All Local Governments Nationwide Pledge to Achieve '2050 Carbon Neutrality'... Declaration Ceremony Held

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Sehee] A gathering was held where all local governments nationwide pledged to achieve 'carbon neutrality' by making net greenhouse gas emissions 'zero' by 2050.

The Ministry of Environment and the Carbon Neutral Local Governments Implementation Alliance jointly held the 'Local Government Carbon Neutrality Special Session' on the afternoon of the 24th at Dongdaemun Design Plaza in Seoul.

All 243 local governments nationwide (17 metropolitan and 226 basic local governments) signed a declaration pledging to achieve '2050 Carbon Neutrality' at the event.

This event served as a pre-event to the '2021 P4G Seoul Green Future Summit' held at the same venue on the 30th and 31st, aiming to gather the will of all local governments responsible for the practical implementation of carbon neutrality and to discuss concrete action plans.

First, British economist Kate Raworth delivered a keynote speech via video on balancing social foundations and ecological limits.

Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Euisun proposed the role and stance of the industrial sector in implementing carbon neutrality at the regional level, as well as cooperation between regions and industries, through a video message.

Chungnam Governor Yang Seungjo presented on the need for financial institutions to lead carbon neutrality, and Jeju Governor Won Heeryong introduced 'Jeju Island's Carbon Neutrality Plan Development Process.'

Minister of Environment Han Jeong-ae stated, "The government will not spare technical and financial support such as greenhouse gas emission statistics analysis and discovery of related reduction projects so that local governments can actively promote carbon neutrality."

Ban Ki-moon, Chairman of the Global Green Growth Institute, also emphasized, "There are limits to achieving carbon neutrality through the efforts of the government and the National Assembly alone," and urged, "Carbon neutrality led by local governments must be realized to efficiently proceed with carbon neutrality and to ensure that local voices are not marginalized."

Meanwhile, local governments nationwide plan to strengthen their efforts at the local government level to achieve 2050 carbon neutrality, using this declaration ceremony as a turning point.

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