The government plans to incorporate the carbon neutrality achievements of local governments into a joint evaluation and expand financial support for outstanding municipalities. It also intends to introduce 'climate insurance' for outdoor workers and farmers affected by extreme weather such as heatwaves and cold snaps.
On July 8, the Ministry of Climate, Energy, and Environment held a meeting with vice mayors of metropolitan local governments at the South Seoul headquarters of Korea Electric Power Corporation, where it unveiled its 'Execution Strategy for Achieving Community Carbon Neutrality.'
This strategy outlines a vision of '2050 Carbon Neutrality Led by Regions' and includes three main directions: innovating the regional implementation system, promoting seven major green infrastructure projects, and redesigning the support framework. The aim is to enhance the role of local governments in directly managing greenhouse gas reduction measures in areas such as renewable energy, waste, and transportation, thereby achieving tangible reductions at the local level.
Initially, the government plans to reflect the carbon neutrality achievements of local governments in the joint evaluation conducted by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety. It will strengthen rewards by selecting exemplary cases for recognition, cash prizes, and opportunities for overseas study of advanced cases. The government is also considering expanding project funding for local governments with outstanding reduction results.
The carbon neutrality promotion system for local governments will also be revised. The government will support guidelines, consulting, and budgets for establishing the second basic plan for carbon neutrality, while enhancing the role of local climate committees in the process of developing and monitoring local government basic plans.
The 'Carbon Neutral Local Government Practice Alliance' will be reorganized and revitalized, and the establishment of dedicated carbon neutrality departments directly under local government heads will be pursued. Regional and local environmental agencies will work with carbon neutrality support centers to monitor implementation in their jurisdictions and seek solutions for delayed or unmet tasks.
To achieve substantial greenhouse gas reductions at the local level, seven major green infrastructure projects will be prioritized, focusing on energy, waste, transportation, housing and buildings, carbon sinks, climate adaptation, citizen practices, and green jobs.
In the energy sector, the government will expand solar and wind income villages and promote the installation of renewable energy facilities on rooftops and balconies of homes and apartments. It will also advance the 'Renewable Energy 100% Use (RE100)' project for off-grid islands to facilitate renewable energy transition.
In the waste sector, the government plans to establish waste incineration facilities in preparation for a complete ban on direct landfilling by 2030, modernize aging public sewage treatment plants, and expand livestock manure energy facilities. In the transportation sector, it will promote the introduction of demand-responsive electric buses and taxis in areas lacking public transport and support the purchase of electric vehicles and electric buses, as well as the establishment of charging infrastructure.
To facilitate the incorporation of renewable energy facilities and charging infrastructure during building remodeling or new construction, the government will establish legal grounds. It will apply nature-based solutions tailored to regional characteristics, such as urban, coastal, and mountainous areas, and promote the 'One Person, One Tree Planting Movement' to increase carbon sinks.
Support for climate-vulnerable groups will also be strengthened. The government plans to introduce climate insurance to protect the income and safety of outdoor workers and farmers in response to the increasing frequency of extreme weather events. It will also support low-income households, such as those receiving basic living assistance, with insulation and window installation and the replacement of high-efficiency heating and cooling systems.
Job creation linked to the operation, management, and construction of green infrastructure, including zero-energy buildings, green remodeling, and renewable energy facilities, will also be pursued. Among local reduction projects, cases with significant greenhouse gas reduction effects relative to costs will be selectively identified and listed for local governments to utilize.
A system for more detailed disclosure of regional greenhouse gas emissions information will also be established. The National Greenhouse Gas Inventory System (GIRS) will allow anyone to access detailed information on regional emissions and characteristics, and a platform will be created to check emissions statistics for each reduction project.
The government plans to establish a legal framework for the 'Local Greenhouse Gas Reduction Impact Budget System,' which reflects greenhouse gas reduction impacts from the budgeting stage of local governments. It will also create a collaboration and advisory system among central and local governments and public enterprises, providing education and individual assessments on greenhouse gas reduction models and emissions calculations.
Minister of Climate, Energy, and Environment Kim Sung-hwan stated, 'Local governments play a crucial role in directly implementing greenhouse gas reductions and carbon neutrality in areas closely related to the lives of residents, such as buildings, transportation, and waste. Active and proactive implementation by local governments is essential for achieving the national carbon neutrality goal.'
* This article has been translated by AI.
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