What's happened
On August 29, 2024, South Korea's Constitutional Court ruled that the country's climate change law inadequately protects citizens' rights, particularly future generations. The court mandated the government to establish binding carbon reduction targets for 2031-2049, marking a significant precedent in climate litigation in Asia.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to The New York Times, the court's ruling is historic, marking the first climate litigation victory in Asia, as it mandates the government to set firm carbon-reduction targets for 2031 and beyond. The Guardian highlights that the absence of legally binding targets for greenhouse gas reductions from 2031-2049 was deemed unconstitutional, emphasizing the court's role in protecting future generations. The Independent notes that while the court did not require a more ambitious 2030 target, it recognized the need for comprehensive plans beyond that year, reflecting a nuanced approach to climate policy. Ju-min Park from The Japan Times reported that the court's decision acknowledges the government's duty to protect basic rights, indicating a shift in legal expectations regarding climate action.
How we got here
The ruling follows a series of lawsuits initiated in 2020 by over 250 plaintiffs, including many young activists, who argued that the government's climate policies violated their constitutional rights. The court's decision emphasizes the need for long-term emission reduction plans.
More on these topics
-
South Korea, officially the Republic of Korea, is a country in East Asia, constituting the southern part of the Korean Peninsula and sharing a land border with North Korea.