South Korea has announced a goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50% by 2035 compared to 2018 levels. This was reported by the Yonhap agency with reference to the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment of South Korea, which presented a new climate plan at a press conference.
The plan provides for two scenarios. The first involves reducing emissions by a minimum of 50% and a maximum of 60%, and the second – a minimum of 53% and a maximum of 60%.
According to official data, greenhouse gas emissions in South Korea in 2018 amounted to 742.3 million tons. A reduction of this figure by at least 50% means that the country should reach the level of 371.2 million tons by 2035.
The government intends to approve the final version of the national contribution to the global climate target (NDC) at a cabinet meeting next week and will then present this document to the UN.
NDC (Nationally Determined Contribution) is a commitment that each country submits under the Paris Climate Agreement, updating its emissions reduction targets every five years.
Increasing the share of renewable energy sources
South Korean authorities said that as part of the plan, the government aims to increase the share of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind by 2035, as well as create a next-generation electricity grid.
In addition, authorities said, the private sector would be given incentives to reduce emissions, allowing development low carbon production.
Government plans also include expanding the use of electric and hydrogen vehicles and strengthening public transport infrastructure, which will also contribute to the overall goal of reducing emissions.