PM vows balanced approach in setting 2035 emission reduction goal

SEOUL, Nov. 9 (Yonhap) -- Prime Minister Kim Min-seok on Sunday vowed that the government will reflect demands from civil and industrial sectors as much as possible when setting the nation's greenhouse gas emission reduction goal for 2035.

"Based on respect for the Constitutional Court's ruling, the government will seek wisdom that reflects the international community, local civic groups and industrial sectors," Kim said during a high-level policy consultation meeting between the ruling party and the government.

Last week, the government unveiled two proposals for the nationally determined contribution (NDC) by 2035, one of which will be submitted to the United Nations.

Under the first option, South Korea would cut greenhouse gas emissions by between 50 and 60 percent by the target year, while the second option calls for a reduction of between 53 and 60 percent.

Following the announcement, industry and environmental groups voiced concerns over the proposed targets, arguing they are either too high or too low.

In a ruling in August last year, the Constitutional Court stressed that greenhouse gas reduction targets must comply with scientific and international standards while avoiding excessive burdens on future generations.

The government plans to finalize the proposal this week after further discussions through the ruling party-government consultation meeting, deliberation by a presidential committee and approval by the Cabinet.

brk@yna.co.kr
(END)