Han Hwa-jin, Minister of Environment, "Paradigm Shift in Water Management... Strengthening Climate Change Response"

[Asia Economy Sejong=Reporter Dongwoo Lee] Han Hwajin, Minister of Environment, stated, "We must redesign the century-long water management plan to eliminate concerns such as floods and droughts and enhance the value of water."

In his New Year's address on the 2nd, Minister Han said, "We need to shift the paradigm to water management based on science and practicality, together with the people."

Environment Minister Han Hwa-jin is holding a policy meeting with Choi Jin-sik, chairman of the Korea Federation of Medium-sized Enterprises, and other medium-sized business leaders at the Korea Federation of Medium-sized Enterprises in Mapo-gu, Seoul, on the 6th. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

He emphasized, "The debate over the four major rivers' weirs should be concluded from the perspectives of local communities and residents," adding, "I hope the introduction of an AI flood forecasting system and the installation of infrastructure such as deep rainwater storage facilities (rainwater tunnels) for flood response will be carried out without delay."

Minister Han stated, "We must responsibly implement the carbon neutrality goals pledged to the international community in response to climate change and utilize this as an opportunity for national advancement," and added, "The national greenhouse gas reduction target implementation plan to be prepared this year should be feasible and specific, based on science and technology."

He also said, "We must communicate with stakeholders and enhance field applicability while responding to carbon trade barriers through technological innovation and the creation of new carbon markets, thereby seizing growth opportunities."

Furthermore, he added, "We should foster new social service industries with creative ideas such as reusable container rentals to reduce single-use products," and "the circular economy must take a further leap forward."

Minister Han also promised to nurture the green industry, which currently accounts for only about 2% of the global market, and to engage in 'environmental sales diplomacy' together with the private sector. He pledged efforts to improve ultrafine dust under the 'Comprehensive Plan for Air Environment Improvement' and to actively respond to the global decline in biodiversity.

Minister Han vowed, "We will create new environmental values that strongly support the lives and safety of current and future generations as well as our economy."