SEOUL, 11 November 2025 — South Korea has effectively raised its climate ambition, approving a new national goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by between 53% and 61% from 2018 levels by 2035, according to the Presidential Commission on Carbon Neutrality and Green Growth.
The latest decision, announced on Monday, marks a significant step up from the government’s earlier proposal of a 50–60% reduction, aligning Korea’s targets more closely with the long-term goals of the Paris Agreement and global decarbonisation efforts.
The new target will be formally endorsed at a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, before being presented at the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belem, Brazil, which runs from November 11 to 21.
Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) Strengthened for 2035
Under the Paris Agreement, countries are required to submit and update their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) every five years, detailing their roadmap to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Korea’s updated NDC raises its ambition from its previous 2030 goal, set in 2021, which aimed for a 40% cut from 2018 levels.
“The revised target represents Korea’s strengthened commitment to achieving carbon neutrality while balancing economic competitiveness,” the Commission said in a statement.
Renewable Energy Expansion and Grid Modernisation
To achieve the 2035 target, the Korean government said it plans to expand renewable energy deployment, especially solar and wind power, and accelerate the rollout of a nationwide next-generation power grid capable of integrating large-scale clean energy sources.
The government also aims to enhance carbon-reduction technology adoption in heavy industries, improve energy efficiency, and encourage private-sector innovation in hydrogen and battery technologies.
Business Concerns Over Competitiveness
However, the business community has expressed concern that the sharper emissions target could challenge energy-intensive sectors such as petrochemicals, steel, and automotive manufacturing, which remain key pillars of Korea’s export-driven economy.
Industry groups have urged policymakers to provide clearer incentives, carbon pricing stability, and transition support to mitigate the potential impact on global competitiveness.
COP30: Raising Climate Ambitions Globally
Korea’s updated NDC will be presented at COP30, where global leaders are expected to push for stronger climate commitments amid rising temperatures and increasing pressure for green investment transitions.
With this new target, Korea joins major economies like Japan, the European Union, and the United States (NASDAQ:SPY) in ramping up decarbonisation goals for the next decade.
