Establishing a Roadmap for Phasing Out Plastics
Pledging to Expand Biodiversity Protected Areas
"Incentives for Public Participation in Carbon Reduction Efforts"
Lee Jae Myung, former leader of the Democratic Party and a presidential primary candidate, pledged, "I will achieve the 2030 greenhouse gas reduction target." He also stated, "By reducing greenhouse gas emissions, I will remove the stigma of South Korea being labeled a 'climate villain.'"
On April 22, through social networking services (SNS), Lee announced his presidential campaign pledges. On the occasion of the 55th Earth Day, he assessed South Korea’s response to the climate crisis as "concerning." Lee pointed out, "According to the Climate Change Performance Index (CCP) released last November by the global nonprofit Climate Action Network (CAT), South Korea ranked 63rd out of 67 countries," adding, "Excluding oil-producing countries, we are at the very bottom."
In this context, he presented the goal of "achieving the 2030 greenhouse gas reduction target and quickly redefining the reduction roadmap for the period after 2035." He also stated, "By hosting the 33rd Conference of the Parties (COP33) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in 2028, I will establish the 'K-Initiative' as a global model in the environmental sector." He further added, "We will provide clear incentives for public participation in carbon reduction efforts."
He also pledged to establish a roadmap for phasing out plastics. Lee said, "Just like 'Almaeng Store,' which sells only the essentials to reduce waste, I will support infrastructure for circular economy hubs voluntarily created by citizens." He continued, "In the mid- to long-term, I will strategically foster the bioplastics industry and create a resource-circulating economy in daily life by guaranteeing 'consumer repair rights.'"
Lee Jae Myung, the Democratic Party presidential primary candidate, attended the "Policy Meeting for Revitalizing the Capital Market" held at the Korea Financial Investment Association in Yeouido, Seoul, on the 21st, and delivered opening remarks. At this event, Lee met with heads of securities firms' research centers to receive briefings on the current status and evaluation of the Korean stock market and exchanged opinions on ways to advance the market. 2025.04.21 Photo by Yoon Dongjoo
He also proposed measures to address fine dust and its reduction. He pledged to phase out coal power generation by 2040 and increase the supply of electric vehicles. In addition, he stated, "We will cooperate with neighboring countries such as Japan and China to reduce fine dust." Regarding biodiversity restoration, he said, "We will focus on restoring biodiversity in areas affected by wildfires," and added, "We will gradually expand protected areas for terrestrial and marine biodiversity and significantly strengthen the functions of the National Biodiversity Committee."
At the end of his SNS post, Lee said, "This evening, let’s all turn off the lights for 10 minutes and look for stars in the sky together," adding, "From now on, it’s time for a truly 'sustainable' Republic of Korea. Today, I am Lee Jae Myung, 'protecting the Earth.'"
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