South Korea proposes cutting emissions 40% by 2030

(Climate Home News, 16 Jun 2021) South Korea’s ruling party has proposed a target to cut greenhouse gas emissions at least 40% by 2030, compared to 2017 levels.

It is a significant increase in ambition for the coal-reliant Asian economy but does not match the recently updated targets of allies Japan and the US.

During a speech to parliament on Wednesday, the leader of the Democratic Party Song Young-gil said, “We must present a national greenhouse gas reduction target of at least 40% and implement it within eight years.”

He said that South Korea’s current goal of slashing emissions by 24.4% by 2030 “is absolutely low compared to developed countries”.

The national climate plan is due to be finalised for submission to the UN ahead of Cop26 climate talks in Glasgow, UK this November.

Campaigners said the proposed 2030 goal is not ambitious enough. According to Climate Analytics, South Korea should slash emissions at least 59% by 2030 as a fair contribution to the Paris Agreement.

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Climate Home News, 16 Jun 2021: South Korea proposes cutting emissions 40% by 2030