[Reporter’s Notebook] Greenhouse Gas Reduction: Execution Matters More Than Targets

"It's easy for anyone to set ambitious goals. But without additional policy support from the government, we won't even come close to achieving them."

The reactions of manufacturing industry representatives encountered during the reporting process bordered on cynicism rather than mere concern. The government has finalized its goal in a Cabinet meeting to reduce national greenhouse gas emissions by up to 61% compared to 2018 levels by 2035. Although the President has instructed officials to closely monitor the difficulties faced by citizens and businesses during the implementation process, the response on the ground remains cold. What is needed now is not perfunctory reassurance, but an implementation strategy and bold support that reflect the realities on site.

For the government's so-called "realistic roadmap" to truly reflect reality, it must first assess market conditions with a clear-eyed perspective. The Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment has stated, "By 2030, 40% of new cars, and by 2035, 70% will be electric or hydrogen vehicles." As of 2024, electric and hydrogen vehicles account for only 9.2% of annual sales in the domestic market of 1.6 million vehicles. This means that within six years, this proportion must be increased by more than fourfold.

Furthermore, according to the government's plan, by 2030, zero-emission vehicles must account for 40% of new car sales, with a cumulative total of 4.5 million registered vehicles. Including this year, more than 600,000 units must be sold annually. However, next year's subsidy budget covers only about 300,000 vehicles. As of November, with just over two months left in the year, electric vehicle subsidies have already been exhausted in major cities nationwide, including Daegu and Incheon. Even those willing to purchase must now wait until next year. The government needs to provide breathing room for the market through early budget execution or additional support.

Most urgently, a policy shift to revive demand is needed. The problem on the ground is simple: there are currently no buyers for electric vehicles. The government must shift its policy focus to demand, including expanding subsidies. Practical incentives are essential, such as increasing per-vehicle subsidies for zero-emission vehicles, temporarily reinstating special discounts on charging fees, maintaining the 50% highway toll discount, and partially allowing access to bus-only lanes.

Expanding charging infrastructure is also a key challenge. The main reason consumers hesitate to buy electric vehicles remains the "inconvenience of charging." It's not enough to simply increase the number of chargers; a precise deployment plan that considers population density, residential patterns, and vehicle distribution is required. A control tower overseeing the entire implementation process is also urgently needed.

While the industry has many regrets, the target has already been set. What remains is to clarify who will carry out the goal, under what structure of responsibility, and how it will be implemented. If the government once again relies solely on the private sector to bear the burden without a concrete framework for execution, this emissions reduction target will also remain a "declaration divorced from reality."