The government is preparing a long-term blueprint for national environmental policy that reflects the changing policy landscape, including the climate crisis and the transition to a circular economy.
The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment announced on July 21 that it will hold a public hearing on the 'Revised National Environmental Comprehensive Plan (2026-2040)' on July 22 at the Korea Press Center in Jung-gu, Seoul.
This public hearing is an official forum for gathering public opinions as part of the national environmental plan formulation process, and anyone can attend. Academics, civil society representatives, and experts from various fields will participate in discussions and Q&A sessions regarding the revised plan.
The National Environmental Comprehensive Plan is the highest legal framework for environmental policy established every 20 years under the Environmental Policy Basic Act. The government reviews the plan's validity every five years to respond to changes in environmental and social conditions and prepares a revised plan.
The current revision aims to reflect the accelerated changes in policy environments related to carbon neutrality, the transition to a circular economy, and responses to the climate crisis since the establishment of the fifth National Environmental Comprehensive Plan.
The revised plan outlines three main policy goals: preparing for a climate-resilient future, fostering a green economy where the environment and economy coexist, and achieving an inclusive society through environmental justice. To support these goals, it includes seven core strategies: carbon neutrality, integrated water circulation, circular economy, living environment, natural capital, green economy, and international cooperation.
The government plans to use this revised plan as a fundamental framework to guide environmental policy for the next 15 years. It is expected to serve as a long-term roadmap that considers carbon neutrality, industrial competitiveness, ecosystem conservation, and the quality of life for citizens.
The Ministry of Climate will incorporate the feedback gathered during the public hearing into the final revised plan, which will then undergo review and consultation by the Central Environmental Policy Committee and the Cabinet before being finalized later this year.
Ahn Se-chang, head of the Planning and Coordination Office at the Ministry of Climate, stated, "The National Environmental Comprehensive Plan is a crucial strategy for designing a sustainable South Korea in the era of the 'triple environmental crisis' of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. We will ensure that the opinions of the public and experts are fully reflected to create a national environmental policy blueprint that considers future generations."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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