들깨는 타들어가는데, 메가프로젝트는 자란다 [왜냐면]

In recent months, a farmer in Gyeongsangnam-do reported that he had drilled a hole in the ground with a forklift to extract water, hoping to salvage it. With a chuckle, he said he would dig more holes and extract as much water as possible. The parched farmers, who had planted corn in this arid climate, would rise each morning to fetch water, even though it would wither just hours later.

Their efforts to keep their crops alive were in vain, as the crops would wilt again. The farmers continued to conserve what little water they had, but the harsh summer was taking its toll on their livelihoods and the food supply. On June 29th, the government unveiled a "Three Major Projects" comprising semiconductors, physical artificial intelligence (AI), and data centers.

They pledged to deliver 650,000 tons of water daily to the Southwestern semiconductor industrial complex, with 100,000 tons to be sourced from the Nakdong River for agricultural use. However, farmers doubt that the water will be sufficient, as droughts will intensify, putting factories and farmlands in competition for water. President Yoon Suk-yeol recently stated that "agriculture is less efficient than solar power projects."

While industrial profits may benefit all, the suffering of those who go hungry is borne by the poor first. Despite rising food prices, the wealth of the wealthy remains unaffected. Soil acts as a buffer against droughts and floods, stores carbon, and sustains countless lifeforms. However, these values are often overlooked in economic calculations.

As we grapple with climate change, it is unclear whether we should prioritize such inefficiencies. While we continue to invest in industries that consume vast amounts of electricity, such as semiconductors and AI, we risk neglecting the land and water resources of rural areas. It is unjust to transform rural regions into mere supply grounds for the urban elite.

The recent heavy rains in Gyeongsangnam-do brought some relief to the parched farmlands. One farmer remarked, "The heavens have sent us life-sustaining rain." Yet, he feared the next drought would be just as severe. What is the government doing for these farmers? The nation's foundation should be agriculture, not semiconductors.

We must protect the land and water, invest in climate-friendly farming, and ensure the livelihood of our farmers. As the nation places its future on semiconductors and artificial intelligence, the government must shoulder a greater responsibility to safeguard our food supply and the soil that sustains us. It's time for reflection on the pursuit of efficiency alone.

Our farmers now stand at the forefront of the 9·19 Climate Justice March, demanding protection for agriculture, rural areas, and life itself.