After a shortage economy, lockdown and sanctions, the floods came – and weakened North Korea’s already poor supply situation even further. Ruler Kim Jong Un therefore demands “measures against climate change”.
There is an unmistakable sign that North Korea has problems – whenever the rulers activate their nuclear program. Then they speculate that the world is startled and ready to accommodate the isolated dictatorship in some way to stop nuclear development. In the past, Pyongyang used this to extort a summit with Donald Trump or, for example, food. Now it seems to be that time again. The International Atomic Energy Agency reports cooling water runoff at the Yongbyon Nuclear Center. According to the IAEA in Vienna, this is an indication that the reactor is starting up. It is unlikely, however, that this time only food will be on the regime’s wish list.
Already scarce fields flooded
Because the extreme summer of 2021 hit North Korea with full force. In early August, violent floods destroyed at least 1,000 houses, damaged roads and bridges, and flooded hundreds of hectares of the already scarce farmland. Previously, the country suffered from drought and heat wave. The floods therefore came at a time when the country’s supply situation was already very tense. Even the almighty military have had their rations cut. President Kim Jong Un admitted in June that the ongoing typhoon damage had led to a food crisis. “All sectors and units” should take measures to “prevent natural disasters in advance,” said the dictator.
Now Kim was apparently repeating his appeal. According to the state news agency of North Korea, KCNA, he announced at a meeting of the Politburo that he would do something about the “abnormal climate”. “Kim stressed the need to take basic action to overcome climate change as natural disasters have increased in recent years,” it said. Specifically, he named flood management, reforestation and dyke construction as projects.
Shortage economy in North Korea
North Korea has suffered from a shortage economy for decades. In addition, there are international sanctions due to the nuclear program and self-imposed isolation that is forcing the country and population to their knees. Most recently, Kim also turned down a three million can donation of corona vaccinations. Officially, it is said that there are other countries that need Covid-19 protection more urgently. North Korea became the first country to impose a full lockdown after the coronavirus spread from China. The country still declares itself virus-free today – but this is doubted by experts.
Sources:, DPA,,
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