The government and ruling Democratic Party reached consensus on Sunday to set South Korea's 2035 greenhouse gas emission reduction target at 53 to 61 percent. The agreement considers IPCC opinions, the Constitutional Court ruling, burdens on future generations, and industrial conditions. Supportive measures for the industrial sector will be developed.
On November 9 in Seoul, the government and ruling Democratic Party (DP) reached a general agreement to set the national greenhouse gas emission reduction target for 2035 at 53 to 61 percent. DP spokesperson Park Soo-hyun stated that the decision accounts for opinions from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the Constitutional Court ruling, potential burdens on future generations, and industrial conditions. This target is slightly higher than the climate ministry's earlier proposals of 50 to 60 percent and 53 to 60 percent.
Park emphasized, "We need to proclaim our audacious reduction goal and commitment to the world," highlighting the government's strong will and direction. The two sides agreed to ease reduction targets for the industrial sector, considering South Korea's structure centered on high-carbon manufacturing, the feasibility of reduction technologies, and global competitiveness. They also committed to supporting companies' decarbonization and industrial transition, and fostering green industries through a new comprehensive strategy.
Additionally, they agreed to discuss ways to minimize impacts on existing industries, workers, and local communities, such as those involved in coal-fired power plants and internal combustion engine vehicles, during the transition to a carbon-neutral society. Prime Minister Kim Min-seok reaffirmed during the government-DP meeting, "Based on respect for the Constitutional Court's ruling, the government will seek wisdom that reflects the international community, local civic groups, and industrial sectors."
Last week, the government unveiled two proposals for the nationally determined contribution (NDC) by 2035, one of which will be submitted to the United Nations next week. In a ruling last August, the Constitutional Court stressed that reduction targets must comply with scientific and international standards while avoiding excessive burdens on future generations. The government plans to finalize the NDC proposal this week after deliberation by a presidential committee and Cabinet approval.
Following the announcement, industry and environmental groups voiced concerns, arguing the proposed targets were either too high or too low.
