S. Korea raises level of greenhouse gas reduction goal from 26 pct to 40 pct

SEOUL, Oct. 8 (Yonhap) -- South Korea on Friday drastically raised the level of its greenhouse gas reduction goal from 26.3 percent to 40 percent by 2030, as part of its broader aim to slowly phase out conventional resources and go carbon neutral by 2050.

The revised aim in national greenhouse gas reduction, or nationally determined contribution (NDC), by 2030 was reached in a meeting of the presidential committee on carbon neutrality and related government ministries.

The goal calls for the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent against the national output level in 2018. South Korea uses data from 2018, the peak year of its greenhouse gas emissions, as benchmarks in setting related policy goals.

Friday's decision was made following the passage of a related law in August, dubbed the climate crisis response act, mandating over a 35 percent cut in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.

"Considering the projected rate of annual reduction, the 40 percent goal is a very bold aim compared to other nations," the government assessed, adding that the decision reflected the administration's strong determination to reduce levels of greenhouse gas emissions.

South Korea will officially introduce its revised greenhouse gas reduction goal to the international community at the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference in November and submit a government plan to the U.N. in December.

odissy@yna.co.kr
(END)