The experience in U-Savers goes beyond one-time participation. By exploring climate issues in real-world contexts and leading projects themselves, participants broaden their perspectives and reshape how they approach both their daily lives and future career paths.

Now in its 19th cohort, we catch up with three alumni to see how they are continuing their climate journey after the program. Each is taking a different path—one supports citizens in experiencing the value of ecology and climate at a botanical garden, while another works to advance carbon reduction through international cooperation and carbon market initiatives.

They share how U-Savers broadened their perspectives on the climate crisis and how those experiences connected to their current work and lives. Click the link below to read the full stories of our U-Savers alumni!

A project led by the Climate Change Center since 2019 has reached a historic milestone: the world’s first approval for UN carbon credits under the Paris Agreement. The UNFCCC approved the Myanmar Improved Cookstove Project as the first-ever issuance under the Article 6.4 mechanism. Following a provisional approval last month and a subsequent 14-day appeal period, the project is now moving forward under the UN process.

Among over 165 projects worldwide awaiting UN approval, this project—led by CCC with the participation of 12 Korean companies—was the first to be issued.

Notably, it is the first case to meet the strengthened standards of the new mechanism, which applies more conservative methodologies by setting emission reductions approximately 40% lower than the previous CDM approach.

This project also highlights the importance of private-sector-led climate action. It demonstrates how private capital and execution can play a vital role in international climate governance, realizing the ‘multi-stakeholder participation’ emphasized by the Paris Agreement. These carbon credits are expected to be transferred to Korea, contributing to the achievement of National Determined Contributions (NDC).

Furthermore, the project delivers tangible climate action in developing countries. Beyond reducing carbon emissions and deforestation, it creates various social co-benefits, such as protecting the health of women and girls previously exposed to indoor air pollution.

Building on this progress, CCC will continue to advance climate projects that meet enhanced standards and contribute to the practical implementation of global climate action.

👉[UNFCCC] UN carbon market approves first‑ever issuance of credits under the Paris Agreement

Heatwaves, flooding, urban heat islands, and ecosystem collapse have become our daily reality. While climate policy has traditionally focused on carbon mitigation, the question of "adaptation"—how we will live within a changing climate—is becoming an increasingly urgent priority.

Gardens, urban forests, and green spaces are no longer just elements of urban design or places for leisure. They can function as critical climate adaptation infrastructure—cooling cities, absorbing rainwater, and restoring ecosystems.

At a recent forum held in Jeju in February, participants emphasized that garden cities should be approached not in terms of “what to build,” but “what to restore.” Jeju’s unique natural conditions—basalt landscapes, spring water, volcanic soil, strong winds, and intense sunlight—were highlighted as assets for urban design. Rather than pursuing excessive development, the discussion called for a “subtractive strategy” centered on conservation and restoration, seeking a balance where nature and the city can coexist.

However, meaningful change remains difficult as long as gardens, parks, and forests are managed within fragmented policy frameworks. To enhance urban resilience, it is essential to establish legal and financial foundations, integrate urban planning, ecological restoration, and climate policy, and build governance structures that enable citizen participation and public-private collaboration.

Ultimately, the garden city is not merely about reshaping urban landscapes—it represents a strategic shift in how cities live and adapt in the face of the climate crisis.