Environmental groups demand veto of Forest Road Act, citing climate concerns

The recent passage of the Forest Road Act by the National Assembly has ignited fierce opposition from environmental organizations across South Korea. These groups, joined by lawmakers like Cha Gyu-geun of the Cho Kuk Innovation Party, are vehemently protesting the law, arguing it represents a grave threat to our nation's vital forest ecosystems and a dangerous step backward in the fight against climate change. The law, which passed on March 23, is criticized for its potential to accelerate forest destruction under the guise of building forest roads, thereby undermining critical carbon sinks.

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We oppose the Forest Road Act that destroys forests in the era of climate crisis.

Environmental activists, including prominent organizations like the Korean Federation for Environmental Movement and Green Korea United, have voiced strong objections, demanding President Yoon Suk Yeol exercise his veto power. They argue that the law's provisions, which streamline the process for forest road construction by exempting it from various environmental permits, will lead to the irreparable damage of natural forests and protected areas. This is particularly concerning given South Korea's current protected land coverage, which falls short of international biodiversity goals.

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President Lee Jae-myung should exercise his right of 재의요구권 (request for reconsideration) on the Forest Road Act, and the National Assembly should hold a public hearing and review the bill in its entirety.

Furthermore, the environmental groups question the efficacy of the law in preventing wildfires, a growing concern in recent years. Citing research that indicates a correlation between increased forest accessibility and a higher risk of fires, they point to evidence suggesting that areas with more forest roads have a greater incidence of crown fires and are closer to wildfire damage zones. The law's emphasis on expanding forest roads for disaster response is thus seen as counterproductive and potentially exacerbating the very problems it claims to solve.

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The core content of this bill, which argues for increasing forest roads for forest management and wildfire suppression, is controversial.

From our perspective at Hankyoreh, this legislation represents a worrying trend of prioritizing development over environmental preservation. The lack of thorough public deliberation and the disregard for expert opinions from bodies like the National Park Service and the Korea Forest Service are deeply concerning. While proponents argue that forest roads are essential for forest management and can even aid in carbon absorption through afforestation, we believe the potential for widespread ecological damage and the exacerbation of climate change impacts far outweigh any perceived benefits. This law, in its current form, demands a comprehensive re-evaluation and a commitment to genuine public discourse.

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Despite this, it passed the plenary session with content that broadly simplifies the procedures for forest road construction without sufficient public discussion.