'2050 Carbon Neutrality Committee' Launched... Prime Minister Kim Bu-gyeom: "Revolutionary Changes in Economic Structure and Life" (Comprehensive)

The 1st Meeting of the 2050 Carbon Neutrality Committee

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Son Seon-hee] The Presidential Committee on 2050 Carbon Neutrality officially launched on the 29th. It serves as the policy control tower for the transition to carbon neutrality. The committee is a mammoth-level body composed of 97 members, including Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum and Professor Yoon Soon-jin of Seoul National University Graduate School of Environmental Studies as co-chairs, 18 heads of central administrative agencies, and representatives from industry and civil society.

On the same day, the government held the first meeting of the 2050 Carbon Neutrality Committee at Dongdaemun Design Plaza in Jung-gu, Seoul, presided over by Prime Minister Kim. In his opening remarks, Prime Minister Kim emphasized, "Along with the implementation of carbon neutrality, the economic structure and daily life will undergo revolutionary changes," adding, "This is only possible through creative technological development and industrial innovation."

He also stated, "We must not overlook that change and innovation may involve growing pains," and urged, "In the transition to a carbon-neutral society, careful consideration and inclusion are necessary to ensure a 'Just Transition' where no one is excluded or left behind."

At the first meeting, the committee reviewed and approved the composition and operation plan of the 2050 Carbon Neutrality Committee. Eight subcommittees will be formed, and matters requiring specialized in-depth review will be analyzed and discussed by expert committees, which will advise the main committee.

Additionally, consultative bodies targeting industry, labor, civil society, youth, and local governments will be established to directly hear voices from regions and the field. A 'National Policy Participation Group' will also be formed and operated to allow the general public to participate directly in policy-making through deliberation and discussion.

Furthermore, the committee received reports on the review schedules for major policy tasks being prepared by each ministry and discussed key work plans for this year. Plans to establish a 'Carbon Neutrality Scenario' that presents long-term directions were also discussed.

President Moon Jae-in attended the launch ceremony and urged, "I ask the committee to become a firm cornerstone for achieving carbon neutrality and to prepare policies that serve as strong beams."

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