Korean media: South Korea's per capita greenhouse gas emissions are 9.46 tons, twice that of China!
On September 20, the Korean media "Herald Economic" published an article stating that according to information, South Koreans emit 9.46 tons of greenhouse gases per year in their daily lives, which is twice that of Chinese people and three times that of Indian people.
According to a report released by the Green Transition Institute, from last July to this July, South Koreans emitted an average of 9.46 tons of greenhouse gases in their daily lives such as consumption, transportation, food, and recreation.
Previously, the South Korean government calculated that the average per capita greenhouse gas emissions were about 14 tons per year. However, this data included industrial sectors such as catering and small businesses, making it difficult to estimate the actual emissions in daily life.
By sector, housing emissions were the highest at 3 tons, followed by consumption (1.95 tons), transportation (1.92 tons), food (1.47 tons), and recreation (1.11 tons). By age group, people in their 30s had the highest emissions. Men had the largest share of emissions in transportation and food, while women had the largest share in consumption and housing. Additionally, the higher the income, the greater the emissions in consumption and transportation.
The report found that air travel and living area had the greatest impact on per capita emissions. The use of internal combustion engine vehicles, frequency of travel and dining out, and purchasing clothes were also listed as major factors.
South Korea's per capita emissions are higher than those of other countries. The emissions of British and Japanese people are about 8 tons, which is lower than South Korea's. Especially, the emissions of Chinese and Indian citizens are 4.9 tons and 3 tons respectively, less than half of South Korea's. This difference is reflected in the areas of housing, transportation, and food. A relatively larger living space and a higher dependence on internal combustion engine vehicles are the main reasons.
The Green Transition Institute recommended that, to achieve the national greenhouse gas emission reduction target for 2030, per capita emissions in the lifestyle sector must be reduced to an average of 6 tons per year. The institute emphasized that to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 under the Paris Agreement, per capita emissions must be reduced to 0.7 tons.
The Green Transition Institute said, "Besides the United States and some oil-producing countries, South Korea is one of the countries with the highest emissions in the lifestyle sector globally. Regardless of income, it should focus on the lifestyle sector with the greatest emission reduction effect and formulate a lifestyle strategy to change lifestyles."
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1843769631905864/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author.