The Ministry of Environment (Minister Han Wha-jin) announced on the afternoon of March 12 that Minister Han Wha-jin and John Podesta, Senior Advisor to the President of the United States for International Climate Policy, discussed ways to strengthen policy coordination in the climate sector between South Korea and the United States at the Han River Flood Control Office (located in Seocho-gu, Seoul).

* John Podesta was appointed as Senior Advisor to President Biden of the United States for International Climate Policy on January 31 of this year, overseeing implementation of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and climate change policy.

The Ministry of Environment discussed climate leadership of both South Korea and the United States, as well as the next Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), cooperation on clean energy transition, and global climate finance goals through this bilateral meeting. The Ministry explained to the US side that in the process of establishing the 2035 Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), it plans to engage with various stakeholders such as the industry, experts, and youth to secure social consensus. Both governments agreed to actively cooperate with each other throughout this process.

Minister Han Wha-jin emphasized that the transition to clean energy is a crucial part of accelerating carbon neutrality. Minister Han introduced plans to actively utilize zero-carbon energy sources such as renewables, nuclear power, and hydrogen, alongside the promotion of clean energy transition. In particular, she requested participation from the US side in the Carbon-Free Energy (CFE) initiative being pursued by the South Korean government. 

Senior Advisor Podesta shared examples of the US government's efforts to promote the supply of zero-carbon energy and also mentioned the importance of methane reduction, one of the greenhouse gases. Both governments con.firmed their commitment to continue efforts for methane reduction in the future.

Furthermore, they agreed on the significance of discussing New Collective Quantified Goals (NCQG) at the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, scheduled to be held in Baku, Azerbaijan, in November this year. They pledged to demonstrate climate leadership together in the international community.

* New Collective Quantified Goal: At COP26 (2021), agreement was reached to establish NCQG by 2024 as a new climate finance goal beyond 2025.

Senior Advisor Podesta stated, "Choosing South Korea as my first destination after assuming office reflects the importance we place on our partnership with Korea. The United States, like Korea, is preparing to establish its next national greenhouse gas reduction target (NDC), and we look forward to both countries taking the lead in the international community to achieve ambitious goals."

Minister Han Wha-jin stated, "We will strive to establish scientifically and rationally sound greenhouse gas reduction targets based on technological innovation, in line with the principles of progress outlined in the Paris Agreement." She added, "On the occasion of this bilateral meeting, we look forward to strengthening climate and environmental cooperation between our two countries."

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