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| Industrial output growth following economic recoveries after the COVID-19 pandemic intensified greenhouse gas emissions across the globe. Gettyimagesbank |
By Ko Dong-hwan
Total greenhouse gas emissions in Korea increased 3.5 percent year-on-year in 2021 to 679.6 million tons, according to the Ministry of Environment on Tuesday.
The increase stemmed from economic recovery from the COVID-driven recession that began in 2020, which boosted the country's overall industrial output, the National Center for Greenhouse Gas Inventory and Research (GIR) under the ministry said. The authority's report was based on comprehensive records of energy resources used for power generation, exports and imports, as well as livestock management in 2021.
The GIR, citing the International Energy Agency's records of global carbon dioxide emissions in 2021, said the increase rate of Korea's greenhouse gas emissions was lower than the global average of 5.7 percent as well as that of other advanced countries ― the United States (6.2 percent), the European Union (7 percent) and China (4.8 percent).
Almost 87 percent of the country's greenhouse gas emissions in 2021 came from the energy sector, which accounted for 590 million tons.
Greenhouse gas emissions in the manufacturing industry, including chemical and steel makers, increased by 12.7 million tons from the previous year. In the power generation sector, greenhouse gas emission increased by 4 million tons from 2020. The overall amount of power output in 2021 increased year-year-on, but was offset by a reduced use of coal and increased use of LNG and renewable energy sources.
In the transportation sector, greenhouse gas emissions in 2021 increased by 1.6 million tons year-on-year due to the increased traffic volume and rising consumption of gasoline and diesel.
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| Economic recovery led to increased traffic volume and carbon emissions, stoking higher greenhouse gas emissions. Gettyimagesbank |
The industrial production sector emitted 51 million tons (7.5 percent) of greenhouse gases in 2021, up 5.2 percent from the previous year. The increased production of cement and semiconductors partly contributed to the result.
The agricultural sector emitted 21.2 million tons (3.1 percent) of greenhouse gases in 2021, up 0.9 percentage year-on-year. An increased number of livestock and reduced land areas for cultivation contributed to the slight increase.
The waste treatment sector also emitted 16.8 million tons of greenhouse gases in 2021, down 1.6 percent from the previous year. The amount of waste that was treated increased compared to the previous year, but more trash was recycled than 2020 leading to less waste being hauled off to landfills.
Industrial production and traffic volume indices increased worldwide in 2021 compared to the previous year, which was marked by the global economic stagnation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The GIR said such changes largely contributed to increased greenhouse gas emissions not only in Korea but also worldwide.
In terms of GDP, 2021 saw 356 tons of greenhouse gas emissions per 1 billion won ($770,000). The annual figure continuously declined from 2011, the GIR said. In 2021, GDP increased 4 percent year-on-year while greenhouse gas emissions increased 3.5 percent.
Greenhouse gas emissions in 2021 fell 6.5 percent from 2018 when the figure peaked at 727 million tons in the country.
The GIR said the latest figures will be referenced by the central government to shape future environmental policies and analyze other greenhouse gas-related topics.
"We expect that energy demand this year will also increase compared to the previous year," said Seo Heung-won, the head of the GIR. "Besides, to meet the country's goals of nationally determined contribution (NDC) to lowering the global greenhouse gas emission by 2030 and completely neutralizing the country's carbon emission by 2050, the government should be more vigilant as to reducing greenhouse gas emission."
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