[Activity] Chairman Jai-chul Choi Presents 2035 NDC Implementation Strategy in Keynote Address at the 2026 Carbon Neutral & Clean Air Climate Tech Global Conference > 게시글

On February 4, Chairman Jai-chul Choi of the Climate Change Center delivered a keynote address at the 2026 Carbon Neutral & Clean Air Climate Tech Global Conference held at KINTEX in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province. In his remarks, he outlined global trends in climate crisis response and highlighted Korea’s key policy and industrial challenges under the theme, “Global Climate Action and Strategic Tasks for a Carbon-Neutral Future.” He noted that, amid shifting dynamics in international climate governance, countries are increasingly placing greater emphasis on the feasibility of implementation strategies rather than merely competing over the ambition of emission reduction targets.

Referring to discussions surrounding Korea’s 2035 Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), Chairman Choi emphasized that the NDC is no longer a declarative target, but has evolved into a matter of designing practical implementation pathways across industry, energy systems, technology, and everyday life. He cited the rapid expansion of AI, data centers, and advanced industries as examples of rising electricity demand, observing that energy strategies capable of supporting both industrial growth and low-carbon transition will be decisive to the success of future emission reductions.

He further referenced policy approaches from the European Union and other leading countries, explaining that climate action is no longer confined to the environmental domain but is increasingly intertwined with industrial competitiveness, technological innovation, and financial structures. Chairman Choi suggested that climate technology must be recognized not as an option but as a national strategic industry, supported by robust policy frameworks, market mechanisms, and public-private cooperation platforms.

The conference brought together approximately 300 participants, including representatives from government, the National Assembly, international organizations, local governments, corporations, and research institutions, to comprehensively discuss policy and practical solutions for climate action spanning carbon neutrality, circular economy, local innovation, and clean air technologies. The Climate Change Center will continue to advance practical policy discussions that link climate technology, industrial strategy, and energy transition in support of the implementation of the 2035 NDC.