[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] President Moon Jae-in announced a 40% reduction target for greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared to 2018, emphasizing the implementation and execution of the carbon neutrality scenario.
On the afternoon of the 18th, at the '2nd Plenary Meeting of the 2050 Carbon Neutrality Committee' held at Nodeulseom in Seoul, President Moon stated, "Now, it is important to properly implement and carry out the goals and scenarios decided today."
At today's meeting, the 2050 Carbon Neutrality Scenario (draft) and the upward revision of the 2030 greenhouse gas reduction target (NDC) (draft) were approved. President Moon said, "This is a historic announcement," adding, "It has been only one year since the carbon neutrality declaration, and deciding on the scenario and the upward revision of the NDC target in such a short period, considering the difficulty of the task, shows that we have swiftly established the goals."
He continued, "There are still some who think the targets are insufficient, and others who believe they are too burdensome. Since enthusiasm alone is not enough, we must establish plans that we can realistically implement. Both thoughts are not different."
President Moon emphasized, "If we properly implement and carry out the goals and scenarios created today, we can further raise the NDC targets in the future and shorten the period to achieve carbon neutrality," urging the Carbon Neutrality Committee to continue its role.
He also noted that the speed at which new technologies related to carbon neutrality are commercialized could determine the success or failure of the goals, calling on the government, companies, and the scientific community to make special efforts to advance related technologies. Additionally, he requested special efforts to quantify the carbon absorption capacity of Korea's tidal flats and rice paddies.
At the meeting, Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum emphasized, "What we have decided will structurally change society as a whole, but it is an unavoidable path, a path we must take, and a path we must take before it is too late. It is important that the people of the Republic of Korea and members of our community understand this."
Meanwhile, after the meeting, President Moon toured the Mangkkongi Forest, receiving explanations from Professor Kim Jeong-bin and Dr. Jang Hwan-jin of the National Institute of Ecology about the overview of the Mangkkongi Forest, efforts to preserve Mangkkongi frogs, and how protecting the Mangkkongi habitat is linked to carbon neutrality. President Moon asked questions about the distribution of Mangkkongi frogs on the Korean Peninsula and methods to confirm their presence. Viewing photos of Mangkkongi supporters composed of children, he urged them to dedicate themselves to the preservation of Mangkkongi frogs.
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