Environment Minister Kim Wan-seop speaks during a press briefing at Government Complex Sejong, Tuesday. Courtesy of Ministry of Environment
By Jung Da-hyun
Korea’s environment minister, Kim Wan-seop, emphasizes the importance of global teamwork in tackling environmental challenges. He reassured that Korea would stick to its eco-friendly policies, even amidst changes in U.S. leadership.
During a recent press meeting, he stated, “While the U.S. may experience ups and downs in environmental regulations, Korea will follow its own path.” Kim pointed out that even when many rules were rolled back during Trump’s presidency, courts often intervened to maintain some regulations.
Uncertainty in the U.S. shouldn’t sway Korea’s commitment to sustainability. The minister is focused on collaboration with other nations to address pressing environmental issues. To achieve this, the ministry plans to create a new bureau for international environmental regulations and agreements.
In the past, there were questions about why the environment ministry needed funds for international affairs. But today, it’s clear that global environmental challenges require urgent attention and action. This newly proposed bureau will allow Korea to share its green technologies and assist developing countries in their sustainability efforts.
Kim believes that learning from other nations is vital. “We need to not only showcase Korean policies but also learn and apply successful strategies from around the world,” he said.
Restructuring the Ministry
Additionally, there are discussions to rename the environment ministry to the “Ministry of Climate and Environment.” This change comes from Rep. Park Jeung of the Democratic Party of Korea, who has proposed a bill to enhance the ministry’s ability to address climate change effectively.
The proposal includes elevating the ministry’s standing to a deputy prime minister-level agency and appointing another vice minister focused on climate policy. Kim supports this initiative, highlighting the need for a cohesive approach to climate challenges.
Currently, handling climate issues can be messy, involving multiple agencies without a clear plan. “To tackle these pressing problems, we need a structured system,” Kim said. He pointed out that there’s no single agency leading climate policy, making it difficult to coordinate efforts across different sectors.
Everyone agrees: better organization is key to effectively managing climate change and protecting our environment.
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