Related News

South Korea is Key Partner in Fight Against Climate Change: John Kerry

2022.03.25

[Source: U.S. Embassy in Seoul]

South Korea aggressive in investing in innovative green technologies is a key partner of the United States in combating climate change, and Washington will continue to work together with Seoul’s new government to help it reach net zero by 2050, said John Kerry, the U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate.

“Like the U.S., South Korea is an innovation powerhouse and well-suited to expand the cutting edge of technologies like green steel, hydrogen, and CCS,” Kerry said in a video message at the 31st Vision Korea National Conference hosted by Maeil Business Newspaper on Wednesday. “Korea is an essential ally in addressing the global climate change crisis.”

At a time of transition, Washington and Seoul should keep partnership strong in achieving net zero targets.

“As we all know, government administrations come and go, but this problem is here to stay; it is the fight of our lives, and we simply must stand together if we hope to stand a chance,” said Kerry, emphasizing the U.S. and the international community’s unwavering commitment to climate change that makes the U.S. a long-term partner of South Korea that is in the transition moment.

Korea last year announced its aggressive target to reach carbon neutrality by 2050 with massive investments in green technologies and industries. It later announced a follow-up goal to reduce emissions by 40 percent below 2018 levels by 2030.

“We in the U.S. are ready to roll up our sleeves and help each other along the difficult path of implementing our respective 2030 targets,” said Kerry.

Kerry is looking forward to further advance global action on green recovery, energy transition, sustainable finance, and climate issues in the broader context of the sustainable development goals – all areas in which Korea has made significant contributions through its hosting of the Green Climate Fund, leadership of the P4G summit.

“The theme of this conference couldn’t be more fitting, as technology and innovation are indispensable to all of this work,” said Kerry.

Kerry himself has also focused on the innovation agenda ever since he was appointed as the special envoy of the U.S. for climate. For the past year, the United States has continued its engagement in programs launched under previous U.S. administrations, such as Mission Innovation and the Clean Energy Ministerial, while at the same time spearheading new initiatives like the First Movers Coalition.

“I look forward to continuing to engage closely with the new Korean government and the Korean people over the months and years ahead.,” said Kerry.

By Special reporting team

List