Seoul: According to Yonhap News Agency, the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment presented two proposals under the country’s updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) during a public hearing this week. The final version is expected to be approved at next week’s Cabinet meeting before being submitted to the United Nations.

The first proposal aims to cut emissions by between 50 and 60 percent from 2018 levels, while the second, more ambitious option, sets the reduction target between 53 and 60 percent. In 2018, South Korea’s emissions stood at about 742.3 million tons, dropping to 691.6 million tons last year. To achieve the 2035 goal, the nation must further bring emissions down to around 371 million tons.

The government’s strategy focuses on expanding renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power, establishing a next-generation national electricity grid, and providing incentives to help companies lower their carbon footprints. Additionally, Seoul plans to promote the use of electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles and enhance public transport networks to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

South Korea’s latest plan builds upon its 2021 NDC submission, which pledged a 40 percent emission reduction by 2030 under the Paris Climate Agreement.