I just attended a session called Moving to a Low Carbon Pathway at the IIED’s Climate and Development Days at the DR Koncerthuset here, in Copenhagen. The panel included two very interesting presentations from delegates from South Korea and Indonesia who presented their countries’ NAMA (Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Action) Plans.
Mr. Kim Chan-Woo outlined South Korea’s “Green Growth Plan” whose mission is to achieve harmony between environmental conservation and economic development. South Korea is in a unique position in terms of “common but differentiated responsibilities” in that it is both a developing and a developed country to different degrees. Mr. Chan-Woo stated that it is in Korea’s international and domestic interest to invest in a low-carbon future. As a part of Korea’s mid-term (2009-2013) and long-term plans (2009-2050) are the mitigation plan and a 10-part policy plan which is outlined as follows:
1. effective GHG reduction- long term GHG goals
2. energy independence- 32% by 2009, 50% by 2020, 100% by 2050
3. strengthened adaptation capacity
4. promotion of green technology
5. greening of industry- export of green products
6. advanced industrial structure
7. groundwork of green economy
8. green transportation- increase in railway transport
9. green revolution in life- carbon labeling of certified products
10. leading green nation- increased share of green ODA
In addition to these unilateral actions, Korea is committed to investing 200 billion USD per year for a 5-year period through the East Asia Climate Partnership to aid countries by funding low-carbon development projects. We interviewed Mr. Chan-Woo after the event and he told us that the focus of the projects they are funding are related to water conservancy and management. Korea itself plans to restore 4 major rivers in order to guard against floods, secure water, and improve water quality.
Mr. Chan-Woo also outlined Korea’s commitment to GHG emission reductions at the COP15 of 30% from BAU, which is at the upper end of what is expected from developing countries given the current framework of the negotiations.
