south korea
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South Korea’s constitutional court orders stronger climate roadmap
South Korea’s constitutional court ruled that the government must revise its climate law to include detailed steps to meet its 2050 carbon neutrality goal.
In short:
- A South Korean court ruled that the government’s current climate plans are insufficient and ordered the National Assembly to revise them by 2026.
- The case, led by over 250 plaintiffs, including children and an unborn child, argued that a stronger roadmap is needed to protect citizens’ right to life.
- This decision could set a legal precedent across Asia, where similar climate lawsuits are underway.
Key quote:
"The court made it very clear that the climate crisis is a scientific and legal fact, and they acknowledged that the state has a duty to protect people from climate change."
— Byung-Joo Lee, attorney for the plaintiffs.
Why this matters:
This ruling highlights the growing global trend of climate lawsuits, especially by younger generations, demanding immediate action to ensure a livable future. South Korea's decision may influence similar cases worldwide, pushing governments to create enforceable climate plans.
Related: South Korea ordered to set stricter carbon targets by 2031
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Newsletter
South Korea ordered to set stricter carbon targets by 2031
A South Korean court has ruled that the country’s current climate measures are inadequate, requiring stronger carbon reduction targets to protect future generations.
In short:
- The Constitutional Court found South Korea's climate measures insufficient, violating the rights of future generations.
- The government must revise the Carbon Neutral Act to include specific reduction targets for 2031-2050.
- Activists see this ruling as a potential catalyst for similar legal actions across Asia.
Key quote:
“Future generations will be more exposed to the impact of climate change, but their participation in today’s democratic political process is limited.”
— South Korea’s Constitutional Court
Why this matters:
This ruling emphasizes the legal obligation to protect future generations from climate change, potentially inspiring stronger climate policies in Asia.
Related: South Korea's food waste recycling model turns leftovers into energy
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Credit: JaneB/Big Stock Photo
South Korea's food waste recycling model turns leftovers into energy
South Korea has transformed its approach to food waste by recycling 98% of its scraps into compost, animal feed and renewable energy, offering lessons to other nations seeking sustainable waste management solutions.
In short:
- The Daejeon Bioenergy Center in South Korea processes 400 tons of food waste daily, turning it into biogas that powers about 20,000 homes.
- South Korea implemented strict policies 20 years ago, banning food scraps from landfills and requiring residents to separate and pay for food waste disposal.
- The success of this program stems from necessity, given South Korea’s high population density and lack of landfill space.
Key quote:
“It’s one of the biggest — and dumbest — environmental problems we have today.”
— Jonathan Foley, executive director of Project Drawdown
Why this matters:
Food waste is a significant contributor to global emissions, exacerbating climate change. South Korea’s innovative model demonstrates the potential of comprehensive recycling systems in reducing food waste and generating renewable energy, inspiring other countries to adopt similar measures.
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Photo by Daniel Bernard on Unsplash
South Korea pushes ‘carbon-free’ plan at COP28. But its shift to renewables has slowed
South Korea is rolling out a new “carbon-free” campaign at this year’s COP28 that it says will reposition Seoul as a global leader in decarbonization.
Photo by andreas kretschmer on Unsplash
South Korea is a test case on how to fight an ecological disaster
After two-thirds of the country’s tidal flats were lost to shoreline development, South Korean scientists set out to prove why this ecosystem is so essential.
Image by Vũ Phạm Phương Linh from Pixabay
South Korea, Japan heat waves turn deadly as extreme weather persists
South Korea and Japan issued heat alerts as the number of deaths and cases of heatstroke continue to rise. Meanwhile, another typhoon approaches the region.
South Korea emerges as key partner for America’s energy transition
More than a third of all manufacturing investments under the Inflation Reduction Act projects went to South Korean firms, but the country struggles to ramp up clean energy projects domestically.
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