Sejong, September 6 - Minister of Environment Han Wha-jin participated in the G20 Joint Environment and Climate Ministers' Meeting held on August 31. Under the theme "Recover Together, Recover Stronger," where the heads of delegates discussed the ways to tackle environmental and climate crises. During the environment session, the delegates discussed the adoption of the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) and the roles of G20 members in ensuring the implementation of the GBF strategic plan. During the climate session, the participants discussed required actions and expansion of climate finance to keep rising global temperatures under 1.5 degrees Celsius and for the success of the 27th UN Climate Change Conference (COP27) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. 

In her speech, South Korean Environment Minister Han promoted South Korea's successful policy in relation to a circular economy and carbon neutrality. She expressed South Korea's strong will to participate in the dialogues on the global environment and emphasized the need for collaboration of G20 members. Foremost, she urged reinforcement of G20's action to enhance synergy and efficiency in responding to current environmental issues and that G20 members step up as the core platform to consolidate multilateral efforts. Furthermore, the minister shared South Korea's implementation plan to achieve a circular economy, such as the obligatory use of recycled raw materials when making plastic. She also shared a policy to reduce disposable items, such as a disposable cup deposit system, which will be started this year. As for the climate sector, Minister Han shared South Korea's efforts to meet the national goal of reducing 40% of greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, such as the establishment of the Framework Act on Carbon Neutrality and Green Growth and evaluation system of annual performance. She also emphasized that sufficient funding is vital to achieving the national environmental and climate goals and shared K-taxonomy and Climate Response Fund to encourage the country's green investment.

Moreover, Minister Han held three bilateral talks with delegates from other countries, during which she promoted South Korea's environmental policies and discussed global environmental and climate issues.

The minister met Rob Jetten, Minister of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy of the Netherlands, and Jaime de Bourbon de Parme, the Climate Envoy for the Netherlands, to discuss strengthening the partnership between the two countries in the fields of circular economy and renewable energy. The delegates concurred that policies for a circular economy play a significant role in tackling climate change. They also agreed that both countries must improve their waste recycling systems and share relevant policies. As for the renewable energy sector, the Netherlands will share its information and experience working with residents when building offshore wind farms.

With Virginijus Sinkevicius, the European Commissioner for Environment, Oceans, and Fisheries, South Korean Minister Han discussed the prospect of the COP27 and the UN Biodiversity Conference (COP15) and actions to be taken for the success of the meetings. The two agreed to work together for the global plastic pollution agreement to be reached during the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee meeting by 2024.

Lastly, the minister met with Frans Timmermans, Executive Vice-President for the European Green Deal, to discuss their policies on a circular economy and green taxonomy. They assured to continue their collaboration in the emissions trading scheme. They agreed to share the details of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, which was recently implemented by the EU, from the introductory phase to prevent the system from working against Korea-EU trade efforts.

During the bilateral meetings, Minister Han displayed South Korea's strong will and passion for hosting the Busan World Expo 2030. She asked for the delegates' support by emphasizing that South Korea has experienced and is competent enough to contribute to tackling global issues, including climate change, pandemics, and addressing the digital divide. On September 1, the minister met with Alok Sharma, President for COP26, to go over the implementation of the Glasgow Climate Agreement for a successful COP27. 

The G20 Joint Environment and Climate Ministers' Meeting was attended by 20 ministers from G20 member countries, including South Korea, the US, the EU, and Japan, as well as invited countries and representatives from international organizations such as the United Nations Environment Programme and the Convention on Biological Diversity. Indonesia, the host country, presented the chair's summary containing all the issues discussed at the meeting, including recovery from land degradation and biodiversity loss, promoting a circular economy, expanded efforts to fight climate change, and increased climate finance mobilization. The Ministry of Environment intends to continue its contribution to the international community through its active engagement in global discussions involving the UN and G20 to help solve major environmental and climate issues.

Contact: Lee Si-yoon, Deputy Director

International Cooperation Division / +82-(0)44-201-6561

Foreign Media Contact: Chun Minjo(Rachel)

+82-(0)44-201-6055 / rachelmchun@korea.kr