S.K. looks at ways to reduce greenhouse gases

Strict rules to be applied in 2013 give gov’t pause

The government will designate a target level of greenhouse gases in the nation’s air as part of its fourth plan to cope with climate change. The measures will be applied beginning in 2008.

At press conference held in Nairobi, Kenya, on November 16, South Korean environment minister Lee Chi-beom, who is participating in the 12th United Nations Climate Change Conference, said, "Considering the nation’s international status, South Korea should seek ways to contribute further to the efforts of the international community to stop climate change. The government is discussing ways to set a level to which greenhouse gases should be reduced in the fourth national plan regarding climate change, which will take effect in 2008." The U.N. conference opened on November 6.

The government so far has only suggested ways to reduce greenhouse gases, but had previously not clearly set how much gas should be reduced, due to worries that it could have negative effects at future international business negotiations. The government, however, has changed its position, as it judged that to do so would be better for the nation overall. The government seems to have taken note of the second round of discussion, regarding advanced nations’ obligatory reduction of greenhouse gases, with measurement set to start in 2013. The issue of the participation of developing nations, such as South Korea, will inevitably be raised during future rounds of discussion.

The 12th U.N. Climate Change Conference closed on November 17 after adopting a statement containing a concrete timetable showing when and how much gas is to be reduced in advanced countries.

[[e-mail]]