Incheon City to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 80% by 2040... Establishes Climate Change Response Plan

Inducing Early Closure of Yeongheung Thermal Power Plant, Promoting Eco-Friendly Vehicle Adoption

Yeongheung Thermal Power Plant Unit 5 Photo by Incheon City

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyesook] Incheon City has established the 3rd Comprehensive Plan for Climate Change Response, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80.1% by 2040 compared to 2018 levels.

According to the city on the 20th, the greenhouse gas emissions in 2018 were 66.17 million tons, which are planned to be reduced to 46.287 million tons by 2030 and 13.2 million tons by 2040.

This target is higher than the government's greenhouse gas reduction goal announced in December last year (24.4% reduction by 2030 compared to 709.1 million tons emitted in 2017).

The comprehensive plan established by the city includes three main strategies: greenhouse gas reduction, climate change adaptation, and foundational promotion, along with 237 detailed projects.

These include expanding renewable energy such as the establishment of offshore wind power complexes, increasing the distribution of low-carbon vehicles, and building a safety net for infectious diseases caused by climate change.

The city expects that advancing the fuel transition and closure period of Yeongheung Thermal Power Plant by 3 to 4 years will enable faster reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

Meanwhile, from next month until February of next year, the city plans to commission a project to establish a carbon neutrality strategy and operate related forums involving experts.

An Incheon City official stated, "The climate change response plan is established every five years, and it was prepared by collecting opinions from various sectors including professors, public officials, and civic groups over nine months starting last year," adding, "We plan to evaluate the implementation performance of detailed greenhouse gas reduction projects annually with participation from related agencies, companies, and departments."