S. Korea pulls down greenhouse gas emissions by 3.5%

South Korea’s environment ministry revealed that the country emitted 701.3 million tons of greenhouse gas in 2019, confirmed by the Greenhouse Gas Inventory and Research Center.

The 2019 figure, represents a 3.5 percent drop from the 2018 tally.

The reduction was largely due to fewer power plant emissions from 268.5 million tons to 248.7 million tons and alternative ozone layer depleting substances from 8.8 million tons to 6.3 million tons.

However, road transportation and non-metal emissions increased by 2.75 million tons and 1.13 million tons, respectively.

By industry, the energy sector accounted for 87.2 percent, or 611.5 million tons, of the total emission.

The energy sector’s emissions were down by 3.3 percent, or 21 million tons, from 2018 due to restrictions on coal thermal power generations imposed to reduce fine dust air pollution.

Industrial plants, and farming and waste sectors took up 7.4 percent, 3 percent, and 2.4 percent of the total, respectively.

Nearly 380 tons of greenhouse gas were emitted per 1 billion won (US$841,000) of gross domestic product, down 5.6 percent from 401 tons tallied in 2018.

Gas emission per individual was 13.6 tons, down 3.7 percent from 14.1 tons recorded in 2018.

According to the ministry, the 2020 tally is expected to fall to a total emission of 648.6 million tons.