Yoon Points Out Doubts Whether Moon's Carbon Reduction Goals Properly Consider 국민 Burden

Moon announced 40% reduction target in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 from 2018 at last year's COP26
Yoon "We promised the international community and must fulfill it"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Ki-min Lee] On the 26th, President Yoon Suk-yeol criticized the Moon Jae-in administration's 2030 national greenhouse gas reduction target (NDC) of 40%, saying, "There is no scientific basis, and if it is announced without gathering public opinion from the industry or setting a roadmap, I question whether the burden it places on the people has been properly considered."

However, President Yoon clearly stated that the commitments made to the international community must be fulfilled.

During a luncheon meeting of the 2050 Carbon Neutral Green Growth Committee (hereinafter referred to as the Carbon Neutral Committee) held at the Yongsan Presidential Office building on the morning of the same day, President Yoon said, "We presented carbon neutrality reduction targets to the international community in the past, but there has been confusion among the public and industry."

Former President Moon Jae-in announced at the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) held in Glasgow, UK, on November 1 last year, that South Korea would reduce national greenhouse gas emissions by more than 40% by 2030 compared to 2018 levels.

At that time, as the People Power Party's presidential candidate, President Yoon criticized the greenhouse gas reduction target for being set without sufficient discussion with the industry.

However, President Yoon also agreed that carbon neutrality is an international trend, stating, "In any case, we made a promise to the international community, and we must fulfill it."

He emphasized, "Climate change and environmental issues have become the most important topics that humanity as a whole is concerned about to the extent that nothing can be achieved in the international community without discussing them," and noted that despite the significant reduction in the presidential committee, the 2050 Carbon Neutral Green Growth Committee has newly started as a presidential advisory committee.

He added, "Carbon neutrality should not become a burden on our industry; innovation and technological development in eco-friendly and renewable energy must follow, and this should become our food industry," and urged, "This field cannot be managed simply by gathering public opinion. Top experts must advise on policy directions and create frameworks for it to function properly."

The Yoon Suk-yeol administration reorganized the 2050 Carbon Neutral Committee established by the Moon Jae-in administration immediately after taking office into the 2050 Carbon Neutral Green Growth Committee. Under the new government, the committee is responsible not only for reviewing and deciding on carbon neutrality implementation plans but also for major policies promoting green growth.

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