ED Urgent transport reform
In the face of an exacerbating climate emergency, South Korea, as one of the major greenhouse gas emitters and the world's fifth-largest auto manufacturing nation, stands at a crossroads, faced with the imperative to revolutionize its transport sector.
Since the first automobile was introduced to Korea a century ago, the cumulative number of registered vehicles exceeded 10 million in 1994, 20 million in 2014, and then 25 million last year. Consequently, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the transportation sector in 2022 were about 100 million tons, accounting for 15 percent of Korea's total GHG emissions.
This relentless surge in car ownership, whether petrol, diesel or electric-powered, cannot be sustained indefinitely in our society on this finite planet. In particular, the increase of new fossil-fueled vehicles needs to be carefully controlled right now and banned in the near future.
However, in the first half of 2023, 918,000 new vehicles were registered. Of these, only 8.8 percent were electric and hydrogen vehicles and the number of registered vehicles is expected to surpass 26 million soon.
Urgent, comprehensive reform is necessary to curb greenhouse gas emissions and usher in a sustainable era of mobility. The transformation must go beyond individual choices of eco-friendly vehicles; it necessitates a paradigm shift towards prioritizing and enhancing public transportation and adopting more innovative models, including shared mobility.
To address this challenge head-on, Korea must embrace a holistic approach centered more on transportation demand management and expansive and efficient public transportation. Investing in railways, subways and buses is pivotal to reducing the dependence on individual cars. These modes not only offer an eco-friendlier alternative but also alleviate traffic congestion, enhancing the overall efficiency of the transportation system.
Recently, the Seoul Transportation Corporation announced that it would launch a pilot project to remove chairs from certain subway cars during rush hour to ease congestion. However, removing chairs may attract more people and increase the likelihood of a crushing accident like the Itaewon tragedy last year. To reduce congestion, increasing the number of subway cars and reducing the interval between subway train arrivals should be prioritized.
Key to transport sector reform is a shift in the societal paradigm regarding personal vehicle ownership. The conventional model of one individual owning a car must give way to a culture of shared mobility. Car-sharing initiatives, coupled with robust public transportation options, can drastically reduce the number of vehicles on the road. By creating an enabling environment to share cars, we not only minimize the environmental impact but also optimize resource utilization, contributing to a more sustainable transport ecosystem.
A good example of promoting public transportation and discouraging the use of passenger cars is the introduction of policies akin to Germany's 9 Euro pass. Such initiatives offer affordable alternatives, incentivizing citizens to opt for public transportation. Simultaneously, regulations on the use of fossil fuel vehicles must be tightened, fostering a transition towards cleaner alternatives.
Germany's 9 Euro pass serves as an exemplary model, making public transportation an attractive and economical choice. A similar initiative in Korea would not only ease the financial burden on citizens but also contribute significantly to reducing the carbon footprint. The implementation of such policies requires a collaborative effort between government bodies, transport authorities and the private sector to ensure the seamless integration of affordable and sustainable public transportation options.
The benefits of such a transformation extend beyond environmental considerations. Reduced traffic congestion leads to improved air quality, enhanced road safety and increased overall efficiency in urban planning. Additionally, a robust public transportation system stimulates economic growth by facilitating the easy movement of people and goods, fostering connectivity within and between cities.
Korea must seize this opportune moment to enact transformative measures in its transport sector. The urgency of the climate crisis demands bold and immediate action. Incremental changes will not suffice, but a comprehensive overhaul is essential. By prioritizing public transportation, promoting shared mobility and implementing policies that favor eco-friendly alternatives, Korea can emerge as a trailblazer in sustainable urban development.
The need for reform in Korea's transport sector is not merely an environmental concern but a societal imperative. The relentless rise in passenger car ownership, irrespective of their environmental credentials, is unsustainable. A paradigm shift towards robust public transportation and shared mobility models is the need of the hour. The introduction of policies like Germany's 9 Euro pass is crucial in incentivizing citizens to choose greener alternatives while concurrently regulating the use of fossil-fueled vehicles. The time for action is now, and by embracing these changes, Korea can set an example for the world in mitigating the climate crisis through sustainable transport practices.
Jang Daul (daul.jang@greenpeace.org) is a government relations and advocacy specialist at Greenpeace East Asia Seoul Office.