IGEE Proceedings

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Environmental Carcinogens and Cancer Inequality: How Air Pollution Challenges the Achievement of SDG 3: Hyeonjung Yun; IGEE Proc. 2026;3(1):61-66. Published online February 24, 2026; DOI: https://doi.org/10.69841/igee.2026.007

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Background
Cancer has traditionally been understood as a disease driven primarily by genetic mutations; however, growing evidence indicates that environmental exposures play a significant role in shaping cancer risk and outcomes. Among these exposures, air pollution has been classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Beyond its biological effects, air pollution is unevenly distributed across populations, raising concerns related to health inequality and long-term public health sustainability.
Methods
This narrative review synthesizes epidemiological and molecular studies examining the association between particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure and carcinogenesis. Key biological mechanisms discussed include oxidative stress, DNA damage, chronic inflammation, and epigenetic dysregulation.
Results
The reviewed literature shows consistent associations between long-term PM2.5 exposure and increased lung cancer incidence and mortality, with more limited evidence for other cancer types. Unequal exposure to air pollution, combined with disparities in healthcare access, contributes to differences in cancer risk and survival across socioeconomic groups.
Conclusion
By integrating biological evidence with environmental and equity perspectives, this paper highlights the importance of addressing air pollution as part of comprehensive cancer prevention strategies. Reducing environmental cancer risk factors is essential for promoting equitable and sustainable population health.; Summary

Establishing the ESD and GCEd system in higher education: Analyzing the holistic approach of Yonsei University in South Korea: Jae Eun Shin, Eun Kyoung Rhee, Shinki An, Younah Kang, Keeheon Lee, In Han Song; IGEE Proc. 2024;1(1):6-19. Published online September 30, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.69841/igee.2024.002

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Purpose
This study assesses the Global Citizenship Education (GCEd) and Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) initiatives at the Yonsei Institute of Global Engagement and Empowerment (IGEE). The objective is to identify strengths and areas for improvement in promoting ESD and GCEd principles and contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Design/Methodology/Approach: This research employs a comprehensive analysis framework to evaluate Yonsei IGEE's initiatives, including the "Understanding Sustainable Development with Ban Ki-moon" lectures, "Social Engagement Fund (SEF)" research program, "SDG Initiative," and "Global Engagement and Empowerment Forum (GEEF))." It considers objectives, environmental focus, pedagogical strategies, topic coverage, learning dimensions, and outcome measurement. Findings: Yonsei IGEE initiatives demonstrate strengths in terms of clear objectives, environmental focus, and pedagogical strategies. They complement each other, fostering synergy in promoting ESD and GCEd principles. The lecture series offers a holistic view of SDG issues, whereas SEF empowers students to address challenges practically. The SDG Initiative guides Yonsei's research community, and GEEF disseminates SDG knowledge and fosters collaboration. Originality: This study contributes originality in two aspects. First, it presents an innovative evaluation framework specifically designed to assess the diverse GCEd and ESD programs at Yonsei IGEE. This framework serves as a valuable tool for future evaluations of similar initiatives in higher education institutions. Second, the data and contents analyzed in this research, drawn from Yonsei IGEE's programs, are novel and provide unique insights into the efficacy of the GCEd and ESD efforts.

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Student Involvement in SDG Projects: Seven Years of Yonsei University’s Social Engagement Fund (2018–2025)
Sarah Soyeon Oh, In Han Song, Shinki An
IGEE Proceedings.2025; 2(3): 178. CrossRef

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