South Korea has recently been taking bold and effective steps to tackle climate change. The country is rapidly implementing comprehensive policies aimed at building a sustainable future to tackle the climate crisis. Significant progress in areas such as carbon neutrality commitment, renewable energy investments, sustainable finance policies and electric vehicle incentives underscore South Korea’s commitment to global climate leadership. These initiatives enable the country to shine as a guiding star in the green transformation process.
South Korea has endeavored to play a more active role in carbon neutrality and green transformation by establishing the “Climate Club”, an international alliance to combat climate change. This club, led by South Korea, brings together G7 countries and 36 countries actively contributing to carbon neutrality policies. This important step comes as part of a global initiative proposed by Germany in January 2022, aiming at the rapid implementation of the Paris Agreement.[1]
According to the statement made during the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai, South Korea’s call for action on climate in international platforms emphasizes the country’s desire to be a pioneer in this regard. The reflection of South Korea’s sustainable policies, which it continues to pursue seriously in domestic politics, on foreign policy is quite important. South Korea is one of the pioneering countries that has successfully implemented an effective recycling system by prioritizing environmental sustainability. The country has an extensive recycling infrastructure and waste separation systems are widely used from homes to workplaces.
The systematic approach to sorting paper, plastic, metal and other waste through colored waste bins has contributed significantly to raising public awareness on waste management. Electronic waste is also effectively managed through specialized facilities. Government recycling incentives and various benefits encourage businesses and individuals to recycle and have been successful in this area. In addition, campaigns and education programs to raise environmental awareness reinforce South Korea’s commitment to fulfilling its environmental responsibilities. These comprehensive efforts reinforce South Korea’s international leadership in waste management and recycling, strengthening environmental sustainability.
The official opening ceremony of the G7 was attended by Cho Heung-seek, South Korea’s Special Envoy for Climate Change, as well as prominent figures such as German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, demonstrating the broad support for this initiative. With this initiative, South Korea’s commitment to contribute to a sustainable future, not only at the national level but also internationally, reaffirms the country’s commitment to global climate leadership.[2]
Korea and Canada signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in the field of climate change as a follow-up to the May summit of the two countries’ leaders, the South Korean Foreign Ministry announced on Monday, December 4, 2023. The MoU was signed by Kim Hyo-eun, Korea’s ambassador for climate change, and his Canadian counterpart Catherine Stewart on Sunday, December 3, 2023, during the 2023 UN Climate Change Conference in Dubai. The Memorandum aims to promote strong cooperation between the two countries in the exchange of information and technology related to climate change and to support exchanges in academic and related research projects. It also includes an arrangement to organize an annual climate change dialogue led by climate ambassadors.[3]This agreement reflects the commitment to increase cooperation to address environmental crises made at the summit in May by President Yoon Suk Yeol and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. The joint search for solutions to three major environmental challenges – climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss – shows that Korea and Canada are strategically aligned.
As part of its commitment to tackling global climate change, South Korea has taken an important step towards a trilateral cooperation agreement with the United States and Japan. The trilateral climate vision for 2024, shared by Presidential Commission Chairman John Kerry, emphasizes the commitment of Korea, the US and Japan to joint action in areas such as renewable energy, electric vehicles, hydrogen and green buildings. Kim Sang-hyup, Co-Chair of the Commission, said that this trilateral cooperation will have a meaningful impact on global environmental policy, noting that these countries represent a large part of the global economy and produce about 20 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions.
The business roundtable planned with the trilateral summit is an important step between these countries as they aim to lead in clean energy innovation and environmental technologies. It was emphasized that the Korea-initiated Carbon Free Alliance is the foundation of this trilateral cooperation and will continue efforts to generate international interest. However, it is stated that this initiative has not yet been able to fully establish authority over countries with different standards and environmental policies and that more work is needed.[4]
In conclusion, South Korea’s actions in the fight against climate change show that it is taking an important leadership role internationally in sustainability and green energy innovation. The country’s trilateral cooperation agreement with the US and Japan aims to develop joint projects in strategic areas such as carbon neutrality, electric vehicles, hydrogen and green buildings. Initiatives such as the Carbon Free Alliance aim to find sustainable solutions globally and promote international cooperation in this field.
South Korea’s environmental policies take a unique approach, focusing on culture, eco-tourism and wellness, emphasizing local experiences. The country’s climate change measures support balanced and sustainable growth in the tourism sector. In addition, the annual climate change dialogue through South Korea’s climate ambassadors reinforces the goal of exchanging information and technology and collaborating on academic and research projects. The country’s commitment to tackling the climate crisis has the potential to have a positive impact not only regionally but also globally. Continued efforts and strengthened international cooperation set a promising example for a sustainable future.
[1] “Korea, G7 And Others Launch ‘Climate Club’ On Carbon Neutrality”, The Korea Times, https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/nation/2023/12/120_364311.html, (Date Accesion: 04.12.2023).
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[3] “Korea, Canada Sign MOU On Climate Change Cooperation”, The Korea Times, https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/nation/2023/12/120_364399.html, (Date Accesion: 04.12.2023).
[4] “INTERVIEW Korea To Work With US, Japan To Fight Climate Change”, The Korea Times, https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/nation/2023/12/120_364249.html, (Date Accesion: 04.12.2023)
