(EDITORIAL from The Korea Times on Aug. 7)

The Korea Times editorial, dated August 7, underscores the urgent need for a national strategy to address the rising issue of extreme heat. The era of treating heat waves as seasonal inconveniences has ended; they are now a defining feature of a changing climate, causing widespread societal impacts. The most immediate effect is seen in food prices, as relentless heat has devastated agricultural production, causing a surge in the costs of vegetables and livestock.

This inflationary pressure is expected to persist, as food manufacturers pass on rising raw material and packaging costs. The surge in agricultural prices is only likely to intensify inflationary pressures, making it an economic challenge.

Extreme heat also poses a threat to energy security. As air conditioners run continuously, electricity demand has soared to near-record levels, pushing the power grid to its limits. While the grid has maintained stability so far, blackouts in apartment complexes due to overloaded transformers highlight the need for infrastructure designed for cooler climates to be strengthened.

Electricity supply is crucial not just for energy but for national resilience, as it is essential for transportation systems, hospitals, communications networks, and industrial production.

Despite the necessity of existing measures like heat advisories, cooling shelters, and support for vulnerable populations, they are insufficient for the prolonged periods of dangerous heat faced today. The government must move beyond emergency responses to develop a comprehensive national adaptation strategy. This includes recognizing heat waves as complex social disasters that affect labor, education, healthcare, energy, and industrial competitiveness.

Policies must be redesigned to reflect the realities of climate change, such as expanding cooling infrastructure in schools, factories, and public buildings; enforcing occupational safety regulations; and investing in advanced forecasting systems. Climate change is no longer a distant concern but a reshaping force of the economy, public health, and critical infrastructure.

Emergency announcements urging people to stay indoors are no longer adequate; sustained political commitment, long-term investment, and coordinated action at all government levels are required to protect lives and maintain economic stability in the face of this new normal.