Government Proposes 50–60% or 53–60% Greenhouse Gas Reduction Target for 2035

[Financial News] The government has selected two final candidate scenarios for the 2035 Nationally Determined Contribution (2035 NDC): reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 50–60% or by 53–60% compared to 2018 levels by 2035. The government stated that the targets were set with a focus on realistic feasibility. However, both the industrial sector and environmental groups voiced criticism.
On the 6th, the government held a public hearing on the '2035 Nationally Determined Contribution (2035 NDC)' at the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea and unveiled the two final candidate targets. Previously, during six rounds of discussions, four scenarios were considered: a 48% reduction, a 53% reduction, a 61% reduction, and a 65% reduction.
However, as consensus could not be easily reached, the candidates were presented as ranges rather than single figures. The first option sets a lower bound of a 50% reduction and an upper bound of a 60% reduction by 2035 compared to 2018. The second option proposes a lower bound of a 53% reduction and an upper bound of a 60% reduction.
At the public hearing, Minister Kim Sung-hwan explained, "Civil society has emphasized global responsibility and obligations to future generations, insisting that greenhouse gas emissions should be reduced by at least 61%, or ambitiously up to 65%. However, the industrial sector claims that even a 48% reduction is challenging." He added, "As a result, the targets have been presented as ranges rather than a single figure."
The industrial sector, which has consistently maintained that even a 48% reduction is difficult, expressed disappointment that the minimum lower bound was set at 50%.
Youngjun Cho, Head of the Center for Sustainable Management at the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), stated, "Among the scenarios developed by the technical working group of the Greenhouse Gas Information Center, which included various ministries and experts, the most ambitious and proactive proposal was a 48% reduction." He added, "It is regrettable that a scientifically well-reviewed scenario is being dismissed as a weak proposal simply because it reflects the demands of the industrial sector."
On the other hand, environmental groups also continued their criticism. Solutions for Our Climate (SFOC) issued a statement, saying, "The government’s proposals are essentially insufficient targets, as they are likely to focus on the lower bounds of 50% or 53%." The group pointed out, "Major countries have already proposed reductions of more than 60%."
After gathering feedback through the public hearing, the government plans to finalize a single lower-bound target through further discussions next week at the 2050 Carbon Neutrality and Green Growth Commission and the State Council of the Republic of Korea. The official announcement will be made at the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP30), which opens on the 10th (local time) in Belém, Brazil, and the target will be submitted to the UNFCCC secretariat in December.

aber@fnnews.com Park Ji-young Reporter