Han Jeong-ae: "We Will Establish a Foundation for the Actual Implementation of Carbon Neutrality"

National Assembly Confirmation Hearing

Environment Minister nominee Han Jeong-ae attends the confirmation hearing held by the National Assembly's Environment and Labor Committee on the 20th and responds to questions from lawmakers. Photo by Yoon Dong-ju doso7@

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Joo Sang-don] Han Jeong-ae, nominee for Minister of Environment, stated on the 20th, "If I am entrusted with the role of Minister of Environment, I will establish a foundation that enables the actual implementation of carbon neutrality."

On this day, Han made these remarks during her opening statement at the confirmation hearing held at the National Assembly.

Han said, "I will present a clear vision for a carbon-neutral future and build a solid implementation foundation," adding, "I will establish laws and systems for the transition to carbon neutrality, including annual greenhouse gas reduction implementation reviews and climate change impact assessments."

She also promised to produce tangible results in environmental policy. She explained, "In areas where results have been achieved, such as fine dust reduction, we will accelerate improvement trends to increase public awareness, and in areas that have laid the foundation for policy transitions such as the Green New Deal, plastic reduction, and integrated water management, we will produce visible outcomes. In particular, we will achieve results in core Green New Deal tasks such as the distribution of electric and hydrogen vehicles, environmental industry innovation, and smart green cities, and share these with the public to serve as a catalyst for the transition to carbon neutrality."

Han also plans to promote the proactive establishment of an environmental safety net. She emphasized, "In cases where damage has already occurred, such as with humidifier disinfectants, we will soothe the victims' hearts through forward-looking support and relief from the victims' perspective," adding, "Based on integrated water management, we will realize water welfare enjoyed by all citizens, and regard nature, ecosystems, and flora and fauna as beings connected with us, seeking ways to coexist with nature."

Han stated, "The climate crisis is far more serious and irreversible than the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) we are currently experiencing," and said, "We will build an inclusive environmental safety net from the public’s perspective to create environmental changes that citizens can feel."