South Korea's audit board to scrutinize government's climate response

South Korea's Board of Audit and Inspection (BAI) is launching a comprehensive audit into the government's climate crisis preparedness for the latter half of 2026. The audit will scrutinize key areas of the government's environmental policy, including efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation sector, the operational effectiveness of the Climate Response Fund, and the promotion of green finance initiatives.

The BAI aims to provide an overall assessment of how effectively the government is implementing its policies for emissions reduction and climate adaptation. Specific areas within the transportation sector that will be examined include the achievement rates for electric and hydrogen vehicle adoption targets, the execution of subsidies for eco-friendly vehicles, the effectiveness of the "eco-friendly vehicle sales target system," and policies aimed at expanding public transportation.

Additionally, the audit will investigate whether the Climate Response Fund, established in 2022, is being utilized for its intended purposes. This fund supports various initiatives such as the low-carbon transition in industries, renewable energy development, and research and development in climate technology. The BAI will also assess the appropriateness of fund allocation for environmental improvement projects, including renewable energy investments and greenhouse gas reduction initiatives.

Beyond climate-related policies, the BAI's audit plan includes examining public finances and other public welfare matters. This involves reviewing the operational status of various tax benefits, such as exemptions, reductions, and deductions, which collectively amount to approximately 80.5 trillion won this year. The audit will also delve into the management of public funds, including the Seoul Youth Safety Housing deposit and rent, responses to school violence, and the inspection of defects in apartment complexes.

The BAI also announced its intention to strengthen public integrity through audits targeting local corruption, passive administration, and moral hazard among public officials. Furthermore, the board is currently conducting an accounting audit of the National Election Commission following an issue with ballot paper shortages during the recent local elections, with a second phase of the audit scheduled for August.