2015年-世界发展银行全球_The_Green_Growth_Movement_in_the_Republic_of_Korea___Option_or_Necessity__8页_540kb

GREEN GROWTH MOVEMENT IN THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA: SUMMARY

Core Content

The Republic of Korea initiated the "Low Carbon, Green Growth" movement in 2008 under President Lee Myung-bak, positioning it as an essential path rather than an option for sustainable economic development and improved quality of life. This movement was driven by the recognition of the unsustainability of carbon-dependent growth and the need to address environmental and energy challenges both domestically and internationally.

Main Objectives

The green growth strategy had three primary objectives:

1. Climate Change Mitigation and Energy Independence: Addressing the impact of climate change and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
2. Creating New Growth Engines: Promoting green technology and industries to drive economic development.
3. Improving Quality of Life: Enhancing environmental conditions and public well-being through sustainable practices.

Key Points of the Movement

1. Environmental and Economic Necessity

• Korea is highly dependent on imported fossil fuels (97% of total energy needs) and has a high proportion of energy-intensive industries.
• Environmental issues, such as air and water pollution, significantly affected public health and quality of life.
• The country's temperature rise (1.7°C from 1912 to 2008) was more than double the global average, highlighting the urgency of climate action.

2. Government's Strategic Role

• The government played a central role in shaping the green growth strategy, similar to its historical role in economic development.
• Institutional frameworks were established to support the implementation of green growth policies, including the Presidential Committee on Green Growth (PCGG) and the Senior Secretary for Green Growth.

3. Fiscal Adjustments

• Green growth was integrated into the national budget without compromising health and education spending.
• The "2% budget rule" allocated 2% of GDP over five years to green growth initiatives, totaling KRW 107.4 trillion.
• Budget reallocation from low-priority sectors to green growth initiatives ensured the sustainability of the strategy.

4. Implementation Strategies

• The government launched the Green New Deal in 2009, with a total investment of KRW 50 trillion.
• A supplementary budget of KRW 17.9 trillion was allocated, representing 6.3% of the FY2009 budget.
• Institutional coordination between central and regional bodies ensured effective policy monitoring and adjustment.

Outcomes

1. Green Technology and Industry Growth

• The renewable energy industry grew 6.5 times in sales and 7.2 times in exports since 2007.
• Green R&D budgets more than doubled between 2008 and 2012.
• Private sector investment in green initiatives increased by 75% annually from 2008 to 2010.

2. Climate Resilience and Quality of Life

• The Four Major River Restoration Project and eco-friendly dam construction improved water resource stability.
• Air and water quality in urban areas improved significantly, with air pollution levels dropping from 65 to 54 micrograms per cubic meter and water quality satisfaction increasing from 75% to 78%.

Lessons Learned

1. Environmental and Economic Goals Can Coexist: Korea's green growth strategy did not hinder economic growth but instead contributed to it, especially in the context of energy dependence.
2. Global Participation Benefits Domestic Interests: Korea's engagement in international climate efforts was aligned with its domestic development needs.
3. Institutional Framework is Essential: A coordinated inter-ministerial body and active governance were crucial for the success of green growth initiatives.
4. Proactive Fiscal Role is Key: The central finance and planning agency's active involvement ensured the effective integration of green growth into the national budget.

Conclusion

The green growth movement in Korea represents a strategic shift toward sustainable development, driven by both domestic and international imperatives. Through institutional arrangements, fiscal policies, and public-private collaboration, Korea has made significant strides in promoting green technology, improving environmental quality, and enhancing the quality of life for its citizens. The experience offers valuable lessons for other countries seeking to balance economic growth with environmental sustainability.