Ministry of Environment announces ‘2021 Carbon Neutral Implementation Plan’… Spurring the promotion of tasks by sector
[에너지데일리 송병훈 기자] The Ministry of Environment (Minister Han Han-ae) announced on the 2nd the ‘2021 Carbon Neutral Implementation Plan’ to realize Korea’s carbon neutrality by 2050.
According to this, first of all, a greenhouse gas reduction scenario will be established by June of this year to suggest the direction of 2050 carbon neutrality.
A technical working group centered on a national research institute (Ministry of Environment’s Greenhouse Gas Information Center) is formed, and a number of scenarios for 2050 carbon neutrality are prepared by analyzing potential reductions. A permanent communication window is established with the industry, civil society, and local governments, and opinions are gathered, and the scenario is decided through a national debate.
Based on the carbon-neutral scenario, the key policy implementation strategies for each sector of the ‘2050 Carbon Neutral Promotion Strategy (December 7th, 2020)’ will also be established with relevant ministries.
The core policy implementation strategy is a long-term strategy aimed at 2050, predicting the future and setting directions. To this end, the Ministry of Environment organizes and operates the’Carbon Neutral Research Forum (tentative name)’ with specialized organizations such as the Korea Environmental Policy and Evaluation Institute (KEI).
In addition, the ‘2030 National Greenhouse Gas Reduction Target (NDC)’ will be raised (24.4% reduction compared to the current National Greenhouse Gas Reduction Target 2017). Based on the 2050 Carbon Neutral Scenario, the level of upgrade is determined through consultation and social discussion with relevant ministries, and it aims to submit to the UN within this government’s term.
Based on a robust implementation system such as scenarios and key implementation strategies, it is planning to carry out tasks for each sector such as energy conversion, future vehicles (mobility), carbon-neutral buildings, and a zero-waste circular economy.
Expand the supply of renewable energy using environmental resources such as floating solar power, hydrothermal energy, and offshore wind power, achieve the era of 300,000 pollution-free vehicles, build convenient pollution-free vehicle charging facilities, and establish a long-term strategy for carbon neutrality in the transportation sector by 2050. Prepare.
In addition, the entire process of waste management will be strengthened, such as’reduction of production and consumption → expansion of recycling → prohibition of direct landfill,’ and a step-by-step implementation plan (roadmap) will be prepared for the transition to a circular economy society in 2050. The’Road Map for Circular Economy Innovation’ to realize a circular economy in all sectors of society will be established in the second half of this year.
In addition, by mitigating the effects of climate change, we prepare adaptation measures to respond to health and natural disasters, and support the establishment of a carbon neutral and climate adaptation system centered on local communities. With the aim of participating in the implementation of carbon neutrality by 243 local governments, local governments will be expanded to join the’Carbon Neutral Local Government Action Solidarity’, and joint participation in the’International Local Government Climate Action Proposal (Initiative)’ will be promoted.
In addition, the review of climate impacts on major policies and development projects will be reinforced, and climate change impact assessments will be introduced. The legal basis will be established within this year, and it is planned to be implemented in earnest in 2022. In addition, the international status of carbon neutrality will be improved, such as the successful hosting of the’solidarity for green growth and global target 2030 (P4G)’ summit.
Environment Minister Han Jeong-ae said, “As a leading ministry in carbon neutrality, the Ministry of Environment will build a foundation for carbon neutrality and promote the transformation of all sectors of society.”
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