2024년 환경부 주요정책 추진계획 브리핑 | 한화진 장관

Summary

In this address, the Minister of Environment, Han Hwa-jin, outlines the Ministry of Environment's 2024 work plan, highlighting key initiatives to ensure public safety and sustainable growth. Key priorities include improving environmental management through innovative water management and pollution control systems, advancing green growth and carbon neutrality, and expanding green industry exports. The ministry also focuses on environmental welfare, enhancing public health through air quality management, and increasing digital accessibility to environmental services. Emphasizing collaboration with industries and stakeholders, the ministry aims to create a safer, greener future while tackling climate and environmental challenges.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Ministry of Environment has successfully implemented its 2023 plans through collaboration with stakeholders, achieving significant environmental goals.
• 😀 The first key initiative for 2024 is ensuring a safe environment by improving flood prevention and water management, including AI-based forecasting and proactive drought management.
• 😀 A major focus is improving air quality by regulating emissions from vehicles, expanding air quality monitoring, and enhancing international cooperation with China on pollution control.
• 😀 The Ministry will strengthen safety measures around hazardous chemicals, focusing on labeling and controlling the sale of unsafe chemical products, especially from online and overseas sources.
• 😀 There will be substantial investment in carbon-neutral green growth, aiming to improve national competitiveness by supporting low-carbon transitions for businesses and expanding the recycling of high-value resources.
• 😀 The government aims to achieve a target of 90 million non-polluting vehicles by 2024, focusing on electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles and expanding infrastructure such as charging stations.
• 😀 A focus will be placed on developing green industries through increased investment in green bonds and supporting green startups, including fostering 'green unicorns' by 2027.
• 😀 Environmental cooperation on a global scale will be expanded, with an emphasis on strengthening international partnerships and green industry exports, targeting a 100 trillion won export goal in the coming years.
• 😀 In line with environmental regulations, the Ministry will work on further innovation in chemical safety laws and improve the air pollution total emission system to make it more flexible and applicable.
• 😀 The Ministry is launching a new environmental reform task force aimed at re-evaluating environmental fees and reforming them to better align with the goals of environmental improvement, while also expanding regional green investment and digital platforms for easier access to environmental services.

Q & A

What are the main environmental goals for 2024 outlined in the speech?

The main goals for 2024 are to strengthen environmental management, drive green economic growth, expand environmental welfare, and implement significant environmental reforms.

How does the Ministry plan to manage water resources more effectively in 2024?

The Ministry plans to implement smart water management systems, including AI-based flood forecasting, expanding water infrastructure, and ensuring that water remains available even during droughts through flexible reservoir management.

What measures are being taken to improve air quality in 2024?

Air quality improvement measures include restricting the registration of new diesel vehicles, supporting early retirement of old diesel vehicles, and expanding air quality monitoring and forecasting. Additionally, international cooperation with China on air pollution will be enhanced.

What specific initiatives are being introduced to enhance the safety of chemicals and consumer products?

The Ministry will grade the safety of chemicals used in household products, provide clearer product labeling, and investigate illegal chemical imports. Additionally, efforts will be made to reduce the risks posed by wild animals.

How does the Ministry plan to support the transition to a low-carbon economy?

The Ministry will support businesses transitioning to low-carbon technologies by improving carbon emission reduction systems, enhancing recycling practices, and offering incentives for companies that reduce their carbon footprint.

What actions are planned to support the growth of green industries in South Korea?

The Ministry aims to increase green investments, with a focus on electric vehicles, hydrogen cars, and high-tech industries such as semiconductors. It will also encourage private sector investments and expand green industrial clusters to stimulate economic growth.

What are the Ministry's targets for green investments and exports by 2027?

The Ministry aims to increase green investments to 30 trillion won by 2027, with a focus on green bonds and other funding mechanisms. It also plans to achieve over 100 trillion won in green industry exports by the end of the Minister’s term.

How will the Ministry help the green startup sector?

The Ministry plans to provide tailored support to green startups, with an emphasis on helping them from the development phase to commercialization. It also aims to support the creation of 1,000 green 'unicorn' companies by 2027.

What steps are being taken to protect South Korea's natural environment?

The Ministry will designate areas with excellent natural assets as protected or coexisting areas. It will also promote eco-tourism and initiate projects to restore damaged ecosystems, ensuring biodiversity protection.

What is the new approach to environmental welfare in 2024?

The Ministry plans to expand environmental welfare services, including a one-stop service for resolving environmental damage, creating regional environmental health centers, and launching digital platforms for better public access to environmental information and services.