Korea’s 2035 emissions plan faces backlash from both environmentalists, industry groups

Attendees hold signs opposing the government’s 2035 Nationally Determined Contribution plan during a public hearing at the National Assembly in Seoul, Thursday. The government presented final candidate targets of 50-60 percent and 53-60 percent reductions from 2018 levels. Yonhap

Korea’s newly announced greenhouse gas reduction targets, unveiled Thursday, are drawing criticism from both environmentalists and industry leaders.

Activists argue that the plan represents a retreat from previous climate goals, while manufacturing representatives contend it places unrealistic demands on the sector.

The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment presented two options for the nation’s 2035 Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC): a 50 to 60 percent cut in emissions from 2018 levels, or a slightly stronger range of 53 to 60 percent.

The target will be finalized next week after review by the presidential 2050 Carbon Neutrality and Green Growth Commission and the Cabinet. It will be announced at the U.N. Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belem, Brazil.

Minister Kim Sung-whan said the government sought a "balanced goal" that is both scientifically sound and economically feasible, reflecting sharply divided views: Civil society has demanded at least a 61 percent cut, while industries warn that even a 48 percent reduction is excessive.

"President Lee Jae Myung promised a responsible emissions target to the international community," Kim said. "This plan represents Korea’s commitment to contribute to global efforts without overburdening future generations."

Kim Sung-whan, minister of climate, energy and environment, speaks at a public hearing on the 2035 national greenhouse gas reduction target in the National Assembly, Seoul, Thursday. Yonhap

Still, environmental groups slammed the proposal as "regressive," claiming that it prioritizes industrial concerns over scientific necessity.

Climate Solutions, a Seoul-based NGO, said the lower end of the government’s range signals retreat rather than progress. "Major economies have already pledged over 60 percent reductions," the group said. "By holding back, Korea is constraining its own economic future and losing climate leadership."

Plan 1.5, another advocacy organization, called the NDC "unconstitutional," claiming it ignores the Constitutional Court’s earlier ruling that the government must set goals aligned with international standards to avoid passing excessive costs to future generations. "The plan falls short of the global average reduction pathway of 61 percent needed to meet the Paris Agreement," the group said.

Lawmakers echoed the criticism. Rep. Wi Seong-gon, head of the National Assembly’s Special Committee on Climate Crisis, said the proposal "falls far below international expectations."

He noted the committee had proposed a 65 percent reduction target, while he had personally introduced legislation for a 60 percent cut. "The president’s intent to set a responsible goal seems reflected, but I hope the government will pursue a more ambitious path," he said.

The ministry maintained that the new NDC framework is designed to shift Korea’s approach from simple reduction to "green transformation." It aims to expand renewables, electrify industrial processes and invest in carbon capture and storage. Under the upper-end 60 percent cut scenario, total net emissions would fall to about 297 million metric tons by 2035, down from 742 million tons in 2018.

Attendees hold a demonstration at the National Assembly in Seoul, Thursday, urging the government to set its carbon reduction target at 65 percent. Yonhap

Industry officials, however, said the targets risk economic fallout.

“Even a 48 percent cut exceeded our technical capacity. Now 50 to 60 percent is beyond feasibility," said Kang Sung-wook, policy head at the Korea Iron and Steel Association. He warned that production cuts and job losses would follow if the government proceeds without clear technological pathways.

Jo Young-jun, chief of sustainability at the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, called for "institutional backing" to help industries meet the challenge. "Innovation in carbon-reduction technologies is essential, but commercialization is lagging," he said. "Other advanced economies are supporting businesses so that decarbonization and economic growth advance together. Korea must do the same."

Ahead of the announcement, the chamber and eight industry associations submitted a joint petition urging the government to set "balanced targets that protect national competitiveness." They emphasized the need for state support through funding, infrastructure and policies that foster low carbon markets and carbon free energy sources.