Korea to go in full force for 2050 carbon neutrality

Disposable cups at cafes (Yonhap)

The Ministry of Environment will evaluate the environmental impact of major government policies and projects from September as part of its road map for carbon neutrality by 2050.

According to the plans revealed Tuesday, the minstry will also monitor the state budget and funds to have them contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gases from 2023.

For private businesses, the ministry will strengthen the related regulations to encourage the use of renewable energy.

Also, the ministry plans to stress the participation of individuals. It will launch a “carbon neutrality action point” system, providing incentives through cash or card points to individuals based on their participation for the net-zero emission goal.

Frome June 10, customers who wish to use disposable cups at coffee or fastfood franchises have to pay a 200 to 500 won deposit. They can have the deposit back when they return the cup to the stores.

Small businesses, including convinience stores and bakeries, will not be allowed to use disposable plastic bags from Nov. 24. Coffee shops will not be allowed to use disposable paper cups.

The ministry will also evaluate the effects of its fine dust management program that kicked off in December. It will also set up an artificial intelligence system for fine dust forecasts by November.

The government also seeks to increase the number of electric and hydrogen cars in use to about 500,000 in 2022, from the current 248,000 units.

New cars purchased for the public sector must be environmentally friendly vehicles.

“This is the first year of executing politices for the net-zero emissions goal by 2050,” Kim Beob-jeong, director of climate carbon policy department at the ministry, said.

“The government will do everything it can to help the economy and society to transition to carbon neutrality,” Kim said.

By Im Eun-byel (silverstar@heraldcorp.com)

Korea to go in full force for 2050 carbon neutrality
Philippines Truth