Press Release

Board View

Incoming Minister of Environment, Han Jeoung Ae, "Carbon Neutrality stands at a critical juncture in history"

Date:
2021-01-22
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▷ 'Carbon Neutrality, Tangible Results, Inclusiveness' are the three main policy thrusts emphasized at the remote inauguration ceremony   


The Ministry of Environment (Minister Jeoung Ae, Han) proposed a new direction for environment policy for enacting carbon neutrality, which stands at a critical juncture in history. The proposal was given during the remote inauguration ceremony held Jan. 22nd at the Ministry of Environment's main conference room in Building 6 at the Government Complex Sejong.



The proposed policy directions are ① Establishing a firm foundation for implementing carbon neutrality, ② Creating tangible environmental policy results that bring hope to the people, and ③ Providing inclusive environment service.


The inauguration ceremony was attended by minimum personnel due to COVID-19, and the rest of the staff attended the ceremony remotely.


During the ceremony, Minister Han Jeoung Ae declared that the transition to carbon neutrality will be propelled forward in 2021. It will also be the year the Moon Jae-In administration's climate and environment policies will show tangible effect.


Toward this end, Minister Han declared her vision for realizing the carbon neutral future and she proposed core policy directions for building the firm foundation for its success. 


Minister Han also promised that improvement to successful environmental policies such as last year's fine dust reduction policy will be rolled out expeditiously and the core national projects such as the Green New Deal and the Plastic-Free Movement will show tangible results to the benefit of the people.


Additionally, the environmental social net will be established to safeguard the vulnurable from the climate crisis, environmental pollution, and chemical substances. Inclusive environmental services will also be provided, which will forge a path to co-existence between nature and humankind.


Lastly, Minister Han urged the Ministry of Environment staff to reach out to the people and take close note of their opinions. Minister Han also emphasized practical and flexible approachs to protecting the inherent value of the environment.


After the inauguration ceremony, Minister Han held online meetings at the Ministry of Environment Fine Dust Situation Room with the Greenhouse Gas Inventory and Research Center, the National Center for Fine Dust Information, and the Nakdonggang River Basin Environmental Office staff.


These relay meetings began with words of encouragement to the staff of the Fine Dust Situation Room, and the staff had an opportunity to make recommendations to the minister. Minister Han thanked the staff for their hard work and reemphsized the gravity of reducing fine dust and the transition to carbon neutrality.


In advance of the inauguration ceremony, Minister Han visited the Seoul National Cemetery and paid respects to the Hyeonchungtap Memorial Tower. She wrote her vows on the visitors' register: "We will preserve the blue skies and clear waters, create environmental welfare for all, and establish environmental policies for future generations."


A person working with the Ministry of Environment said of the incoming minister, "The minister has shown her vast professional capacities in the environment field during her tenure as administrator at the National Assembly Environment and Labor Committee. She is also well known for her excellent policy steering skills as well." The person added, "The ministry staff have high expectations, as Minister Han is also well regarded by opposition party members."