Isramart : Government reduces target for CO2 emissions reduction

Isramart news:
It has been confirmed that the Presidential Committee for Green Growth (PCGG) had reduced the targeted amount of CO2 emissions reduction by inflating the anticipated amount of CO2 emissions and correspondingly curtailing the level of possible reduction.

Democratic Party (DP) Lawmakers Kim Jae-yoon and Kim Sang-hee revealed the document, which was created to coordinate differing Ministerial views, at the National Assembly’s Environment and Labor Committee and said, “The Lee administration has tried to curtail the possible levels of CO2 reduction by only considering the interests of the business community.”

The Presidential Committee for Green Growth announced in August three scenarios such as 8 percent increase, freezing, 4 percent curtailment of the CO2 emission (from 2005 to 2020). However, according to the document, the 10 percent curtailment will be possible during the same period.

According to the document, PCGG inflated the anticipated CO2 emissions by flatly accepting the data submitted by the business sector. For example, the committee anticipated that the ratio of manufacturing industry would increase to 34.4 percent in 2020 from 34 percent in 2007, reflecting fully the views submitted by the business society. However, PCGG admitted the possibility of a decreased manufacturing industry ratio in factoring in recent changes.

PCGG also anticipated that greenhouse gasses would rise 2.1 percent annually, while the rate of increase has already been reduced to 1 percent since 2005.

Lawmaker Kim said, “PCGG also created a scenario which incorporates a ten percent curtailment of CO2 emissions, however, did not include it when it announced three scenarios in August.” Kim added, “Taking a lead in CO2 reduction will be helpful for economic reform and to increase the nation’s competitive power.”