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A National Vision for the Next 60 Years
At the same time, countries of the world
‘Low Carbon Green Growth’ is a national vision that will take Korea into the next 60 years.
need to pursue a “global deal” aimed at As proclaimed by President Lee Myung-bak on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the
implementing policies of fiscal expansion founding of the Republic on 15 August 2008, Korea has embarked on a new journey to a
to solve the worldwide economic recession different path of economic development - a green path.
and resolve massive layoffs. I am certain
that if they achieve such a “global deal” More than an Environmental Movement
through cooperation and joint efforts, Green Growth is not just another environmental program to remediate environmental
nations around the world would be able to pollution or mitigate greenhouse gas - It is much bigger. Environmental policies in the past
solve the current global financial crisis, have often focused on end-of-pipe solutions. Many times, they were caught in an endless
because only a global policy will be debate over ‘environment protection’ and ‘economic prosperity.’
effective in solving a global crisis. A New Paradigm for Economic Growth
(Keynote Address by President Lee Myung-bak at Global Korea 2009) Green Growth brings a new paradigm to economic development. It seeks to break away
from the conflicting nature of “green” and “growth” and achieve economic growth while
maintaining environmental integrity.
Green Growth will be the guiding principle of development for Korea. Korea will promote
economic activities in line with 3 key principles of: ① Maintaining productive economic
activities while minimizing the use of energy and resources; ② Minimizing environmental
pressure with every use of energy and resource; and ③ Making investments on environment
a driver for economic growth.
Korea’s Strategy Against Global Economic Recession
The global economy is facing one of the greatest economic challenges in history. It is time
for all countries to stimulate the domestic economy and create new jobs while strengthening
their resilience to future challenges.
Korea’s stimulus plan will focus on Green Growth. It aims to rise over the economic downfall
by restructuring and strengthening its economy, changing the consumption and production
pattern, and creating new “green collar” jobs and green industries.
Dongyang Solar Power Plant in Sinan, Jeollanam-do is the world’s largest solar power plant.
Presidential Committee and the Framework
Law on Green Growth
In order to oversee all Green Growth initiatives and provide strong
momentum, the Presidential Committee on Green Growth was
established on 16 February 2009. The Committee (co-chaired by the
Prime Minister and a distinguished professor Kim Hyung Gook)
consists of 47 members including relevant ministers and distinguished
Currently “Low Carbon, Green Growth” is a experts and stakeholders from the private sector.
key catchphrase in Korea. Since the vision The Committee is formulating the National Strategy on Green Growth
was proclaimed in August 2008, the Korean and a five-year ‘Action Plan’ for its implementation in the first half of
government has launched a series of bold 2009.
green initiatives to help Korea leapfrog into The Committee will also develop a new form of governance for Green
Growth that will bring together all stakeholders from national & local
a low carbon society. governments and private sectors.
“Chief Green Officers (CGOs)” will be appointed in all public institutions
The 1st National Basic Energy Plan to promote Green Growth in all public policies.
(2008~2030) and Comprehensive Plan on Furthermore, the government has proposed a new Framework Law
Combating Climate Change on Green Growth. If enacted, it will be a comprehensive law that will
The concept of Green Growth was integrated into the national energy encompass all related issues on energy, climate change and sustainable
and climate change plans. National energy plan, which was passed on 20 development.
August 2008, has set the goal of increasing the share of renewable
energy to 11% by 2030. Climate change plan is the most Global Leadership on Combating Climate
comprehensive and ambitious plan Korea has developed in addressing Change
climate change which includes adaptation and international efforts.
At the G8 Summit in Toyako 2008, President Lee Myung-bak made
‘Green New Deal’ Stimulus Package several key initiatives. He declared Korea will be an ‘early mover’ in
Announced on 6 January 2009, the Stimulus Package is an investment addressing climate change and announced its plan to set a 2020
plan of 50 trillion KRW (38.5 billion USD) for the next 4 years on 9 key mid-term mitigation target for Korea.
green projects and some spillover projects that will create 956 Korea is undergoing a study on its mitigation capabilities and will soon
thousand new green jobs. 2009 budget (including tax benefits) is announce its target after a national consultation based on the study
approximately 2.6% of the annual GDP. The budget is already being result. When announced, Korea will probably be the first non-Annex I
implemented and proposed additional budget request will take the total country of the UNFCCC to set its voluntary mid-term target.
number much higher.
9 Key projects include ① revitalization of 4 major rivers, ② building
green transportation, ③ building database on national territory and
resources, ④ water resource management, ⑤ green car and cleaner
energy program, ⑥ resource recycling program, ⑦ forest management
& biomass program, ⑧ green home, office and schools, ⑨ greener
landscape and infrastructure.