South Korea Declares ‘Social Disaster’ Over Fine Dust in Air

The South Korean National Assembly officially declared the nation’s chronic air pollution problems a “social disaster” on March 13, ushering in a shortlist of emergency measures meant to reduce fine dust.

South Korea’s air quality has the worst ranking among economically developed countries in the world, coming in last among 35 nations.

Specifically designating the pollution as a disaster will help the government access reserve funds to address the pollution.

The decision came just days after South Koreans endured record-high levels of fine dust—particulate matter 2.5 microns or less in size—which is often considered the most dangerous to ...