[Changes in the Second Half of 2022] Implementation of Climate Impact Assessment in Construction Including Energy, Urban Development, and Ports

[Asia Economy Sejong=Reporter Dongwoo Lee] Starting in September, the government will implement the 'Climate Change Impact Assessment' system as a measure to internalize carbon neutrality in major national plans and projects. The intention is to strengthen the assessment of climate change impacts before executing major projects.

The government published a booklet titled 'Changes Starting from the Second Half of 2022' on the 30th, which includes these details.

The Climate Change Impact Assessment targets 10 sectors among existing strategic and environmental impact assessment subjects that emit large amounts of greenhouse gases or are vulnerable to the climate crisis. It will first be applied to energy, industrial complexes, urban development, and ports, which have high greenhouse gas emissions, and will be sequentially implemented for roads, airports, and waste management next year.

Prior to this, from July, the 'Environmental Label Certification System' will be revamped by applying world-class environmental standards. Amid increasing green consumers and expanding ESG management, the government plans to expand the range of premium certified products that meet stricter standards.

The premium certification group will be expanded to include laptops, monitors, kitchen and laundry detergents, shampoo, rinse and body wash, and clothing product groups. Additionally, general certification standards will be improved in connection with domestic and international policies, such as making the biodegradation test conditions for biodegradable resin products more realistic by changing from composting conditions to general soil conditions.

New soil contamination standards for dioxins will also be established. Starting from the 22nd of next month, dioxins designated as soil contaminants will be managed by setting soil contamination concern standards and countermeasure standards.

From October, two species of ecosystem-disturbing organisms and 162 species of organisms requiring entry caution will be additionally designated. Based on ecosystem risk assessment results, two species classified as Grade 1 (high risk)?the wolf turtle and Ambrosia artemisiifolia?will be designated as invasive species.

Transmission of construction waste processing site information will also be made mandatory. Construction waste processors will be required to electronically transmit site information related to waste processing, in addition to matters concerning the transfer and receipt of waste. This includes location information of waste collection and transport vehicles, weight measurements, and video information. This system is expected to be used to verify whether emission reports are missing or have been tampered with.

The Korea Meteorological Administration will provide 10-day meteorological drought forecast information starting in September. In addition to the existing monthly and quarterly meteorological drought forecasts, detailed daily prediction information up to ten days ahead will be newly provided.

Furthermore, the Weather Alert app for public convenience will be completely revamped. The 'KMA Weather Alert' app, which provides real-time notifications of earthquakes and hazardous weather, will add features such as widget services that allow weather checks without launching the app and larger text adjustments to improve usability for vulnerable groups and the elderly.