[New Year's Message] Cho Myung-rae "2021 is the Year That Determines the Success of the Carbon Neutral Great Transition"

Minister of Environment Cho Myung-rae / Photo by Jin-hyung Kang aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bo-kyung] Minister of Environment Cho Myung-rae stated, "2021 will be a crucial year that determines the success or failure of the carbon neutrality transformation of our economy and society."

In his New Year's address on the 31st, Minister Cho emphasized the necessity of overcoming the climate and environmental crisis revealed through the COVID-19 pandemic this year.

He said, "COVID-19 has clearly shown the climate and environmental crisis and the economic and social crises faced by the entire globe," adding, "It demands a fundamental transformation to overcome these challenges."

He also mentioned that following the European Union (EU) and Japan, President-elect Joe Biden of the United States has declared carbon neutrality by 2050 and is promoting the transformation of economic and social structures.

He continued, "Our country announced the comprehensive Green New Deal plan last July and declared carbon neutrality by 2050 in October."

He then forecasted, "2021 will be a crucial year that determines the success or failure of the carbon neutrality transformation of our economy and society."

Minister Cho cited the Ministry of Environment's achievements this year, stating, "As a result of normalizing greenhouse gas reduction policies such as the emissions trading system, greenhouse gas emissions decreased by 3.4% for the first time in 2019." He also explained improvements in fine dust concentration through the introduction of the seasonal management system and the expansion of relief for victims of humidifier disinfectants.

Finally, Minister Cho said, "Your children or grandchildren will be living in Korea in 2050," and added, "We will do our best for the future of ourselves and our children."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.