates say not enough has been done since.

The fossil fuel industry is disproportionately harming low-income and minority women: Report

“Women, in all of their diversity, must be at the center of climate and energy decision-making.”

Op-ed: People need shelter from climate change — their health hangs in the balance

The discourse on climate resilience must include affordable housing policy solutions.