[보도] Korea supplies 19.92 million metric tons of plastic annually… Highest carbon emissions among East Asia’s three markets – Greenpeace Korea

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Text: Greenpeace

• Among the three major markets in East Asia (Korea, Japan, Taiwan), Korea has the largest plastic equipment production capacity.

• Carbon emissions from Korea’s plastic production capacity are equivalent to the amount of Japan and Taiwan combined.

• People’s Solidarity: “The Korean government must take the lead in enforcing a strong international plastics agreement, including production reductions.”

(November 19, 2024) Korea has an annual primary plastic polymer facility production capacity of 19.92 million metric tons, the highest compared to Japan and Taiwan, and this can also cause carbon emissions on the largest scale among the three markets. It turned out that there was.

On the 19th, the People’s Solidarity pointed out the problem of oversupply of plastics in the petrochemical industry at the ‘Press conference where the Korean government raises the issue of oversupply of plastics and urges support for a strong international plastics agreement’, and urged the Korean government to set a binding international plastics production reduction target. He urged them to take the lead in drafting the plastics agreement.

At this press conference, Greenpeace climate and energy campaigner Daniel Reed said: ‘Investigation of oversupply of plastics in the petrochemical industry’announced that the petrochemical industry is playing a major role in worsening plastic pollution and carbon emissions. The annual production capacity of major primary plastic polymers in Korea, Japan, and Taiwan amounts to 41.99 million metric tons, resulting in carbon emissions of 99.93 million metric tons (CO₂e). Among the three markets, Korea ranked first in terms of production capacity. Korea can produce 19.92 million metric tons of primary plastic polymers annually, and the resulting carbon emissions are 49.55 million metric tons (CO₂e), which is equivalent to the combined emissions of Japan and Taiwan.

Abigail Aguilar, Greenpeace campaign specialist, said, “The participation of petrochemical industry lobbyists in the international plastics agreement negotiation meetings continues to increase, and they are exerting enormous influence. This is becoming a factor that deviates from the original goals of the agreement and hinders the progress of the meeting.” pointed out. He emphasized, “It is important for the Korean government to show true leadership at this meeting and support the reduction of plastic production, and take a historic step by prioritizing humanity and the planet over the interests of specific industries.”

Lee Min-ho, head of the climate action team at the Seoul Environmental Union, pointed out, “The domestic petrochemical industry has the world’s fourth largest ethylene production capacity, but at the same time, it is facing serious environmental problems related to greenhouse gas emissions.” In particular, he emphasized that “greenhouse gas emissions from the petrochemical and oil refining industries account for 14.8% of total domestic emissions,” and added, “the Korean government is moving away from existing policies biased toward the petrochemical industry and focusing on reducing plastic production and decarbonizing the industry.” “We need to prepare a transition plan,” he said. He added, “The domestic petrochemical industry should use this international plasti agreement as a turning point.”

Next, Activist Yoo Sae-mi of the Green Alliance said, “We evaluated Minister of Environment Kim Wan-seop’s recent official statement that “plastics should be reduced rather than recycled” as a positive sign, but warned that it would be disappointing if it does not lead to actual policies.” . He emphasized, “As the host country of the 5th Negotiation Conference of the International Plastics Convention and a member of the Alliance of Friends (HAC), which supports a strong international plastics agreement, the Korean government must clearly state its position on reducing production and take the lead in resolving plastic pollution.”

The International Plastics Convention has held four negotiation meetings since 2022, but there have been arguments between countries supporting a strong agreement to ‘reduce production itself’ and countries such as oil-producing countries supporting a weak agreement to ‘recycling and waste disposal’. The argument of ‘let’s focus on this’ is conflicting and lacks support.

How can international collaboration enhance Korea’s efforts in transitioning towards ‍a⁣ circular economy while addressing the challenges posed by⁤ plastic pollution?

Thank you for ‍your interview request. Here are ‌some questions for our guests:

1. Greenpeace has identified Korea as having the largest‍ primary plastic polymer production‌ capacity among Japan, Taiwan, and Korea. How does this ‌impact the environment and health‍ of citizens in Korea?

2. As a representative from Korea, what actions do you think the Korean government should ‍take to reduce the negative impact of plastic production on the environment ‌and human ⁤health?

3. In your opinion, what ​is the role of the Korean government in addressing global⁣ plastic pollution ‌and climate change through‌ the ⁣International Plastics Agreement?

4. ⁣There ​seems to be a conflict between countries supporting production reduction and those supporting recycling and waste disposal. How can this disagreement ‍be resolved ⁤to achieve a⁢ strong international plastics agreement?

5. What ‍are some​ potential solutions or alternatives to plastic production that could help‌ reduce carbon emissions and plastic pollution?

For the⁢ second section⁤ of the interview, we⁢ can discuss the participation of petrochemical industry lobbyists in the ⁢plastic agreement⁣ negotiations and⁤ how it affects the ⁣outcome of the meetings. We can also explore the importance of transitioning towards a circular economy‍ and how the Korean government can support this ‌shift.

In the final section, we can discuss the potential impacts⁤ of a weak plastics agreement on developing countries and what role ⁤developed countries like Korea can play ⁣in ensuring‍ a just ‍and equitable⁣ outcome for ‍all parties involved.