Seoul: The government and the ruling Democratic Party (DP) have reached a consensus on setting South Korea's greenhouse gas emission reduction goal for 2035 at a range of 53 percent to 61 percent.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the agreement was achieved after considering inputs from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the Constitutional Court ruling, and the potential impacts on future generations and industrial conditions. DP spokesperson Park Soo-hyun noted that both parties agreed to ease reduction targets specifically for the industrial sector, considering the high-carbon nature of the nation's manufacturing structure, the feasibility of reduction technologies, and global competitiveness.

The government and the ruling party have also committed to supporting the decarbonization and industrial transition of companies while fostering green industries through a new comprehensive strategy. They plan to address the impacts on existing industries, workers, and local communities, particularly those involved in coal-fired power plants and internal combustion engine vehicles, during the transition to a carbon-neutral society.

Prime Minister Kim Min-seok, during the meeting, emphasized the importance of incorporating feedback from civil and industrial sectors in setting the 2035 reduction goal. He stated that the government would strive to balance respect for the Constitutional Court's ruling with the views of the international community, local civic groups, and industrial sectors.

The government recently unveiled two proposals for the nationally determined contribution (NDC) by 2035. One option proposes a reduction of 50 to 60 percent, while the other suggests a target of 53 to 60 percent. This announcement has sparked concerns among industry and environmental groups, who argue that the proposed targets may either be too stringent or too lenient.

The Constitutional Court's ruling from August last year highlighted the need for greenhouse gas reduction targets to align with scientific and international standards without imposing excessive burdens on future generations. The government plans to finalize the NDC proposal this week, following deliberation by a presidential committee and Cabinet approval.