Kim Sungwhan Inaugurated as Environment Minister: "Fostering Decarbonized Industries Like Batteries to Create Jobs"

International Economic Order Restructured Around Carbon Neutrality
Abnormal Weather Becomes Part of Daily Life
Expansion of Solar and Wind Renewable Energy
Emphasis on Restoring the Natural State of the Four Major Rivers

On July 22, newly appointed Minister of Environment Kim Sungwhan stated in his inaugural address, "At a time when the climate crisis threatens the survival of humanity and the international economic order is rapidly being reorganized around carbon neutrality, I feel a profound sense of responsibility and mission as I assume the role of Minister of Environment."

Minister Kim said, "Concerns about the climate crisis have become reality before our eyes through abnormal weather that is now part of daily life. Recently, record-breaking heavy rains have claimed the lives of many citizens and destroyed their homes, and once the rain stops, deadly heat waves are expected to follow." He continued, "Last spring, we also experienced disastrous wildfires. Climate disasters such as heavy rain, heat waves, and wildfires are intensifying every year and threatening the daily lives of our people. This is evidence that our social and economic structures are no longer sustainable."

Minister Kim emphasized, "It is extremely urgent that we move away from a fossil fuel-based carbon civilization and make a grand transition to a decarbonized green civilization centered on renewable energy before it is too late. In the future, decarbonized industrial competitiveness will become synonymous with national competitiveness." He stated, "The Ministry of Environment will take a leading role in helping Korea emerge as a central nation in the decarbonized green civilization," and set a specific goal: "By 2030, we must reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40% compared to 2018 levels."

Minister Kim said, "We will turn efforts to improve our structure in response to the climate crisis into opportunities for fostering green industries and regional development. The promotion of decarbonized industries such as electric vehicles, batteries, heat pumps, and renewable energy can lead to the creation of new jobs and enhance the export competitiveness of domestic companies." In particular, he announced, "We will significantly expand renewable energy sources suited to local characteristics, such as solar power, wind power, and biogas, and share the benefits with local residents to contribute to regional vitality."

Kim Sungwhan, nominee for Minister of Environment, is responding to committee members' questions at the confirmation hearing held by the National Assembly's Environment and Labor Committee on the 15th. 2025.7.15 Photo by Kim Hyunmin

He also stated, "The 2035 national greenhouse gas reduction target and the 2050 long-term reduction pathway are crucial tasks that will determine the lives of future generations. The targets must be ambitious yet reasonable, and we will reflect the new government's commitment to carbon neutrality while achieving social consensus through democratic procedures."

He expressed his commitment to establishing a robust safety net against climate disasters. Minister Kim said, "We will comprehensively review the climate disaster response system and fundamentally change necessary areas to protect the lives and safety of the people." He also said, "Within this year, we will establish a roadmap for plastic phase-out based on source reduction and circular use, drastically improving the management of plastics throughout their lifecycle."

He also highlighted the re-naturalization of the Four Major Rivers. Minister Kim stated, "We will enhance the biodiversity of the national territory so that more citizens can enjoy the benefits of nature, and restore the natural state of the Four Major Rivers by ensuring the continuity of water flow from the source to the estuary." Additionally, he said, "We must meticulously manage environmental risk factors closely related to people's daily lives, such as fine dust, hazardous chemicals, and algal blooms, so that no one is left behind and everyone is guaranteed their basic environmental rights."

Minister Kim emphasized, "In this era of climate crisis, public expectations and interest in the Ministry of Environment are growing, and our role and responsibility are becoming ever more significant. The five years of the Lee Jaemyung administration will be a critical period to overcome the existential climate crisis."