WeLoveU supports children’s big dreams by providing audiovisual equipment. On August 29, the WeLoveU School 2024 event, titled “Ecological Environmental Education for All,” was held at the WeLoveU Education Center. The program, under the theme “Save the World: Small Steps of Global Citizens¹,” offered a valuable opportunity to learn about the importance of environmental protection in the face of the climate crisis and encouraged participants to take small, collective steps for the well-being of our planet.

1. Citizens as entities that make up the world reflects the view that the world is one country and humanity is the people of the one country.

Sixty adult female members from Seongnam City attended the education on this day. With a focus on practicing environmental protection starting from the smallest unit of society—the family—mothers took the lead in the initiative.

After an ice-breaking session aimed at fostering communication and bringing laughter among participants, the atmosphere became more relaxed, allowing the formal education session to begin smoothly.

In his opening remarks, Secretary-General Lee Seung-eon of WeLoveU stated, “As climate disasters increase, the need to support our neighbors around the world grows stronger, making the role of environmental leaders in responding to climate change crucial. In these times, if mothers take on the role of environmental leaders in their homes, they can cultivate environmental awareness within their families, communities, and ultimately the world, leading to significant change.” He warmly welcomed the members participating in the education.

Everyone Should Pursue Carbon Neutrality for Sustainability

At 1:30 PM, Kim Ock-hyeon, Vice President of the Korea Committee of the International Union for Conservation of Nature, delivered a special lecture titled “The Climate Crisis and the Ecological Crisis.” “This year, the surface temperature has reached the hottest level in 100,000 years,” began Vice President Kim. He explained that due to increasingly severe climate issues, we may lose the ecosystem services² we have long benefited from. Using various statistical data, he clearly illustrated the serious impacts of climate change and ecosystem destruction on both humanity and the planet.

2. It refers to the benefits that humans receive from water, energy, clean air, and the various functions and activities of ecosystems in nature.

He also emphasized the importance of carbon neutrality for achieving a sustainable life and environment, urging everyone to actively engage in environmental activities such as practicing “BMW (Bus, Metro, Walk),” participating in cleanups, and planting trees. He expressed admiration for WeLoveU members, saying, “They’re already putting these practices into action,” and extended his gratitude to those who continue their environmental efforts.

The participants reflected on the fact that the climate crisis and ecological crisis are issues directly tied to the survival of all humanity.

Big Changes From the Small Steps of Global Citizens in the Climate Crisis

After the special lecture, the participants were divided into two groups to engage in group activities. In the experiential activity titled “We Are Connected by One Thread,” participants formed a circle and responded to the question, “When do you feel connected to the world?” as they tossed yarn to one another, creating an intricate network. Each time someone dropped or shook the yarn, they felt the movement pass through the circle, gaining a tangible understanding of the interconnectedness of the world.

In the following activity titled “Small Steps of Global Citizens,” participants used materials created by WeLoveU to share their opinions on environmental protection activities and collaboratively discuss solutions to environmental issues.

After the presider showed beautiful images of natural environments from around the world, including Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia and Pink Sands Beach on Harbour Island in the Bahamas, she presented photos of trash-covered areas such as the Chilean desert and the Citarum River in Indonesia, which elicited gasps of dismay from the participants. When the presider stated, “The trash we carelessly discard is damaging our beautiful Earth,” the participants nodded in agreement, deeply resonating with the seriousness of the environmental issues.

The members concluded the group activities with an understanding of prioritizing the Earth over personal needs. They reaffirmed their commitment to creating a world where the planet and humanity coexist harmoniously by engaging in “small steps,” such as the Clean World Movement and Zero Waste initiatives.

“I reflected on myself as a global citizen. Earth is our shared home, where diverse plants and animals coexist, yet it seems that human selfishness has led to environmental issues, which is disheartening. I believe that if each of us participates in environmental activities, we can create small but definite changes.”

Ha Hyeon-suk

“It was a valuable time to grasp the seriousness of environmental issues and share solidarity. Discussing with members broadened my perspective on the Earth’s environment. I hope many more will join environmental education.”

Lim Jin-hee

“I have come to understand the importance of the environment and how my life is connected to the world. Although I may not be perfect, I will do my best, knowing that my small actions can make a difference. A small change has already begun in my life.”

Jeon Sang-hee

“I realized that protecting the environment is not just something distant or unrelated to me; it is a way to protect my loved ones and show my love for them.”

Yoo Ji-eun

“It was a valuable time filled with new experiences. I am grateful to have participated in this education, and I want to share what I learned today with those who didn’t attend.”

Lee Young-min

“I am just one person among 8 billion, but I hope that my small actions can contribute, even a little, to the Earth’s environment. I also believe that countries and governments should pay more attention to environmental issues and establish systems and policies.”

Kim Young-hee

“I have always been interested in environmental protection and thought, ‘I was doing well enough’ with my various activities. However, after the education, I realized my efforts were mainly for my own satisfaction. Learning about the seriousness of old clothing waste prompted me to reflect on my shopping habits, and shifted my perspective to approach consumption from a global point of view.”

Kwon Jeong-hyeon

“I’m grateful to have learned about environmental issues in-depth and realized through hands-on activities how the world is interconnected. I will remember today’s lessons and put them into practice. Thank you for the meaningful experience.”

Jo Yeon-ju

WeLoveU will continue to inspire more people to take an interest in and actively engage in environmental protection through various educational programs, striving to create a greener Earth.

We hope that the collective small actions of global citizens will come together to achieve the goal of saving the Earth’s environment.