President Moon: "40% Greenhouse Gas Reduction by 2030"... Joins International Methane Pledge (Summary)

Keynote Speech at COP26 Summit Proposes Regular Hosting of 'Youth Climate Summit'

[Asia Economy Reporter Ryu Jeong-min] President Moon Jae-in, visiting the United Kingdom to attend the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26), announced at the COP26 summit on the 1st (local time) that "Korea will raise its 2030 NDC to reduce greenhouse gases by more than 40% compared to 2018."

President Moon said, "This is a bold goal, 14% higher than the previous target, and a very challenging task that requires a steep reduction of greenhouse gases in a short period."

President Moon explained, "It is not an easy task, but the Korean people have decided that now is the time to act. Korea has legislated carbon neutrality by 2050 and announced a carbon neutrality scenario."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

President Moon stated, "By 2030, a 30% methane reduction plan is also included," and pledged, "Korea will join the 'Global Methane Pledge' and actively participate in methane reduction efforts."

President Moon emphasized, "We will join global efforts to reduce coal. Since the government took office, eight coal power plants have been closed early, and two more will be closed by the end of this year," adding, "All coal power generation will be phased out by 2050."

President Moon explained, "We have already stopped approving new domestic coal power plants, and in April, we also stopped public financial support for new overseas coal power plants."

President Moon said, "Nature has waited for us for a long time. Now is the time for us to act and love nature," adding, "COP26 will be the starting point. I hope it will prevent further global warming and respond to the nature that has waited for us."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

President Moon stated, "Korea is the only country to have succeeded in forest greening after World War II and will take the lead in forest restoration cooperation," adding, "Through inter-Korean forest cooperation, we will reduce greenhouse gases across the entire Korean Peninsula." He also requested, "I ask for the support and cooperation of the international community for the success of the 'World Forestry Congress' to be held in Korea next May."

President Moon said, "Korea will actively cooperate in the low-carbon economic transition of developing countries, including the development of renewable energy. We will also reduce carbon emissions from Korean companies overseas."

Furthermore, President Moon proposed to world leaders the regular holding of the 'Youth Climate Summit.' He said, "Carbon neutrality is difficult to achieve by the efforts of governments and companies alone," adding, "If the future generation, who are the victims of the climate crisis, and the older generation work together to find solutions to the climate crisis, humanity's steps toward a sustainable world will accelerate."

President Moon requested, "I ask for your great interest and support for the regular holding of the 'Youth Climate Summit,'" and added, "For nature, let people and countries join hands first. Let us not leave regrets for not acting sooner for the Earth."

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