South Korea has announced ambitious climate goals. Specifically, the nation’s emissions reduction target requires cutting greenhouse gases by 2035. The government unveiled two proposals on Thursday. Both options aim for substantial reductions. Additionally, the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment presented these plans.
The first proposal seeks fifty percent minimum reduction. Meanwhile, the maximum reduction would reach sixty percent. Alternatively, the second option increases the minimum slightly. It requires fifty-three percent minimum cuts. However, both share the same sixty percent maximum.
These targets use 2018 emissions as baseline. South Korea emitted 742.3 million tons that year. Consequently, achieving this emissions reduction target means cutting deeply. Emissions must fall to 371.2 million tons by 2035. Therefore, this goal demands rapid transformation.
Currently, emissions remain far above targets. Last year’s emissions reached 691.6 million tons. This significantly exceeds the 2035 goal. Thus, the emissions reduction target requires accelerated action. Furthermore, the government acknowledges this challenge directly.
Climate Minister Kim Sung-hwan explained the balancing act. For instance, civic groups demanded sixty-one percent minimum cuts. Conversely, industries argued even forty-eight percent seems difficult. Ultimately, the government sought middle ground between these positions. This compromise reflects careful consideration.
The proposals follow international commitments. Accordingly, South Korea will submit its final plan next week. The Cabinet meeting will determine the exact percentage. Then the UN receives the formal submission. This process meets Paris Agreement requirements.
The Paris Agreement mandates five-year updates. Moreover, nations must outline climate action plans consistently. South Korea previously pledged forty percent cuts by 2030. Now the new emissions reduction target extends this trajectory. It demonstrates increasing climate ambition.
Implementation will require multiple strategies. Firstly, renewable energy expansion remains crucial. Solar and wind power will receive major investments. Secondly, a next-generation power grid will be established. This supports the target effectively.
Additionally, transportation must transform dramatically. Electric and hydrogen vehicle adoption will accelerate. Similarly, public transportation infrastructure will expand significantly. These measures reduce fossil fuel dependence.
Private sector cooperation remains essential. Companies will receive emission reduction incentives. Likewise, low-carbon product manufacturing will be encouraged. Emission reduction facilities will be installed. This supports practical implementation.
The government plans an “energy expressway” by 2040s. This responds to AI-driven electricity demand growth. It also facilitates renewable energy integration. This infrastructure supports long-term climate goals.
President Lee Jae Myung emphasized responsible target setting. He pledged cooperation with international communities. The emissions reduction target avoids burdening future generations. It contributes to global reduction efforts appropriately.
