On the 15th, Kim Sung-hwan, the nominee for Minister of Environment, stated, "I will promote the transition to a decarbonized green civilization together with the people."
At the personnel hearing held by the National Assembly's Environment and Labor Committee that day, Kim noted, "I will listen with an open attitude to everyone and reflect the wisdom and capabilities of the field in policy."
He said, "Carbon civilization based on fossil fuels has caused a desperate climate crisis situation," adding, "It has become the greatest challenge humanity must solve."
He emphasized, "To respond to the climate crisis, it's urgent to drastically reduce fossil fuel use and to obtain essential energy from renewable energy sources."
Kim stated, "If given the opportunity to serve as Minister of Environment, I will enhance the sustainability of society and the economy to lay the foundation for a decarbonized green civilization," adding, "I will establish a milestone for achieving carbon neutrality."
He said, "I will focus on fostering decarbonized industries such as electric vehicles, heat pumps, and renewable energy to create jobs and enhance export competitiveness." He further stated, "I will discover renewable energy transition models that reflect regional characteristics, sharing benefits with local residents to invigorate areas facing population decline."
He also promised to normalize the emissions trading system. Kim mentioned, "I will increase the ratio of paid allocation of emission permits to strengthen the carbon reduction function of the emissions trading market," stating, "I will prepare a challenging yet feasible national greenhouse gas reduction target for 2035 and a long-term reduction pathway for 2050."
Regarding climate disasters, he said, "I will enhance flood forecasting using artificial intelligence (AI) and expand flood defense facilities, such as deep underground rainwater tunnels, to prevent urban flooding."
Kim noted, "I will timely support water supply facilities for high-tech industries such as semiconductors and secondary batteries," adding, "In areas with water shortages and where pipeline supply is difficult, I will expand alternative water resource facilities that fit regional characteristics, such as underground water reservoirs and seawater desalination facilities."
He mentioned the importance of a sustainable circular economy, stating, "I will transition to a circular economic structure of circular use and source reduction to minimize the detrimental impacts on the planet while creating a new model where humanity and nature coexist."
He added, "This year, I will establish a roadmap for reducing plastic and focus on efforts toward public health and safety, as well as a sustainable future," stating, "I will expand the obligation to use recycled materials and enhance the recycling responsibility of manufacturers and importers of plastic and electronic products."
Kim said, "To achieve a blue sky free of fine dust, I will gradually strengthen the total air pollutant control system to reduce air pollutants from business sites."
He continued, "I will also support environmental improvements for surrounding emission businesses through projects that the people can feel," adding, "I will restore the natural characteristics of the four major rivers."
He further noted, "I will fundamentally resolve the issues faced by victims of humidifier disinfectants," adding, "I will establish a thorough environmental welfare system to ensure that vulnerable groups, including low-income individuals, children, and the elderly, are not neglected and can secure their basic environmental rights."