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South Korean climate committee earns failing grade

From Hankyoreh · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • South Korea's parliamentary special committee on climate crisis has been rated as failing its mandate, with no climate or energy-related bills passed during its 17-month term.
  • An analysis of committee members' statements found over half were neutral or counterproductive to climate goals, with an average score of 0.42 out of a possible score reflecting alignment with the Paris Agreement's 1.5-degree target.
  • The committee's low attendance, limited legislative output, and a significant portion of members opposing stricter climate policies highlight a lack of proactive legislative response to the climate crisis.

South Korea's National Assembly special committee on climate crisis has effectively failed its mission, receiving a "failing grade" for its performance over 17 months. The committee, tasked with setting carbon reduction targets to avoid burdening future generations, saw no climate or energy-related bills enacted into law.

The committee's activities raise questions about its willingness to proactively legislate.

— Seo Bok-kyungDirector of the More Possible Institute, commenting on the committee's performance.

A report by the Climate Media Hub, analyzing committee members' statements and legislative activities, found that over half of the remarks were neutral or actively opposed climate goals. The analysis, which scored statements on a five-point scale from clear support for the Paris Agreement's 1.5-degree target to opposition, revealed that only 9.1% of statements were supportive. Conversely, 41.4% were neutral or general, and 12.3% actively worked against climate goals or advocated for deregulation.

Committee members' average score was a mere 0.42. While some lawmakers, like Rep. Seo Wang-jin of the Revolutionary New Party, received high marks for their pro-climate stances, others, including Rep. Lee Heon-seung of the People Power Party, scored negatively. Lee opposed increasing the proportion of paid carbon emissions allowances, arguing it would harm manufacturing competitiveness. Rep. Kim So-hee, who made the most statements, advocated for withdrawing the 2040 coal phase-out plan, contradicting international climate policy directions.

Increasing the paid allocation ratio of carbon emission allowances by 50% would increase annual electricity bills for manufacturers by 5 trillion won. Production activities will inevitably shrink and industrial competitiveness will fall.

— Lee Heon-seungA People Power Party lawmaker explaining his opposition to increasing paid carbon emission allowances during a committee meeting.

Party-wise, the Revolutionary New Party averaged the highest score, while the People Power Party was the only party with a negative average. Beyond statements, the committee's legislative output was also poor. It convened only 22 official meetings over 17 months, significantly less than the average for a standing committee. Out of 130 climate and energy-related bills proposed by members, none passed the plenary session. The majority of legislative efforts were concentrated among the top six members, including the committee chair and floor leaders.

The 2040 coal phase-out plan should be withdrawn, considering the economy and industry.

— Kim So-heeA People Power Party lawmaker arguing against the coal phase-out plan during a parliamentary inquiry.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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