The 'Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5℃’ approved by the IPCC in October 2018 suggests that GHG emissions should be reduced by at least 45% by 2030 from the levels produced in 2010, and global carbon neutrality (i.e., net-zero carbon emissions) must be achieved by 2050 to control the global mean temperature increase to within 1.5 ℃. The ‘Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5 ℃’ was prepared by 91 scientists from 40 different countries and approved unanimously by all the 195 member states at the 48th Session of the IPCC held in Songdo, Incheon, Republic of Korea, in 2018.

⇒ Responsible Department (Answered by): Climate Change Strategy Division

According to the IPCC AR6 Report published in August 2021, the concentration of carbon dioxide in the air is approximately 40% higher in 2019 than pre-industrial levels. Increases in the carbon dioxide concentration in the atmosphere hold the radiant energy of the earth in the air and accelerate global warming. Carbon dioxide remains in the air between 5 to 200 years. Therefore, even if we reduce artificial carbon dioxide emissions now, the average temperature of the earth is expected to continue rising. As suggested in the IPCC ‘Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5 ℃,’ the international community has changed global carbon emissions to a decreasing trend in 2020. Additionally, they established goals to reduce net carbon emissions by at least 45% in 2030 compared to the levels produced in 2010, and to achieve net-zero carbon emission by 2050. A joint effort has been established to accomplish these goals.

⇒ Responsible Department (Answered by): Climate Change Strategy Division

The growth performance of trees and forests decreases with age. In other words, absorption through photosynthesis decreases and emissions through respiration increase, which leads to an overall decrease in net absorption. Planting young trees and expecting them to fully grow takes a very long time. Therefore, managing both young and old forests is critical.

⇒ Responsible Department (Answered by): Eco-Friendly Absorption Team

The scenarios simply suggest a diverse future. It doesn’t necessarily mean that one of the scenarios must be selected. 

⇒ Responsible Department (Answered by): Climate Change Strategy Division

Scenario A aims to achieve net-zero emissions through the complete discontinuation of thermal power generation. Scenario B aims to achieve net-zero emissions through simply maintaining partial thermal power generation as well as through the active use of CCUS. Scenario A suggests that we should completely discontinue power generation using fossil fuels in order to accomplish zero GHG emission within the transition field. Moreover, it also suggests the minimization of GHG emissions within the fields of transportation, as well as hydrogen production. Scenario B assumes that we maintain partial LNG power generation. Additionally, it assumes that some internal combustion engine vehicles remain with the development of alternative fuels (e-fuel, etc.) in the transportation field. Scenario B utilizes carbon absorption and carbon removal technologies (i.e., CCUS) more actively than Scenario A. Therefore, the net emission is expected to be zero in both Scenario A and Scenario B.

⇒ Responsible Department (Answered by): Climate Change Strategy Division

The Net-Zero Scenarios show the future of our society and the outlook of transition by sector when carbon neutrality is achieved in 2050. These scenarios can serve as a compass, showing the transition speed and the direction of policies by sector, including the transition process and industries. 2030 NDC is the intermediate goal for 2050 carbon neutrality.

⇒ Responsible Department (Answered by): Climate Change Strategy Division