The South Korean government on November 6, 2025, proposed a nationally determined contribution (NDC) aiming to cut greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50% by 2035 from 2018 levels. At a public hearing, it presented two options, one of which will be submitted to the United Nations. The final target will be set at a Cabinet meeting next week.
The South Korean government unveiled two proposals for its 2035 nationally determined contribution (NDC) at a public hearing on November 6, 2025. The first option targets a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by a minimum of 50% and a maximum of 60% from 2018 levels, while the second seeks a minimum of 53% to a maximum of 60%, according to the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment.
In 2018, emissions reached 742.3 million tons; a 50% cut would limit 2035 emissions to 371.2 million tons. Last year's estimated emissions stood at 691.6 million tons, well above the proposed target. The NDC, required under the Paris Agreement and updated every five years, follows the 2030 pledge of a 40% reduction submitted to the U.N. in 2021. The final goal will be decided at a Cabinet meeting next week and submitted to the U.N. the week after.
To meet the target, the government plans to expand renewable energy sources like solar and wind power and build a nationwide next-generation power grid. An earlier plan this year aims to establish an 'energy expressway' by the 2040s to address rising electricity demand from artificial intelligence (AI) growth and boost renewables. Incentives will encourage private companies to produce low-carbon products and install emission-reduction facilities. Efforts also include promoting electric and hydrogen vehicles and enhancing public transportation infrastructure.
At the hearing, Climate Minister Kim Sung-hwan noted, 'Civic groups have called for reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 61 percent and maximum 65 percent, while the industrial sector has said that even a 48 percent reduction would be difficult to achieve in reality.' He added, 'The government sought to find a balance between these conflicting views.' The proposals align with President Lee Jae Myung's September U.N. General Assembly pledge for a 'responsible' target. 'We will set a responsible target that contributes to global reduction efforts while avoiding placing an excessive burden on future generations,' Kim said.