Governor Kim Tae-heum of Chungcheongnam Province shared climate crisis response and carbon neutrality policy achievements with former US Vice President Al Gore and Jay Inslee, Governor of Washington State, during a Climate Leadership Education event.
 
Held on the 19th at KINTEX in Ilsan, Gyeonggi Province, the Climate Leadership Education was organized by the 'Climate Reality Project' founded by former US Vice President Al Gore. This marks the first time such an event is held domestically.
 
Attended by approximately 600 individuals, including Governor Kim, former Vice President Al Gore (current Chair of the Climate Reality Project), Governor Jay Inslee of Washington State, Governor Kim Dong-yeon of Gyeonggi Province, Co-Chair of the National Assembly Climate Change Forum Han Jeong-ae, government officials, environmental organizations, experts, businesses, and youth, the event featured discussions, dialogues, and panel discussions following a formal exchange.
 
The panel discussions encompassed topics such as △ Climate Response Policies and Progress △ Obstacles and Solutions to Promoting Renewable Energy △ Coping Strategies and Collaborative Plans for Extreme Climate-Induced Disasters △ Creating Green Jobs Through Transition to Renewable Energy △ Key Messages to Participants.
 
During this event, Governor Kim Tae-heum mentioned, "Chungcheongnam-do is the region with the highest greenhouse gas emissions in South Korea, with 29 out of the 58 coal-fired power plants located here." He continued, "Despite the challenging conditions, we declared a Special Carbon Neutrality Economy in October of last year to create future sustainable growth through achieving carbon neutrality."
 
He further explained, "First, we plan to invest around 27 trillion KRW by 2045 to expand the share of renewable energy from the current 15.8% to 68% for energy transition." He added, "For this purpose, we are focusing on fostering the hydrogen industry by creating a hydrogen energy convergence industrial belt and establishing green hydrogen production bases."
 
Governor Kim also mentioned, "To encourage active participation from local residents in tackling the climate crisis, we are organizing regional Carbon Neutrality Practice Competitions." He added, "Furthermore, as the Co-Chair of the Under2 Coalition Asia-Pacific Region, I propose carbon neutrality strategies and share success stories in international conferences. We also host an annual Carbon Neutrality International Conference to expand exchanges and cooperation."
 
Discussing the challenges faced during the transition towards achieving carbon neutrality, Governor Kim proposed alternatives such as the establishment of a "Coal-fired Power Plant Closure Special Law" and the creation of a "Just Transition Fund."
 
He emphasized, "To achieve energy transition such as the closure of coal-fired power plants, significant efforts are required to overhaul existing industries and economic systems." He added, "I am continuously suggesting the establishment of the Special Law and the creation of a just transition fund to the National Assembly and the government."
 
Governor Kim highlighted, "Through the establishment of the Special Law, we plan to create a fund of at least 10 trillion KRW, focusing on fostering alternative industries and generating jobs." He concluded, "We will work with the government and businesses to ensure a just transition in the energy transition process, leaving no one behind."
 
The Climate Leadership Education event aims to effectively convey climate crisis solutions, knowledge, and methods to individuals interested in advocating and practicing climate crisis response.
 
The event addresses climate crisis response tasks and methods across various sectors of society, discussing the environment for businesses pursuing carbon neutrality and efforts towards energy transition.
 
 
Department in Charge: Carbon Neutrality Policy and Climate Change Strategy Team
Tel : 041-635-4421