Kim Seong-hwan, the Minister of Climate, Energy, and Environment, identified the integration of climate, energy, and environmental policies as the most significant change since the establishment of the climate ministry. Rather than pursuing environmental and energy policies separately, the government aims to design policies that consider both from the outset, striving to achieve carbon neutrality alongside industrial competitiveness.
In an interview with Aju Economy, Kim stated, "Environment and industry, as well as energy, are no longer opposing concepts. I will work to ensure that South Korea transitions from an oil-based economy to an electric one, leading the shift towards a decarbonized green civilization."
He explained that the decision-making process for policies has also changed significantly since the ministry's inception. Instead of addressing greenhouse gas reduction, renewable energy expansion, and ecosystem conservation separately, the government now considers climate, energy, and environmental factors comprehensively from the beginning of policy design and implementation.
As a prime example, he cited the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) for 2035 established last year. "In the past, the environmental and energy sectors often negotiated from different positions, but since the climate ministry was established, we have discussed various opinions at the same table, setting reduction targets for the next decade that focus on energy transition centered on renewable energy, low-carbon fuels and materials in the industrial sector, and the expansion of electric vehicles and heat pumps," he explained.
Kim added, "In the process of achieving carbon neutrality and energy transition, we will actively foster future energy industries such as solar power, wind power, and energy storage systems (ESS), while also creating new jobs and enhancing industrial competitiveness."
Additionally, he emphasized the need to redefine the role of public power generation companies in promoting carbon neutrality and energy transition. Regarding the integration of five power generation companies, he stated, "The just transition from coal power must be pursued through discussions among the government, businesses, and local communities, and we are continuously gathering diverse stakeholder opinions."
The government is currently reviewing plans to integrate power generation companies and aims to restructure them to play a more leading role in the expansion of renewable energy and the just transition.
Kim also stressed that climate policy should simultaneously promote carbon reduction and climate adaptation. He noted, "The fundamental solution to the climate crisis is significant greenhouse gas reduction, but it is also crucial to implement climate adaptation policies to minimize harm to the public during this process. Reduction and adaptation are not mutually exclusive; they are two pillars that must be pursued together."
The government plans to strengthen adaptation policies focusing on areas directly related to citizens' lives, such as floods, droughts, heatwaves, and cold snaps. Through summer flood measures, it will enhance the utilization of existing water management facilities like dams and reservoirs, while also improving the response to flood-prone areas and ensuring a stable supply of industrial, domestic, and agricultural water.
Moreover, to prepare for heatwaves, the government will provide energy vouchers to vulnerable groups and expand community cooling centers, while also promoting the introduction of climate insurance. Kim concluded, "I will implement policies to ensure that the achievements in carbon neutrality and energy transition lead to an improvement in the quality of life for the public."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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