In South Korea, there are not many days with clear skies. Therefore, long-term greenhouse gas reduction targets are highly anticipated.(Photo by Milly)    On November 11, 2025, the Korean government officially announced its plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 53 – 61% compared to 2018 levels by 2035. This is not just another environmental policy — it signals a comprehensive transformation of Korea’s industrial, energy, and social structures.   However, such a massive transition cannot be achieved through government policy alone. That’s why the role of the social economy and social innovation is becoming increasingly important.   Why Social Economy and Social Innovation Are Connected   Responding to the climate crisis requires more than technological innovation — such as improving power generation efficiency or industrial processes. It cannot be solved by the actions of a few companies alone. We need changes in consumption and lifestyle, active...

The scattered plastic waste emphasizes the urgent need for systematic changes in environmental and climate policies.(Photo by Milly)  On June 3, 2025, Lee Jae-myung was elected as the 21st President of South Korea. Throughout his campaign, he laid out a wide range of pledges to actively respond to the climate crisis. If implemented during his term, these policies could mark a major turning point in South Korea’s climate strategy. Unlike conventional approaches that focus on individual actions like recycling or reducing waste, President Lee's climate policies emphasize structural transformation—linking industry, economy, and governance. Here's an overview of some of his key climate commitments. Transitioning Industries for Carbon Neutrality President Lee has promised to strengthen the institutional foundation to meet South Korea’s 2030 greenhouse gas reduction targets, and to prepare a science-based roadmap for 2035 and beyond. One notable proposal is to evaluate carbon reductio...