south korea
South Korea ordered to set stricter carbon targets by 2031
A South Korean court has ruled that the country’s current climate measures are inadequate, requiring stronger carbon reduction targets to protect future generations.
In short:
- The Constitutional Court found South Korea's climate measures insufficient, violating the rights of future generations.
- The government must revise the Carbon Neutral Act to include specific reduction targets for 2031-2050.
- Activists see this ruling as a potential catalyst for similar legal actions across Asia.
Key quote:
“Future generations will be more exposed to the impact of climate change, but their participation in today’s democratic political process is limited.”
— South Korea’s Constitutional Court
Why this matters:
This ruling emphasizes the legal obligation to protect future generations from climate change, potentially inspiring stronger climate policies in Asia.
Related: South Korea's food waste recycling model turns leftovers into energy
South Korea's food waste recycling model turns leftovers into energy
South Korea has transformed its approach to food waste by recycling 98% of its scraps into compost, animal feed and renewable energy, offering lessons to other nations seeking sustainable waste management solutions.
In short:
- The Daejeon Bioenergy Center in South Korea processes 400 tons of food waste daily, turning it into biogas that powers about 20,000 homes.
- South Korea implemented strict policies 20 years ago, banning food scraps from landfills and requiring residents to separate and pay for food waste disposal.
- The success of this program stems from necessity, given South Korea’s high population density and lack of landfill space.
Key quote:
“It’s one of the biggest — and dumbest — environmental problems we have today.”
— Jonathan Foley, executive director of Project Drawdown
Why this matters:
Food waste is a significant contributor to global emissions, exacerbating climate change. South Korea’s innovative model demonstrates the potential of comprehensive recycling systems in reducing food waste and generating renewable energy, inspiring other countries to adopt similar measures.
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