President Moon Jae-in instructed cabinet ministers Nov. 3 to map out ways to accelerate energy transition, such as dehydrogenation, activation of hydrogen economy and expansion of share of renewable energy.
President Moon made the remarks at a Cabinet meeting presided over by Cheong Wa Dae on the same day, saying, "Carbon neutrality is the direction the world should move together to jointly respond to the climate crisis." Carbon neutrality refers to the absorption of as much carbon dioxide as it emits, making real emissions "zero."
"The European Union (EU) announced carbon neutrality in 2050 through the Green Deal last year, and China declared carbon neutrality in 2060 and Japan in 2050, and we should also actively participate in this global trend as a responsible member of the international community," President Moon said.
"As major countries such as the EU are raising environmental regulations and barriers further, companies can survive only when they go to eco-friendly and low-carbon economies," he said.
"We need to use carbon neutrality as an opportunity for technological innovation and industrial structure innovation, and make it an opportunity for new growth engines and new job creation," President Moon said.
In his speech to the National Assembly on Oct. 28, President Moon said, "We will actively respond to climate change with the international community and move toward carbon neutrality in 2050. We will replace coal power with renewable energy, creating new markets and industries and creating jobs."
