Attending the Rio Forum in Brazil as Under2 Coalition Asia-Pacific Representative
Sharing Strategies for a Just Transition and Methane Reduction with the World
Chungnam Province has strengthened its international climate leadership by showcasing South Korea's "local government-led carbon neutrality policy" on the global stage.
On behalf of Governor Kim Taeheum, Kim Youngmyung, Director of the Environment and Forestry Bureau, attended the COP30 Local Leaders Forum in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, as the Under2 Coalition Asia-Pacific Chair. There, he introduced the Chungnam-style carbon neutrality model, including strategies for a just transition and methane reduction.
The province announced on the 9th that "Director Kim Youngmyung attended the COP30 Local Leaders Forum in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from November 1 to 8 as the Under2 Coalition Asia-Pacific representative, promoting Chungnam's carbon neutrality policy to the world."
This forum, held ahead of COP30, brought together representatives from local governments in 61 countries and 106 international climate organizations across 12 sectors to discuss responses to the climate crisis and practical measures for carbon neutrality. The event was co-hosted by the COP30 presidency, the Brazilian federal government, and Bloomberg Philanthropies.
During the forum, Director Kim participated in several key events: the Under2 Coalition Governors (Ministers) Meeting, a networking and policy development meeting for local leaders focused on a just transition, a meeting with the Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and a local governments' methane reduction conference.
At the Under2 Coalition Governors (Ministers) Meeting, participants marked the coalition's 10th anniversary by discussing a vision for the next decade and ways to expand cooperation among local governments.
The province emphasized the need for solidarity among local governments to achieve national-level carbon neutrality and proposed that local governments should play a leading role in driving climate action by national governments.
At the just transition policy development meeting, Chungnam Province presented its case for enacting a "Special Act to Support the Phase-Out of Coal-Fired Power Plants."
The province explained, "In the transition process, it is essential to clarify authority and responsibility through laws and systems and to secure stable financial resources to achieve meaningful carbon neutrality."
Before the closing of the COP30 Local Leaders Forum, Director Kim met with Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of the UNFCCC, and requested, "Please ensure that climate action by local governments is recognized at the national level and reflected as a key agenda item at COP30."
At the "Local Governments Methane Reduction Meeting," Chungnam Province drew significant attention by presenting its methane reduction strategy, the first of its kind established by a local government in South Korea.
The province introduced its main strategies: establishing smart livestock complexes, developing and distributing low-methane rice varieties, building a low-methane livestock management system, achieving zero direct landfill of organic waste, and expanding waste-to-energy initiatives.
The province plans to reduce methane emissions by 35% by 2030 compared to 2021 levels.
The province stated, "Chungnam's model, based on practical strategies for the three key sectors of agriculture, waste, and energy, is an exemplary case that can be applied to other local governments," and pledged to strengthen international cooperation.
Director Kim Youngmyung stated, "As a leading local government for carbon neutrality in South Korea, Chungnam Province is paving a new path in responding to climate change," adding, "We will actively communicate to ensure that policies for a just transition and meaningful emissions reduction are expanded on the international stage."
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