Korea's Innovative Strategies For Combating Air Pollution

South Korea has been battling air pollution, which is a threat to its people and the environment. The country's air pollution mainly comes from emissions from burning fossil fuels and vehicle emissions. In 2019, South Korea had the worst air quality among the 35 richest countries in the OECD. To combat this, the South Korean government has implemented various measures, such as regulating hazardous air substances, retrofitting coal-fired plants with carbon dioxide capture technology, and investing in air quality management systems. In addition, the government has introduced policies such as mandatory eco-friendly boilers in households and restrictions on driving high-emission vehicles. These efforts have led to a noticeable improvement in air quality in recent years, with a significant decrease in particulate matter concentrations. The government aims to further reduce fine dust concentration by 35% by 2030 compared to 2018 levels.

The Korean government plans to close 10 of its 61 coal-fired power plants by 2025

South Korea is taking steps to reduce its air pollution, which has been linked to premature deaths and health issues such as respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. As part of this effort, the Korean government plans to close 10 of its 61 coal-fired power plants by 2025. This decision aligns with South Korea's pledge at the 2015 Paris climate summit to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 37% by 2030.

Coal-fired power plants are a significant contributor to air pollution and account for 40% of South Korea's electricity supplies. By shutting down these 10 ageing coal-fired power plants, South Korea aims to reduce its reliance on coal and transition towards cleaner energy sources. The closure of these plants is expected to lower fine dust levels by 24% by 2030 compared to 2015 levels, improving air quality and reducing the health risks associated with air pollution.

To compensate for the loss of coal-fired power generation, South Korea plans to invest in renewable energy sources. The country has targeted $37 billion in renewable energy investment by 2020, focusing on cleaner fuels such as biomass and liquefied natural gas. This shift in energy sources is expected to reduce emissions and improve air quality, bringing multiple health benefits to the population.

In addition to closing the 10 coal-fired power plants, South Korea is also retrofitting older plants with improved parts to curtail emissions. Eight coal power plants that are over 20 years old will undergo retrofitting, while the remaining plants will receive expanded emission-reduction facilities. These measures demonstrate South Korea's commitment to reducing air pollution and improving the health and well-being of its citizens.

South Korea's efforts to reduce air pollution extend beyond the energy sector. The government has implemented various policies, such as mandatory installation of eco-friendly boilers and restrictions on driving high-emission vehicles, to address transport sector emissions. Additionally, South Korea has invested heavily in air quality management systems and made long-term air quality data publicly available to facilitate informed decision-making. These comprehensive approaches to tackling air pollution demonstrate South Korea's dedication to creating a healthier and more sustainable environment for its citizens.

The government has introduced restrictions on high-emissions vehicles

South Korea has been taking steps to reduce its air pollution, which has been a growing threat to the health and environment of the country. The government has introduced various measures, including restrictions on high-emissions vehicles, to combat this issue.

The Republic of Korea has a robust legal framework to manage air quality, particularly in the Seoul metropolitan region, which consists of Seoul, Incheon, and Gyeonggi-do province. This region, home to 26 million people, has seen a significant decrease in air pollution in recent years. The government has been working to improve air quality in the region, implementing the Special Act on Seoul Metropolitan Air Quality Improvement in 2003. The act aimed to reduce average annual PM10 and NO2 concentrations from 69 μg per cubic meter to 40 μg/m3 and 38 ppb to 22 ppb by 2014, respectively.

One key measure to reduce emissions from transport is the introduction of restrictions on high-emissions vehicles. The country has been regulating emissions from motor vehicles for over two decades, with major updates to emissions standards in 2000, 2002, 2006, 2009, and 2013. Since 2014, heavy-duty vehicles have been subject to Euro VI emissions standards, and diesel vehicle emissions standards have followed the European precedent. This means that diesel vehicles have been regulated under Euro VI limit values since 2014, with emissions improvements accelerating over time.

In addition to the above, South Korea has also adopted California's NMOG (Non-Methane Organic Gases) fleet average system for gasoline and gas-fueled vehicles since 2009. This system enables carmakers to offer a range of models with different emissions levels while ensuring that the average emissions of their fleets meet the prescribed level. Evaporative emissions limits were further tightened in 2013.

The government has also introduced regulatory limits on 11 air pollutants and 32 hazardous air substances, with the Korean Ministry of Environment monitoring and regulating emissions. These substances are categorized as hazardous and include pollutants such as oxides of nitrogen, carbon monoxide, particulates, and hydrocarbons. The Clean Air Conservation Act, which is constantly being revised, plays a crucial role in this regard. The Act's most recent revision in December 2022 added provisions for low-emission vehicles, promoting their development, sales, and use.

South Korea's efforts to reduce emissions from high-polluting vehicles are an important part of its strategy to improve air quality and protect the health and well-being of its citizens. These measures are expected to have a positive impact on the environment and the lives of those residing in the country.

The government has invested heavily in air quality management systems

The government has implemented a robust legal framework to manage air quality, particularly in the Seoul metropolitan region, which is home to around half the country's population. This framework includes the Special Act on Seoul Metropolitan Air Quality Improvement, enacted in 2003, which aims to reduce average annual PM10 and NO2 concentrations. The government has also made long-term air quality data publicly available, allowing researchers to identify trends and inform policy decisions.

Between 2007 and 2020, the Seoul, Incheon, and Gyeonggi governments invested US$9 billion in air quality management, with a significant proportion focused on reducing emissions from the transport sector. This included initiatives such as the mandatory installation of eco-friendly boilers in households and restrictions on driving high-emissions vehicles. Additionally, US$3.2 billion was devoted to evidence generation and public engagement on air quality, recognising the importance of community involvement in tackling this issue.

The government has also introduced policies to address air pollution, such as the greening of public transport fleets and the implementation of an emissions cap-and-trade system. These measures have contributed to a noticeable reduction in air pollution in recent years, particularly in the Gyeonggi province, which is part of the Seoul metropolitan region.

Furthermore, South Korea has turned to high-tech solutions, including 5G-enabled autonomous robots and satellites, to monitor air quality and track pollutants. This demonstrates the country's commitment to utilising advanced technology in its fight against air pollution.

The government's efforts to improve air quality are also evident in its plans to retrofit coal-fired power plants with carbon dioxide capture and storage (CCS) systems, selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems, and flue gas desulfurization (FGD) systems. These measures aim to reduce emissions and improve air quality, showing that South Korea is taking a multi-faceted approach to addressing this complex issue.

The government has made long-term air quality data publicly available

The government of the Republic of Korea has made significant efforts to combat air pollution, which has been a persistent issue in the country, particularly in the Seoul metropolitan region. One key measure implemented by the government is the public availability of long-term air quality data. This commitment to transparency enables researchers and government agencies to identify trends and develop effective strategies to improve air quality.

The publication of long-term air quality data is supported by a robust legal framework designed to manage air quality in the Seoul metropolitan region, which comprises Seoul, Incheon, and Gyeonggi. This region, home to approximately 26 million people, is a key driver of South Korea's economy, contributing 48% of the national gross domestic product. However, the economic activity that fuels this growth has also led to increased transport, industry, waste, and electricity production, all of which contribute to higher air pollution levels.

To address this challenge, the government has established a comprehensive air quality regulatory framework consisting of multiple levels of planning and policymaking. A governing act serves as the overarching framework at the national level, while distinct plans outline the implementation process at both the national and local levels. This clear delineation of roles and responsibilities has been crucial in effectively managing air quality.

Hundreds of monitoring sites have been set up across the Seoul metropolitan region and other parts of the country to collect data on air pollution. This data is made publicly available through a real-time air quality information website. By providing access to this data, the government empowers researchers and citizens to stay informed and make data-driven decisions.

The availability of long-term air quality data has played a pivotal role in driving action and policy changes. For instance, between 2007 and 2020, the governments of Seoul, Incheon, and Gyeonggi invested US$9 billion in air quality management, with a significant portion allocated to reducing emissions from the transport sector. Additionally, US$3.2 billion was dedicated to evidence generation and public engagement on air quality. This substantial investment reflects the government's recognition of the importance of sustained funding to address climate change and improve air quality.

By making long-term air quality data publicly available, the government of the Republic of Korea has demonstrated its commitment to transparency and accountability. This approach has been instrumental in driving progress toward improving air quality and protecting the health and well-being of its citizens.

The government has created a robust legal framework to manage air quality

South Korea has been facing a significant threat to its population and environment due to air pollution, especially since its rapid industrialization. The country has the worst air quality among the 35 richest countries in the OECD, with fossil fuel combustion being the biggest contributor. To tackle this issue, the government has created a robust legal framework to manage air quality, particularly in the Seoul metropolitan region, which includes Seoul, Incheon, and Gyeonggi Province. This region, a key driver of the country's economy, accounts for almost half of the national gross domestic product. However, the economic activities have also led to increased transport, industry, waste, and electricity production, contributing to higher air pollution levels.

The air quality regulatory framework in South Korea consists of multiple levels of planning and policymaking. At the national level, a governing act serves as the overarching framework, while distinct plans outline the implementation process at both the national and local levels. This structure provides a strong foundation for combating air pollution by clearly defining the roles and responsibilities of different organizations at various levels.

To assess compliance with the legal framework, hundreds of monitoring sites have been established across the Seoul metropolitan region and other parts of the country. These sites provide real-time data on air pollution, which is publicly available through a dedicated website. This data transparency enables researchers to identify trends and provides actionable information for government agencies.

The government has also invested heavily in air quality management systems. Between 2007 and 2020, the Seoul, Incheon, and Gyeonggi governments invested US$9 billion in air quality management, with a significant portion focused on reducing emissions from the transport sector. Additionally, US$3.2 billion was allocated for evidence generation and public engagement initiatives related to air quality.

Furthermore, the governments in the Seoul metropolitan region have introduced several policies to address air pollution. These include mandatory eco-friendly boilers in households, restrictions on driving pollutant-emitting vehicles, and the greening of public transport fleets. As a result of these collective efforts, the air quality in the region has shown marked improvement, benefiting the health of its residents.

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