▲ May 8 Under2 Coalition Asia Climate Action Summit

Kim Tae-heum, Governor of Chungcheongnam-do Province and Chairperson of the Under2 Coalition Asia-Pacific region, proposed four strategies for Asian local governments to achieve carbon neutrality.

Governor Kim attended the Under2 Coalition Asia Climate Action Summit held at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Singapore on the 8th.

The Asia Climate Action Summit is an international conference organized by the Under2 Coalition for representatives of Asian local governments and climate experts to gather and discuss challenges, solutions, and cooperation in achieving net-zero emissions in the region.

This year's summit addressed topics such as △Climate response in Asia △Investment strategies for realizing Asia's green roadmap △Competition in Asian climate technology and innovation.

Approximately 20 individuals attended the meeting, including Governor Kim, Ali Izadi-Najafabadi, Head of Bloomberg Asia-Pacific, Manjot Ahluwalia, Head of Global Methane Hub Asia, Shalabh Tandon, Head of Climate Business, South Asia for the International Finance Corporation, and Divya Sharma, India Policy Director for The Climate Group.

The meeting proceeded with Governor Kim's keynote speech on 'Local Government Leadership and Role,' followed by thematic remarks, special addresses, and discussions.

In his keynote speech, Governor Kim emphasized, "Asia is the most populous and fastest-growing region in the world, making it crucial for global carbon neutrality. From this perspective, Asian local governments should not act as mere assistants but as active protagonists in achieving climate goals alongside their national governments."

Governor Kim continued, "Chungnam is a local government that declared carbon neutrality by 2045, five years ahead of the national target. As an industrial city ranking second in South Korea's exports and third in Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP), it also hosts half of the nation's coal-fired power plants and leads in greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, with the resolve that 'National carbon neutrality is impossible without Chungnam,' we are committed to energy transition, industrial restructuring, and strengthening R&D capabilities."

He further explained, "We plan to increase the share of renewable energy in our power consumption to 90% by 2035 and achieve 100% by 2045. To overcome economic contraction and job losses in regions affected by coal-fired power plant closures, we are also pursuing the enactment of a special law that includes establishing a 10 trillion won fund and fostering alternative industries."

Governor Kim then proposed four strategies to enhance the role of Asian local governments in carbon neutrality: △Expanding cooperation among local governments △Reflecting the role of local governments when setting National Greenhouse Gas Reduction Targets (NDCs) △Establishing local government-led independent climate funds △Elevating the global status of Asian local governments.

Governor Kim emphasized, "Sharing verified policies and cases from various countries and strengthening cooperative frameworks are essential strategies for responding to the climate crisis. We must expand cooperation among local governments."

He also said, "Achieving NDCs cannot be done by national governments alone. Both parties must collaborate to establish a feasible roadmap."

Regarding the establishment of independent climate funds by local governments, he stated, "The most certain governmental responsibility for overcoming the climate crisis is 'finance.' It is necessary to secure strong implementation capabilities through expanding climate finance."

Concerning the elevation of local governments' global status, he emphasized, "Asian local governments must raise their voices on international stages such as New York Climate Week and COP30, and the Under2 Coalition should actively support these efforts."

Governor Kim concluded, "Singapore's nickname is 'Little Red Dot,' and I hope this Asia Climate Summit will serve as a 'lighthouse,' illuminating the goals and direction for climate crisis response not only in Asia but worldwide." He urged, "I ask everyone to gather strength and wisdom so that we can continue to advance towards a 'Carbon-Neutral Asia' even amidst rapidly changing international circumstances."

In the discussion, Governor Kim added, "While the Korean public recognizes that carbon neutrality is an undeniable challenge of our time, there are concerns about slight delays due to high initial costs. Chungnam, as an industrial city with high carbon emissions, will strongly push forward with its plans in each sector to become a leading city for carbon neutrality in South Korea and Asia."

Department in Charge: Climate and Environment Policy Division, Climate Change Response Team

Phone Number: 041-635-4421