January 2025
Writer. Robert Lauler
The Korean government is ramping up its efforts to combat the climate crisis. In Dec., the Ministry of Science and ICT announced its highest-level statutory plan for developing technologies to address climate change. This plan outlines the scientific and technological initiatives for tackling the climate crisis over the next decade, with a budget of KRW 2.75 trillion.
The ministry is pursuing three main objectives: reducing greenhouse gas emissions, adapting to climate change and creating an innovation ecosystem. To reduce greenhouse gas emissions, they will expand support for next-generation nuclear systems, nuclear power plant safety technologies, and various zero-carbon energy technologies. The government will also provide ongoing support for developing technologies to replace carbon-emitting fuels and materials, including waste resource recycling. Technologies for carbon storage, absorption and utilization will be developed to help achieve national greenhouse gas reduction targets. Additionally, it will support the development of technologies for next-generation power grids, energy distribution networks and improving power transmission reliability and safety.
In terms of climate change adaptation, the ministry will assess the climate vulnerabilities of ecosystems and forests to develop response strategies. It will develop technologies to strengthen the safety management of agricultural production facilities against extreme weather and disasters. The plan includes creating greenhouse gas spatial information maps and advancing climate monitoring and prediction technologies through improved forecasting systems. Technologies for responding to climate-related disasters will also be developed.
To foster an innovation ecosystem, the government plans to vitalize climate-related technology industries by building infrastructure for battery safety evaluation and future nuclear technology development.
Beyond institutional preparations, the government is encouraging public participation through the Ministry of Environment’s “Carbon Neutral Point System.” This program rewards points redeemable as cash when citizens practice any of ten eco-friendly actions, such as receiving electronic receipts, using tumblers or reusable cups, or visiting refill stations.
In 2024, it launched a mobile app called “Carbon Pay” with simplified login through major private platforms and location-based store finding features to maximize public participation. This significant improvement in accessibility over the previous web-based system has led to remarkable growth, with registered users increasing from 260,000 in 2022 to 1.8 million in 2024. The point reward budget has also grown from KRW 2.45 billion in 2022 to KRW 14.8 billion in 2024.
The ministry plans to add “public bicycle use” and “zero food waste” as point-earning activities to encourage both new and existing participants. It expects to contribute to carbon neutrality in non-industrial sectors by continuously improving the mobile app based on user feedback and enhancing service benefits and usability.
1. Exports Led by Chips Hit Record-high USD 683.8B in 2024
The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy on Jan. 1 said the figure was 8.2% higher than the previous mark of USD 683.6 billion in 2022. Such growth was led by semiconductors, the country’s key export item.
2. Newly Enacted Law Sets Basis for Nat’l Development of AI
The Ministry of Science and ICT on Dec. 26 said the National Assembly in a plenary session passed the bill on the Act on the Development of Artificial Intelligence and Establishment of Trust (AI Basic Act).
