Home / Environment / Farmers Sue Power Giant Over Crop Failures
Farmers Sue Power Giant Over Crop Failures
15 Feb
Summary
- Farmers allege dirty electricity production caused crop failures.
- Lawsuit seeks $3,400 per farmer and coal phase-out by 2035.
- Kepco generated 30% of nation's pollution from 2011-2022.
A landmark lawsuit has been filed in South Korea by five farmers against Korea Electric Power Corporation (Kepco) and its subsidiaries. The farmers allege that the company's extensive use of coal and other dirty fuels for electricity generation has destabilized weather patterns, resulting in repeated crop failures and reduced yields.
Represented by the nonprofit Solutions for Our Climate, the farmers are seeking five million won (approximately $3,400 USD) per individual. Additionally, they are urging for a symbolic commitment to phase out coal-fired power plants by 2035, underscoring a growing concern about climate change impacts on the agricultural sector.
Data indicates that Kepco was responsible for approximately 30% of South Korea's greenhouse gas emissions between 2011 and 2022. The lawsuit highlights the increasing strain on farmers, who have faced challenging conditions such as cold springs, summer floods, and prolonged rainfall, impacting their livelihoods and the stability of rural communities.
