The Lee Jae Myung administration has finalized plans to merge South Korea climate and energy policies under a single ministry. The move aims to strengthen climate response and accelerate the country’s shift to renewable energy. Campaigners expressed cautious support, noting potential benefits while warning of policy conflicts.
The new Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment will combine climate responsibilities from the Environment Ministry with energy policy duties from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. Overseas resource and nuclear policies remain separate. Interior Minister Yun Ho-jung said integrating both functions allows the government to pursue more consistent carbon-neutral strategies.
Previously, Korea’s split approach often caused conflicts between environmental goals and energy supply management. The Environment Ministry sought emissions reductions, while the Energy Ministry focused on energy production and pricing. This fragmentation hindered strong policy enforcement and complicated the government’s net-zero commitments.
Supporters argue that South Korea climate and energy policy reform could help the country meet its climate targets. Countries such as Denmark, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands saw average greenhouse gas reductions of 18 percent within five years after similar policy integration. Analysts suggest that combining climate and energy functions under one ministry improves coordination and accelerates sustainable progress.
However, critics warn the new ministry could face conflicts of interest. It will both promote energy development and regulate environmental impacts. For instance, nationwide renewable power grid projects fall under the ministry’s oversight. Skeptics question whether it can balance promoting energy initiatives while enforcing strict environmental protections.
Environmental groups emphasize that the ministry must retain its regulatory authority. Green Korea United noted that the government risks blurring the ministry’s core mission, which includes safeguarding biodiversity, conserving nature, and managing industrial impacts. They argue the ministry must regulate both energy projects and carbon-intensive industries effectively.
The policy change marks the largest expansion of the Environment Ministry since it gained ministerial status 31 years ago. The government views this as a necessary step to ensure stronger, coherent action against climate change. Analysts say that the initiative reflects South Korea’s commitment to international net-zero goals and green energy transition.
The success of South Korea climate and energy policy reform depends on balancing industrial development with environmental protection. Officials emphasize strong coordination, clear mandates, and continuous monitoring to achieve climate objectives while supporting energy infrastructure.
