How is climate change affecting Gyeonggi Province?
Gyeonggi Province, like many regions around the world, is experiencing the growing impacts of climate change. The most prominent climate-induced hazards include an increased frequency of floods and prolonged heatwaves. In 2024, intense localized rainfall and river overflow led to the inundation of the Saegyo Underpass in Pyeongtaek. That same year, a prolonged heatwave lasting more than 20 days resulted in a significant increase in heat-related illnesses across the province.
What action are you taking to address climate change?
Gyeonggi Province is implementing Climate Insurance to address climate-related health risks and reduce disparities in climate resilience-often referred to as the “climate divide”, where some residents are more vulnerable to climate hazards. This universal policy automatically covers all provincial residents for a one-year period, with the full premium subsidized by the provincial government. No individual enrollment or out-of-pocket payment is required. The total insurance fund amounts to approximately $1.8 million. The insurance offers fixed-sum compensation for health impacts and physical injuries caused by climate-related events. For instance, individuals diagnosed with a climate-related illness may receive approximately $70.48 in direct compensation.
Additional benefits are provided to climate-vulnerable groups, who are eligible for expanded coverage, including hospitalization, medical transport, ambulance services, and mental health care. For example, individuals requiring hospitalization due to a climate-induced condition may receive approximately $70.48 in support.
What are the benefits? Why is it important?
Gyeonggi Province’s Climate Insurance is a public safety net that explicitly addresses the health impacts of climate change. By providing automatic, province-wide coverage, it removes financial and administrative barriers to healthcare access, ensuring timely and equitable support in the event of climate-related health emergencies.
This universal approach reduces information asymmetry and guarantees that all residents can access assistance without discrimination, reinforcing the principles of equity, inclusiveness, and universal access.
Recognizing that socially vulnerable populations are disproportionately affected by the climate crisis, the policy reflects the public sector’s responsibility to safeguard those most at risk and to actively close the climate divide. The enhanced benefits for vulnerable groups help prevent the deepening of socioeconomic disparities and promote health equity.
Through Climate Insurance, we aim to build a climate safety net and contribute to the realization of climate justice.