Kim Wan-seop "Public Safety Prefers Overreaction... Strengthening Climate Disaster Adaptation"

Kim Wan-seop, nominee for Minister of Environment, is taking an oath at the confirmation hearing held by the National Assembly's Environment and Labor Committee on the morning of the 22nd.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

Kim Wan-seop, nominee for Minister of Environment, stated on the 22nd, "To avoid missing the golden time for public safety, I am committed to strengthening the climate disaster adaptation system with the belief that overreaction is better."

On the same day, during his opening remarks at the confirmation hearing for the Minister of Environment held by the National Assembly's Environment and Labor Committee, Kim said, "Protecting the lives of the people is the fundamental duty of the state."

Kim explained, "During this year's rainy season, record-breaking heavy rains in the southern and central regions caused inconvenience and damage to many citizens," adding, "Extreme heavy rains that occur every year threaten the lives and safety of the people."

As a solution, he proposed strengthening infrastructure. Kim stated, "We will expand water-related infrastructure to proactively respond to floods and accelerate the scientific management of disaster safety systems," and explained, "To prepare for extreme droughts, we will expand the nationwide water supply network and secure alternative water resources."

He continued, "For a sustainable future, we will establish a solid foundation for carbon neutrality," mentioning, "To enhance the carbon competitiveness of domestic companies, we will support investments in greenhouse gas reduction facilities and the introduction of low-carbon innovative technologies, and improve related systems so that companies that reduce carbon well can have an advantage in the market."

Regarding the promotion of green industries, he said, "We will strengthen tailored support for climate tech development and corporate growth stages so that promising domestic green industries can lead the global market." He also presented plans to significantly expand private green investments using fiscal investments as a catalyst and actively support companies' ESG management to accelerate the green transition of our economic system.

Additionally, Kim emphasized, "We will foster core waste resource recycling industries and actively respond to the global resource security crisis through institutional improvements to promote the use of recycled raw materials," adding, "We will listen to advancing science and technology and voices from the field to ensure that environmental regulations effectively achieve their original goals while leading to private sector technological innovation and investment."

Regarding the Ministry of Environment's fundamental roles such as protecting the natural environment and ecosystems, he expressed his intention to "steadfastly uphold them." He said, "We will designate excellent natural assets as protected areas to preserve their ecological value and actively restore damaged ecosystems," and added, "By revitalizing ecotourism, more citizens will enjoy the benefits of natural assets, ensuring harmony between conservation and utilization."