Seoul Tourism Strategy: Seoul is launching a more “structural sustainability” approach to tourism, shifting from sheer visitor numbers to protecting neighborhoods and local life as overtourism pressures grow, with the Seoul International Tourism Forum 2026 set to bring global experts and policymakers to map a long-term blueprint. Heat & Energy Demand: A heatwave gripping Europe is pushing demand for cooling, highlighting how climate extremes stress housing designed for cooler eras—an issue Seoul and Korea’s cities will watch closely as summers intensify. Climate Tech & Infrastructure: South Korea’s government unveiled a massive megaproject push to secure electricity and industrial water for semiconductor and AI growth, tying climate-energy planning directly to high-tech expansion. Research for Drought Resilience: Chonnam National University researchers identified a rice gene (OsFeSOD3) that can boost drought tolerance and yields, offering a potential tool for climate-resilient food systems. Water Cooperation: South Korea and East Timor agreed to expand cooperation on climate change, greenhouse gas reduction projects, carbon capture and storage, and broader infrastructure and maritime work. Governance & Peace Risk: The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists won the Miwon Peace Prize in Seoul, with its Doomsday Clock set at 85 seconds to midnight—linking nuclear risk with climate change and emerging technologies.