'North America Business Trip' Kim Dong-yeon: "Establishing a Working Council with Washington State to Address the Climate Crisis"

Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dong-yeon (right) warmly shakes hands with Governor Jay Inslee at the Washington State Governor's Office located in Seattle, Washington, on the 9th (local time).

Kim Dong-yeon, Governor of Gyeonggi Province, who is visiting the North American region to strengthen international exchange cooperation and attract overseas investment, exchanged views with Jay Inslee, Governor of Washington State, on the leadership and role of local governments in responding to the climate crisis.

The two discussed the climate zones of their respective regions and introduced related policies, sharing a common understanding of joint responses to the climate crisis and agreeing on the formation of a working council to solidify cooperation.

On the 9th (local time), Governor Kim met Governor Jay Inslee at the Washington Governor's Office located in Seattle, Washington State, and said, "I was deeply impressed by Washington State's climate crisis response policies such as the Climate Commitment Act and the Healthy Environment for All Law (HEAL). I hope Washington, a leader in environmental issues and climate change response, and Gyeonggi Province can cooperate on policies."

He also mentioned the need to address the climate divide issue in the future, such as the lack of policy continuity due to government changes presented at the ‘Climate Reality Leadership Training’ held last August at KINTEX in Goyang City, and the polarization between those who can quickly adapt to information and communication technology and those who cannot.

The Climate Commitment Act is a policy aiming for complete elimination of greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 through measures such as air pollution cleanup subsidies, installation of electric charging stations throughout the state, and an emissions cap-and-trade program. The Healthy Environment for All Law aims to secure environmental conditions that support all residents in living healthy and vibrant lives, ensuring that vulnerable groups such as low-income populations actively participate in and benefit from environmental policies.

The Healthy Environment for All Law aligns with Governor Kim Dong-yeon's advocacy for resolving the climate divide by sharing the benefits gained from climate crisis response policies with vulnerable groups.

Governor Kim added, "I would like to invite you, Governor, and related companies and startups from Washington State to the Climate Tech Conference to be held in Gyeonggi Province in August. Let's form a working group to continue discussions."

In response, Governor Jay Inslee said, "I am honored by your kind words. We have gained a lot of income and experience from implementing these policies, which I will share with you. The invitation to the conference is a great idea. I believe there are many companies in Washington interested, and I will promote it well. Due to my schedule, I will likely only be able to participate remotely," expressing enthusiastic support.

The two agreed on forming a working council and decided to continue meetings between their respective working groups soon.

Lastly, Governor Kim mentioned the University of Washington, which has been participating in the Gyeonggi Youth Ladder Program since last year, and requested, "Gyeonggi youth will be coming to the University of Washington. Please pay attention to their visits to the state government office and their experiences."

Gyeonggi Province explained that this is the first visit by the Governor to Washington State, marking a significant milestone in opening the door to exchanges between the two regions.

The two first met at the Climate Reality Leadership Training event held last August at KINTEX in Goyang.

Meanwhile, Governor Kim presented Governor Inslee with a painting of a red-crowned crane drawn by artist Kang Tae-won (Level 2 developmental disability). The red-crowned crane is a globally endangered species symbolizing environmental protection. After hearing the meaning of the gift and about the artist, Governor Inslee expressed his gratitude, saying, "This is a truly precious gift. If you provide me with the artist's address, I would like to write a letter."

As a return gift, Governor Inslee presented Governor Kim with a painting he personally drew of Mount Rainier, a famous tourist spot in Washington State.

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