Republic of Korea’s Enhanced Update of its First Nationally Determined Contribution.

This Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) is a multi-sectoral policy document at national level towards achieving the objective of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change as set out in its Article 2. According to the policy document, Korea’s updated and enhanced target is to reduce total national GHG emissions by 40% from the 2018 level, which is 727.6 MtCO2eq, by 2030. 40% reduction target is more enhanced because it is below its linear reduction pathways from 2018 to 2050. This indicates the Republic of Korea’s enhanced ambition towards the goal of carbon neutrality by 2050.
The Korean government is aiming to adopt highly-efficient facilities to consume less energy in agriculture, livestock farming and fisheries. The country is introducing various options to accelerate low-carbon farming, for instance, improving irrigation techniques in rice paddies and adopting low-input systems for nitrogen fertilizers. Enhancing treatment methods for livestock excreta or turning them into energy sources as well as introducing forage that contributes to lower methane emissions are being explored in livestock farming. In terms of carbon sinks, the country will maintain and improve its carbon sinks with sustainable forest management, conservation and restoration and increase forestlands by greening urban spaces.
Regarding to adapting to climate change, the 3rd National Climate Change Adaptation Plan (NAP) for 2021-2025 was published in 2020, which includes three key policy pillars: i) improving climate resilience, ii) strengthening monitoring, forecasting and assessment and iii) mainstreaming adaptation in all corners of society.