The 2nd Carbon Neutral Policy Forum Explores Solutions for Building a Carbon Neutral City in Yeoncheon-gun

The Carbon Neutrality Support Center of Yeoncheon-gun, Gyeonggi Province, announced on the 26th that a passionate discussion among various experts took place on the 22nd in collaboration with Daejin University.

Yeoncheon County is seeking practical solutions to build a carbon-neutral city. Photo by Yeoncheon County

The theme of the forum was “Practical Solutions for Building a Carbon Neutral City in Yeoncheon-gun,” serving as a platform to present concrete strategies and measures to develop Yeoncheon-gun into a carbon neutral city. The forum’s keynote presentations were delivered by two experts, each conveying important messages from different perspectives.

First, Dr. Choi Seung-cheol, a research fellow at the National Climate Change Research Institute, presented on the topic “Leap to a Carbon Neutral City, Yeoncheon.” The second presenter was CEO Kim Han-jin of Korea Green Resources, who spoke about “Activating the Resident-Participatory Carbon Neutral Dapsari Park and Environmental Improvement Plans for the Military Base Relocation Site Based on Nature-Based Solutions.”

Professor Jeon Mi-ae (Daejin University, Director of Yeoncheon-gun Carbon Neutrality Support Center) stated that this forum presented a roadmap for Yeoncheon-gun to transform into a carbon neutral city. She explained that the forum introduced ways to leverage Yeoncheon-gun’s geographical and existing environmental characteristics to establish a sustainable energy system and encourage active participation from local residents. She also mentioned that the project to transform Yeoncheon-gun’s Dapsari Park into a carbon neutral park and the nature-based solutions for the military base relocation site are long-standing projects of the Yeoncheon-gun Carbon Neutrality Support Center, and that this forum enabled the development of environmentally improved plans.

The forum was moderated by Professor Noh Byung-ryeol (Daejin University, former Director of Daejin University Carbon Neutrality Support Center). After the forum, panel discussions were held with participation from Professor Kim Yong-ho (Director of Strategic Intelligence, Joint Chiefs of Staff), Dr. Han Jin-i (Research Fellow, Climate Environment Research Division, Gyeonggi Research Institute), Dr. Kim Sang-gyu (Research Fellow, Gyeonggi Research Institute / Adjunct Professor, Hanyang University), and Chairman Kim Kyung-sik (Barugesalgi Yeoncheon-gun Council). The panelists engaged in in-depth discussions on each presentation, emphasizing the need for cooperation among government, businesses, and local communities to achieve Yeoncheon-gun’s carbon neutrality goals and exploring solutions from policy and technical perspectives.

Professor Jeon Mi-ae (Daejin University, Director of Yeoncheon-gun Carbon Neutrality Support Center) concluded the forum by stating, “The carbon neutrality goal goes beyond mere environmental protection; it is a crucial task connected to improving the local economy and residents’ quality of life.” She added, “Based on the diverse opinions raised during this forum, we will actively support Yeoncheon-gun’s growth into a practical carbon neutral city.”

This forum, which presented practical solutions for building a carbon neutral city in Yeoncheon-gun, is regarded as a meaningful occasion marking an important first step toward carbon neutrality.