Circular Economy And Climate Mitigation: A Case Study Of South Korea's Climate Policies & Programmes

Farzin Naz, B.A.LL.B, LL.M, National Law University and Judicial Academy, Assam

Page: 67-82

ABSTRACT

Most of the countries of the world today have linear economy, which mostly focuses on taking materials from mother nature, using them and eventually throwing them away after use. The linear economy does not involve the concept of regeneration and restoration. The concept is not sustainable from a long-term perspective. Circular Economy, on the other hand, is based on the principle of sustainability. In the Circular Economy, materials are used for manufacturing, sed and after their end life, they are again used as input materials for new products. Thus, there is zero wastage and nothing goes to landfills.

An international effort is underway to attain carbon neutrality in response to the climate problem. The reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is a goal that industries across the board are working tirelessly towards, with a strong emphasis on the circular economy concepts. Since the 1960s, South Korea has seen significant development, making it the OECD nation with the greatest rate of increase in carbon emissions. In the modern era, it represents 1.28% of yearly world emissions and is Asia's fifth-largest producer of greenhouse gases (GHG). However, South Korea was also among the first nations to formally adopt broad- based carbon reduction measures. The goal of this essay is to provide a thorough case study of South Korea, demonstrating its effective balancing of low-carbon transitions with circular economy goals in trash recycling, and providing priceless lessons for other countries looking for sustainable development models.

Keywords: Circular Economy, Climate Change, Low Carbon transitions, Mitigation, Sustainable development.