Columbia University Professor Jeffrey Sachs: "Carbon Neutrality Must Be Achieved Quickly... Korea's Role Is Important"

[Asia Economy Reporter Song Seung-seop] Jeffrey Sachs, University Professor at Columbia University, stated on the 2nd, "The world must rapidly achieve carbon neutrality," adding, "Among them, Korea's international role is very important."

On the same day, Professor Sachs delivered a special lecture at the World Economy Institute-Shinhan Financial Group International Conference held at Lotte Hotel in Sogong-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul, saying, "Along with Europe, Korea's green policies will play a crucial guiding role in the global green transition."

He also mentioned, "Since the climate has undergone significant changes due to human activities and safe zones have disappeared, we must transition to a decarbonized economy without delay," adding, "Although it is not an easy task for Korea, efforts must be made in the transition of the energy and industrial sectors, land use, and biodiversity conservation."

However, he emphasized the importance of regional cooperation as a priority task. Professor Sachs said, "Although there are conflicts among neighboring countries in the Northeast Asia region making it difficult, if Korea, China, and Japan cooperate, remarkable changes will be realized," stressing, "I believe that if historical conflicts, differences, and antagonisms are resolved and a future-oriented relationship is established, infinite achievements will be created."

Professor Sachs mentioned the necessity of regional cooperation because a high level of technology is concentrated in the Northeast Asia region. He analyzed, "I think the three countries need each other," adding, "They share the same market and can also share the same energy system or propose technical standards."

Furthermore, he urged breaking away from Cold War-era confrontational thinking and building cooperation on a global scale. Professor Sachs proposed, "The U.S. government must recognize the importance of (international cooperation)," and "It should put conflicts aside and engage in dialogue with other countries such as Russia, China, and Iran."

Regarding Korea's role, he added, "I believe Korea will play a significant role in supporting developing countries and digitalization," and "Financial support should be provided to developing countries, and through cooperation, Korea's successful cases should be disseminated as exemplary models."

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