Environmental laws at South Korea
South Korea has developed a comprehensive environmental legal framework aimed at promoting sustainable development, protecting natural resources, and addressing climate change. Key legislation includes the Framework Act on Environmental Policy, the Framework Act on Low Carbon, Green Growth, and the Water Environment Conservation Act. The Ministry of Environment oversees the enforcement of these laws, ensuring that citizens enjoy a healthy and pleasant life by preventing environmental pollution and damage.
Climate Change Initiatives:
In 2011, South Korea enacted the Framework Act on Low Carbon, Green Growth to provide a legal foundation for climate policies and actions. This act led to the establishment of the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) in 2015, which, in its third phase (2021-2025), covers approximately 73.5% of national greenhouse gas emissions across various industries, including steel, cement, and petrochemicals. Companies subject to the ETS are eligible for financial support from the government to install energy-efficient equipment and processes.
Environmental Challenges:
Despite a high recycling rate, South Korea faces challenges with plastic waste management. The nation experienced a 31% surge in plastic waste from 2019 to 2022, exacerbated by increased packaging during the pandemic. Experts argue that the actual recycling rate is much lower than reported, with Greenpeace estimating only 27% of plastic waste is genuinely recycled. Financial constraints and inconsistent regulations on single-use plastics contribute to untreated waste buildup.
Recent Developments:
Biomass Energy Subsidies: The South Korean government plans to reduce subsidies for biomass energy due to concerns over its contribution to deforestation and carbon emissions. However, environmental activists point out that the policy contains several loopholes and a slow phase-out timeline.
Plastic Pollution Treaty Talks: Negotiations in Busan aimed at creating a legally binding treaty to end plastic pollution concluded without an agreement. The most contentious issue was limiting plastic production, with discussions set to resume next year.
K-pop CD Production: The prevalent production of physical K-pop CDs has faced criticism for generating significant plastic waste, as fans primarily seek collectible photos rather than the CDs themselves. Activist groups plan to address this issue during international negotiations on plastic waste in South Korea.
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