[The Hwankyung Ilbo] Environment Minister Han Jung-ae attended the G20 Environment Ministers' Meeting and the Joint Climate and Energy Ministers' Meeting held in Naples, Italy, for two days from July 22.

The meeting was held face-to-face for the first time in two years, and was attended by environmental, climate change, and energy ministers and vice-minister representatives from the 20 major consultative bodies and invited countries.

The Environmental Ministers' Meeting (7.22) discussed cooperative measures of the 20 major countries under the themes of protection and management of natural capital such as biodiversity and joint efforts to use sustainable and cyclical resources.

In particular, a declaration dealing with major areas of international will, such as natural recovery and promotion of the environmental system, was adopted, along with confirmation that relations with nature are needed to overcome interconnected crises such as habitat devastation and climate change. 

Minister Han Jung-ae said that Korea has participated in biodiversity initiatives, including pledges by leaders for nature, to successfully adopt the results of the 15th General Assembly of Parties to the Convention on Biodiversity, and is promoting green finance by preparing a green classification system.

In addition, he explained Korea's green recovery efforts, including the Green New Deal, and stressed the need to strengthen the flow of financial resources for national policy actions and international solidarity and support it.

It also introduced Korea's plan to act on the environmental system and to prepare a law to promote the transformation of the environmental system to the legal basis, and shared Korea's efforts such as increasing the use of recycled materials for plastic containers.

Finally, Korea expressed its intention to host the 28th General Assembly of Climate Change Parties scheduled to be held in 2023 and asked for the attention and support of the G20 countries.

The climate and energy ministers' meeting (7.23) discussed the need for action around the world to strengthen climate behavior and the role of cities for it, being the sustainable recovery and transition to clean energy.

Accordingly, a joint declaration was adopted confirming the commitment of the 20 major consultative bodies to promote financial flows for the climate, along with emphasizing the importance of strengthening climate action and transforming clean energy for the implementation of the Paris Agreement. 

Minister Han Jung-ae said the government is making efforts to respond to the climate by raising the national greenhouse gas reduction target (NDC) in 2030, pushing for a carbon neutral law, and expanding the supply of renewable energy such as marine wind and biogas.

Furthermore, the company is pushing for regional-led climate resilience and innovation through the smart green city project, paying attention to the city's role as a key player in climate action.

The main contents of the ministerial declaration will be reflected in the summit (October 30-31), and the Ministry of Environment plans to continue to contribute to efforts by 20 major countries to solve major environmental and climate problems in the international community.