Han Hwa-jin, Minister of Environment, "Committed to Establishing Environmental Policies Based on Science, Technology, and Innovation"

Han Hwa-jin, nominee for Minister of Environment, is attending the confirmation hearing held at the National Assembly on the 2nd, responding to questions from lawmakers. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Sejong=Reporter Dongwoo Lee] Han Hwajin, the newly appointed Minister of Environment, stated on the 11th, "We must establish environmental policies based on science, technology, and innovation."

At the inauguration ceremony held at the Government Sejong Complex, Minister Han said, "Environmental policies should be implemented based on data and logic to ensure they are grounded in scientific analysis and objective facts."

He added, "Core technologies of the 4th Industrial Revolution, such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and big data, must be actively integrated into environmental policies," emphasizing, "When these technologies converge with various environmental policies like climate change response, water management, and the circular economy, administrative efficiency will improve and trial and error will be minimized."

Minister Han also explained, "We must enhance the practical application of policies through communication and cooperation," adding, "Especially as the importance of local governments, including recently formed ultra-wide-area local governments, is emerging, we will strengthen a permanent cooperative system with local governments."

He continued, "We must respond proactively to the international environmental order," stating, "We will respond preemptively and actively to emerging environmental norms in the new international order, such as carbon trade barriers, plastic reduction, and green finance."

Finally, Minister Han said, "Policies and administrative systems must evolve in line with scientific and technological advances and the demands of the times," and added, "We will seek ways to efficiently achieve policy goals by maximizing the autonomy and creativity of the private sector."

The Ministry of Environment introduced key tasks under the national goal of 'A Bold Future Created by Autonomy and Creativity,' aiming to realize carbon neutrality for a sustainable future, including ▲scientific implementation of carbon neutrality and transition to a green economy ▲creation of water environments and natural ecosystems resilient to the climate crisis ▲blue skies free from fine dust worries ▲completion of a circular economy through recycling.

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