Now that the climate crisis has become a reality, what efforts is Pusan National University (PNU) making? "Channel PNU" looked at the projects currently being implemented through PNU's "Carbon Neutral Green Campus" plan. The press also met Ha Kyung-Ja (Prof. of Atmospheric Environmental Science, PNU), who is leading the Carbon Neutrality Committee of PNU, and discussed the complementary points and vision of PNU's climate crisis response policy.

■With the Responsibility as a National University

PNU declared a carbon-neutral green campus at PNU headquarters on November 24, 2021 (released by Channel PNU on December 1, 2021). It was promoted as a national university to preemptively participate in the flow of practice and change towards carbon neutrality, such as the "Basic Carbon Neutral Act," announced in September 2021. Under the goal of realizing regional innovation and social responsibility, and after consultations between ministries, an action plan was established in September 2022, and the implementation began in earnest. Lim Young-Shin (Manager, the Planning and Evaluation Department) said, "This plan is like a kind of guideline. All departments are working in various ways to realize carbon neutrality."

First, various systems were introduced to build an eco-friendly campus without paper. PNU created an organizational culture of online communication and cooperation through the document centralization system. Green conference rooms using tablet PCs and video conferencing systems have also significantly reduced the paper used in frequent meetings. In addition, multiple policies were followed, such as introducing green attendance books, promoting the electronic payment of research expenses, and implementing zero paper cups in the school.

There were also events to practice carbon neutrality and environmental education. At the student contest for Liberal Arts Elective Courses Student Competition held in September 2022, a new track called Carbon Neutral was opened. 17 of 32 teams competed on the field, and four subjects were selected: MZ generation and carbon in the clothing market, climate change and carbon neutrality, PNU that will change the global climate, and carbon neutrality towards zero waste. On November 1, 2022, PNU held the "Busan Climate Crisis Response and Carbon Neutral Forum" and discussed efficient plans for carbon neutrality with about 100 attendees.

PNU also held some events to spread a carbon-neutral culture targeting Busan citizens and students. In October 2022, a humanities festival was held under the theme "Carbon Neutral Campus, Calling for Empathy at P​​NU." At the event, citizens and students practiced plogging and experienced bottle cap art. Projects such as an open citizen environmental education academy and SDGs website establishment were also carried out.

■Encouraging Student Participation is Key

Professor Ha, who has opened the "Carbon Neutrality Committee" on campus and is conducting various research and discussions, argued that more effective policies to encourage student participation are needed. Eight professors formed the Carbon Neutrality Committee from each department in PNU to create a campus that leads to carbon neutrality.

Prof. Ha said that professors from the College of Business and Engineering are working together to devise more effective policies. Prof. Ha said, "Research and policy realization have different characteristics. We continue to have constructive discussions to devise a reasonable policy that can reflect the actual situation."

The Carbon Neutrality Committee is proposing a "PNU GREEN" project to the PNU headquarters.

The "PNU GREEN" project has three main points, and the key is to familiarize students with the policy and participate in carbon neutrality in real life. The first project is a campaign to induce voluntary action in response to the climate crisis, such as separate collection and energy saving. The second is to expand the sinks by measuring, recording, and publishing carbon sinks in PNU. The third is to open a carbon-neutral graduate school to secure opportunities for students to participate in climate crisis research and development and to contribute to social information sharing. 

Prof. Ha said, "We need changes that students can easily recognize on campus, such as solar street lights and securing green spaces. We will strive to make a close and virtuous cycle among students, professors, and universities by researching and planning models that can be more relevant to students."

Reporter Cho Seung-Wan

Translated by Kim Hyeon-Hee