Kim Jaecheol of Jeonnam Provincial Assembly Calls for Introduction of Climate Insurance Due to Heatwave Vulnerability

Call for Measures to Protect Vulnerable Groups from the Climate Crisis

Kim Jaecheol, a member of the Jeonnam Provincial Assembly (Democratic Party of Korea, Boseong 1), raised the need to introduce "climate insurance" in response to the climate crisis during the 392nd extraordinary session of the assembly's provincial administration questions on July 21.

Kim emphasized that the climate crisis is having a severe impact on the residents of Jeonnam, and that it is especially causing greater harm to vulnerable groups.

Jaecheol Kim, former Jeonnam Provincial Assembly member

Kim stated, "While the climate crisis affects everyone, it inflicts even greater damage on those who are vulnerable to climate change," and added, "Jeonnam should either redesign its citizen safety insurance or introduce a separate climate insurance policy, similar to what Gyeonggi Province has done."

Since this year, Gyeonggi Province has introduced climate insurance that covers diagnosis costs for heat-related illnesses, cold-related illnesses, and infectious diseases, as well as consolation payments for climate disaster accidents. In addition, it provides extra benefits such as daily hospitalization allowances and transportation expenses for climate-vulnerable groups.

Kim pointed out the climate crisis situation in Jeonnam, citing the operation status of the emergency room surveillance system for heat-related illnesses in 2025 as an example. As of July 14, the number of heat-related illness cases in Jeonnam stood at 105, ranking sixth nationwide, but when adjusted for population, Jeonnam recorded the highest rate in the country.

He explained, "In some areas such as Boseong and Goheung, a diagnosis benefit of 100,000 won for heat-related illnesses is provided, but in other cities and counties, such support is not available, and there are limits to protecting climate-vulnerable groups." He went on to say, "The Ministry of Environment is planning to introduce climate insurance, but it mainly focuses on heat waves and outdoor workers, so the coverage is limited." He urged, "Shouldn't Jeonnam prepare support measures for those vulnerable to the climate crisis?"

Kim further argued that Jeonnam should come up with more concrete and strengthened measures to protect climate-vulnerable groups. He stressed that Jeonnam has a higher proportion of climate-vulnerable groups, including the elderly, compared to other regions, and therefore requires additional protection.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.