Voluntary Compliance

It's Time to Take Bolder Steps to Cut Greenhouse Gases

Leaders from the Group of Eight (G8) economic powers are expected to issue a declaration calling for measures to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases during their July 7-9 meeting in Hokkaido, Japan. The gathering draws keen attention on how to discuss last year's broad agreement to cut emissions in half by 2050.

South Korea shows special interest in the greenhouse gas issue as it is the world's 10th largest emitter of carbon dioxide (CO2). Chung Rae-kwon, the country's climate change ambassador, said Sunday that Seoul plans to seek flexible and voluntary compliance with the international efforts to cut back on greenhouse gases.

Chung made the remarks two days before President Lee Myung-bak leaves for Hokkaido to attend the G8 meeting. South Korea has come under growing pressure to take more proactive action to slash greenhouse gas emissions although it is not obliged to make mandatory cuts under the Kyoto Protocol. The nation will have to decide on its position on the cutback as the protocol is to be replaced with a new reduction regime in 2013.

Chung told reporters that the country will do its utmost to cut back on CO2, believing such an effort will contribute to long-term sustainable economic growth. But a question is raised over his idea of flexible and voluntary compliance. The international community might interpret the idea as South Korea's reluctance to join a mandatory reduction scheme in the post-Kyoto Protocol era.

Of course, South Korea is caught between advanced economies and developing countries over the fight against global warming. China, India and other emerging economies are against the mandatory scheme that they claim would pose a threat to their economic development. The United States are taking a lukewarm attitude, pointing out that anti-global warming measures would be meaningless if developing countries are exempt from the obligation to reduce greenhouse gases.

In this situation, South Korea is required to play a bridging role between industrialized countries and developing economies in a move to harmonize their conflicting interests. For this, the Seoul government ought to take bolder measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. And the Lee administration needs to work harder to help businesses and the people raise their awareness about the seriousness of global warming. All the economic players must actively participate in international efforts to avoid catastrophic climate change before it is too late.