□ 로이터 통신과 뉴욕타임즈 등 해외 유수 언론은 우리 정부가 8.4(화) 발표한 온실가스 감축목표 시나리오에 대해 “교토 의정서상 의무감축 대상이 아닌 나라들 중 처음으로 한국이 자발적 감축 의지를 표명한 것”에 기대감을 나타내면서 “진정성이 돋보인다”고 긍정적으로 평가했다. (외신 원문 별첨)

o 로이터와 비즈니스그린(business green.com), 뉴욕타임즈 등 외신들은 2005년까지 15년간 온실가스 배출량이 2배로 증가하고 1인당 배출량에서 OECD국가 중 17위에 달하는 한국이 2020년까지 배출량을 최소한 동결하거나 최대 4% 줄인다는 것은 영국, 미국 등 선진국 만큼은 아니지만 “한국의 역량을 반영한 진지한 접근”이라는 평가를 내렸다. 

o 외신들은 또한 세계 6위 원유수입국이며 수출비중이 매우 높은 한국으로서는 화석에너지 의존도를 줄이고 고탄소 제품에 대한 

- 1 -

관세장벽 등에 대처하기 위한 불가피한 선택이라고 지적하면서도 한국의 이같은 감축 노력이 신흥개발국가들에게 좋은 영향을 미치게 될 것이라고 조심스럽게 전망했다. 

□ 한편, 정부는 이번에 감축목표 시나리오 발표가 “국민 여론 수렴을 위한 본격적인 공론화 과정의 시작”이라고 밝혔다. 정부 관계자는 “3가지 시나리오를 도출하기까지 산업계, 학계 등과 수차에 걸쳐 협의하고 시민단체에 대해서는 공식 발표 전에 사전 보고하는 등 다양한 그룹과의 의사소통을 거쳤다”며, 기후변화 대응 및 온실가스 감축에 대한 진지한 토론과 관심을 주문했다.

o 녹색성장위원회는 5일 전문가 그룹을 대상으로 한 여론조사에 착수하고 13일 공청회(14:00~17:00 중소기업중앙회 국제회의장)를 개최하는 등 의견 수렴 절차를 착실히 밟아나갈 계획이라고 밝혔다. 

* 별첨 : 1. 외신 요약 및 기사원문

2. 공청회 계획

- 2 -

□ 외신에서 중기감축목표 발표관련 내용을 사실보도 위주로 게재하고 있으며, 한국이 검토중인 감축목표 자체는 온건하나 그 추진노력에 대해서는 긍정적으로 평가

□ 주요 외신 보도기사 제목 및 논조

번호	언론사	기사제목	평가	논조
①	Reuter	한국이 2020년 감축목표 설정한다고 말한다 “S.Korea says to set 2020 emissions target”	‧"mild" ‧미국, EU 대비 “modest”	중립적
②	BusinessGreen	한국이 2020년 감축목표설정을 약속하다 “South Korea pledges to set carbon emissions target for 2020”	‧"moderate“ ‧“utmost, sincere efforts” -  한국이 할 수 있는 최고수준, 진정성이 돋보이는 노력(김상협 비서관 인용)	중립적 우호적
③	Reuter- UK	업데이트 3-  한국이 탄소 목표를 발표, 3개 옵션 제시 “UPDATE 3- S.Korea unveils CO2 target plan, sees three options”	‧“modest” ‧“It's good to see countries like South Korea willing to take a step forward” (싱가포르 환경단체 관계자 인용)	중립적 우호적
④	New York Times *Reuter기사인용	한국이 2020년 감축목표 설정한다고 말한다 “Korea says to set 2020 emissions target”	‧"mild" ‧미국, EU 대비 “modest” ‧“utmost, sincere efforts” -  한국이 할 수 있는 최고수준, 진정성이 돋보이는 노력(김상협 비서관 인용)	중립적 우호적
⑤	Bloomberg	한국은 온실가스를 4%까지 감축코자 한다 “South Korea May Aim to Cut Emissions by as Much as 4% (Update1)”	‧사실관계 전달 이외 평가는 전무	중립적

※ 붙임 : 외신 언론스크랩 1부.

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S.Korea says to set 2020 emissions target

* South Korea says to opt for "mild" 2020 emissions goal

* Each target to cost between 0.3 and 0.5 percent of GDP

* More use of renewable energy, nuclear, efficient lighting (Adds details, quotes)

South Korea, Asia's fourth- largest economy, pledged on Tuesday to set a 2020 target for carbon emissions, voluntarily joining rich nations in moving toward a firm commitment to roll back climate change.

The government said on Tuesday it would choose a 2020 target this year from three options: an 8 percent increase from 2005 levels by 2020, unchanged from 2005, or 4 percent below 2005 levels.

"If past government policies continue, emissions will rise by more than 30 percent by 2020 from 2005 levels. In that sense, the minus target at maximum means a lot," said Sang- hyup Kim, Secretary to the President for National Future and Vision at the Presidential Office.

South Korea is one of Asia's richest nations and an industrial powerhouse and, although not bound under the Kyoto Protocol to commit to binding emissions targets, has come under pressure to cut its carbon pollution.

Emissions doubled between 1990 and 2005 and per- capita emissions of planet- warming carbon dioxide based on 2005 levels were 11.1 tonnes, the same as some European nations and the 17th largest among OECD members.

Under the Kyoto Protocol, nearly 40 developed nations are legally bound to curb greenhouse gas emissions between 2008- 2012. Those countries are under intense pressure from developing countries to ramp up their targets to cut emissions more deeply by 2020 as part of a broader climate pact under negotiation.

Those talks culminate at the end of the year at a major U.N. gathering in the Danish capital, Copenhagen.

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But South Korea, along with other newly industrialized states such as Singapore and Mexico, are unlikely to join the list of nations legally bound to curb emissions, making any measures voluntary.

"Probably many would say 'great, South Korea is taking steps now'. But in terms of really big impact, in terms of the Copenhagen process, it is probably not significant enough to impact other countries' commitments," said Changhua Wu, Greater China Director for The Climate Group, an NGO.

FEAR OF "CLIMATE TARIFFS"

The government estimated each target to cost between 0.3 and 0.5 percent of GDP and will curb emissions by increased use of hybrid cars, renewable and nuclear energy consumption, energy efficiency with light- emitting diodes and smart grids.

The world's sixth- largest crude buyer and second- largest LNG buyer wants to reduce its dependence on carbon energy resources.

The government said last month it would invest 107 trillion won ($87.56 billion), or 2 percent of its annual GDP, in environment- related industries over the next five years as well as requiring stricter fuel efficiency and emission requirements.

Samsung Electronics Co Ltd, Hyundai Motor Group, which owns Hyundai Motor Co, Kia Motors Corp, POSCO and SK Energy have all announced billion dollars in green- related investment plans.

The government on Tuesday also pointed to the future risk of border tariffs on South Korean exports. In a statement, the government said the European Union and other developed countries might punish some exporting nations that do not adopt tough greenhouse gas reduction targets.

South Korea, as the world's fifth- largest automaker, is heavily dependent on exports of manufactured goods and petroleum products to drive its economy.

The government also wanted first- mover advantages in low carbon technologies and related new business areas, the statement said.

South Korea's 2020 targets are modest compared with developed countries such as the United States and the European Union.

Japan and the United States respectively aim to cut emissions by 15 and 17 percent by 2020 against 2005 levels, while the European Union and Britain are each aiming for reductions of 20 and 34 percent by 2020, compared with 1990 levels.

China and many developing nations want the rich to cut greenhouse gas emissions by at least 40 percent by 2020 to avoid the worst effects of global warming such as droughts, floods and rising seas.

- 5 -

South Korea pledges to set carbon emissions target for 2020

South Korea has pledged to set a moderate target for carbon emissions by 2020 later this year, a move that will help protect the nation from border taxes by Kyoto signatories, according to an influential think- tank.

The government yesterday announced it would choose a greenhouse gas target of either an eight per cent rise from 2005 output by 2020, unchanged from 2005, or four per cent below 2005 levels.

"Compared with developed countries, the targets may look mild," Sang- hyup Kim, presidential secretary for the National Future and Vision advisory council, was quoted by Reuters news service as saying. "But these are utmost, sincere efforts, reflecting Korea's capabilities."

South Korea emitted 594 million tonnes of carbon dioxide in 2005, nearly double the 298 million tonnes produced in 1990, according to the government. It attributed the rise to energy consumption for industrial production, power generation and transport.

Each of the three target options would cost between 0.3 and 0.5 per cent of the nation's GDP to implement, said the government, which has won plaudits from environmentalists in recent months for earmarling over 80 per cent of its economic stimulus funds for cleamn tech projects.

Officials predicted carbon emission reductions could be achieved through the greater use of hybrid cars and renewable and nuclear power sources. Energy efficiency measures, such as light- emitting diodes, would also play a part, they added.

As South Korea is considered a developing country, it is not a signatory to the Kyoto protocol. However, it has come under international pressure to set an emissions cap, given its financial strength as the world's 13th biggest economy. 

The US government's Energy Information Agency data from 2006 places the country as the ninth biggest emitter of greenhouse gases, although an update on the figures, slated for this month, may show a move up the rankings.

If the nation failed to set carbon reduction targets, it could fall victim to carbon border taxes, according to a private Korean private think- tank.

The concept of a carbopn tariff, which is under consideration in the US, the EU and 

- 6 -

Japan, would work as an import fee levied by countries with carbon taxes or other carbon pricing mechanisms on goods made by nations "who do not join the anti- greenhouse gas initiative", Kang Hee- chan, a researcher from the Samsung Economic Research Institute, told the Korea Times newspaper.

The institute, the research arm of the country's biggest conglomerate, Samsung Group, last month forecast that if a carbon border tax was imposed on South Korea, exports would fall by 3.9 per cent annually, equal to about $4.3bn per year.

Kang also noted that the nation's manufacturers needed to reduce the carbon footprint of their products in order to be more competitive with international rivals, as green incentives overseas could sway consumer choice.

"Let's say that Samsung Electronics and Nokia make cell phones, the quality and prices of which are the same, by and large," said Kang. "But what if the production of the Nokia gadget emitted less carbon dioxide compared to that of the Samsung? Consumers would get a cash refund from the government if they were to pick up the Nokia."

He noted that only six per cent of South Korean companies have announced plans to reduce greenhouse emissions in the manufacture of their products. "We need to jack up this ratio in order to prepare for international efforts in global green campaigns," he said.

- 7 -

UPDATE 3- S.Korea unveils CO2 target plan, sees three options

* Seoul pledges to adopt one of three 2020 emissions goals

* Each target to cost between 0.3 and 0.5 percent of GDP

* More use of renewable energy, nuclear, efficient lighting (Adds graphic, more quotes and details)

SEOUL, Aug 4 (Reuters) -  South Korea pledged for the first time on Tuesday to set a 2020 emissions reduction target, as the OECD's fastest- growing carbon polluter voluntarily joined richer nations in setting hard goals to roll back climate change.

By commiting itself to one of three options, all of which are relatively modest compared to the cut- backs pledged by developed economies, Seoul is establishing a precedent that might encourage much bigger emitters like China and India to agree to targets of their own, although their resistance is unlikely to bend soon.

The government said it would choose a target this year from three options: an 8 percent increase from 2005 levels by 2020, unchanged from 2005, or 4 percent below 2005. Its emissions doubled in the 15 years to 2005, the fastest growth in the OECD.

South Korea, Asia's fourth- largest economy, laid out several measures to help it achieve the goal, adding that trade in carbon emissions rights and tax incentives could help offset some of the costs. It did not provide any further details on these plans.

It also aims to increase use of hybrid cars, renewable and nuclear energy consumption, energy efficiency with light- emitting diodes and smart grids to achieve the target, which will cost 0.3 to 0.5 percent of GDP.

While modest compared to the 15- 17 percent curbs that Japan and the United States have pledged, officials said they marked a big commitment to head off an estimated 30 percent rise in emissions that would result if no action were taken.

Seoul drew measured praise for taking a lead among newly industrialised nations not bound by the U.N.'s Kyoto Protocol by setting 2020 goals ahead of a major global climate meeting in Copenhagen, where the U.N. hopes to seal agreement for a successor pact to 

- 8 -

Kyoto from 2013.

"It's good to see countries like South Korea willing to take a step forward but of course we would like to see a higher level of ambition," said Diane McFadzien, climate policy officer for conservation group WWF in Singapore.

"If you look at the group of developing countries in general, having some come forward and take steps is useful, it stops them from hiding more as a bloc, saying it's not possible."

GREEN INVESTMENT

The country's green investment plans already rank near the top in Asia. The government said last month it would invest 107 trillion won ($87.56 billion), or 2 percent of its annual GDP, in environment- related industries over the next five years, pushing stricter fuel efficiency and emission requirements.[ID:nSEO61955]

But as one of Asia's richest nations, it has come under pressure to cut its output of planet- warming carbon dioxide, which reached 11.1 tonnes per person in 2005, the same as some European nations and the 17th largest among OECD members.

For a graphic, please click: here

For details on CO2 emissions see: [ID:nSP500836]

"Probably many would say 'great, South Korea is taking steps now'. But in terms of really big impact, in terms of the Copenhagen process, it is probably not significant enough to impact other countries' commitments," said Changhua Wu, Greater China Director for The Climate Group, an NGO.

Under the Kyoto Protocol, nearly 40 developed nations are legally bound to curb greenhouse gas emissions between 2008- 2012. Those countries are under intense pressure from developing countries to ramp up their targets to cut emissions more deeply by 2020 as part of a broader climate pact under negotiation.

South Korea, along with other newly industrialised states such as Singapore and Mexico, are unlikely to immediately join the list of nations legally bound to curb emissions, making any measures voluntary. Mexico in June said it would voluntarily cut emissions by an estimated 8 percent by 2012.

FEAR OF "CLIMATE TARIFFS"

As the world's sixth- largest crude buyer and second- largest LNG buyer, South Korea wants 

- 9 -

to reduce its dependence on carbon energy resources and embrace green energy, messages that stoke anxiety among many of its resource- intensive industries.

"To the petrochemical industries, it means new additional costs," said an official at top ethylene maker Yeochun Naphtha Cracking Centre.

The Korea Chamber of Commerce & Industry said in a statement: "It is hard to evaluate the target options without specific details, although they look desirable, considering the Korean economy keeps growing."

Samsung Electronics Co Ltd (005930.KS: Quote, Profile, Research), Hyundai Motor Group, which owns Hyundai Motor Co (005380.KS: Quote, Profile, Research), Kia Motors Corp (000270.KS: Quote, Profile, Research), POSCO (005490.KS: Quote, Profile, Research) and SK Energy (096770.KS: Quote, Profile, Research) have all announced billion dollars in green- related investment plans. [ID:nSEO34038] [ID:nSEO191809] [ID:nSP340684]

But the government on Tuesday pointed to the future risk of border tariffs on South Korean exports. In a statement, the government said the European Union and other developed countries might punish some exporting nations that do not adopt tough greenhouse gas reduction targets.

South Korea, as the world's fifth- largest automaker, is heavily dependent on exports of manufactured goods and petroleum products to drive its economy. (Additional reporting by David Fogarty; Editing by Jonathan Leff) 

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SEOUL (Reuters) -  South Korea, Asia's fourth largest economy, has pledged to set one of three targets for carbon emissions by 2020, voluntarily joining Kyoto signatories in moving towards a firm commitment to roll back climate change.

The government said on Tuesday it would choose a 2020 gas emission target this year from three options: an 8 percent increase from 2005 levels by 2020, unchanged from 2005, or 4 percent below 2005 levels.

The country is one of Asia's richest nations and an industrial powerhouse. Emissions doubled between 1990 and 2005 and per- capita emissions of planet- warming carbon dioxide based on 2005 levels were 11.1 tonnes, the same as some European nations and the 17th largest among OECD members.

"Compared with developed countries, the targets may look mild," said Sang- hyup Kim, Secretary to the President for National Future and Vision at the Presidential Office.

"But these are utmost, sincere efforts, reflecting Korea's capabilities."

The government estimated each target to cost between 0.3 and 0.5 percent of GDP and will curb emissions by increased use of hybrid cars, renewable and nuclear energy consumption, energy efficiency with light- emitting diodes and smart grids.

Rich nations bound by the Kyoto Protocol to curb greenhouse gas emissions are under intense pressure from developing countries to ramp up their targets to cut emissions as part of a broader climate pact under negotiation.

Those talks culminate at the end of the year at a major U.N. gathering in the Danish capital, Copenhagen.

Wealthy developing states such as South Korea, Singapore and Mexico have also come under pressure to announce emissions curbs.

South Korea's targets are modest compared with developed countries such as the United States and the European Union.

Japan and the United States respectively aim to cut emissions by 15 and 17 percent by 2020 against 2005 levels, while the European Union and Britain are each aiming for reductions of 20 and 34 percent by 2020, compared with 1990 levels.

China and many developing nations want the rich to cut greenhouse gas emissions by at least 40 percent by 2020 to avoid the worst effects of global warming such as droughts, floods and rising seas.

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South Korea May Aim to Cut Emissions by as Much as 4% (Update1)

Aug. 4 (Bloomberg) - -  South Korea, the world’s 10th- biggest producer of greenhouse gases, may set a target to lower emissions by as much as 4 percent by the end of the next decade from 2005 levels to fight climate change.

Annual emissions may reach 813 million metric tons by 2020 in the absence of measures to curb carbon output, a committee under the presidential office said in a statement today. That would be an increase of 37 percent from the 594.4 million tons produced in 2005.

Two other options for 2020 are being considered: capping the rate of increase in emissions at 8 percent compared with 2005 or limiting output at the 2005 level. The government will

make a decision on a carbon- output target by this year, the Presidential Committee on Green Growth said in the statement.

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