S. Korea’s greenhouse gas emissions down for 2nd year in 2023

SEOUL, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) — South Korea’s greenhouse gas emissions went down for the second successive year due to economic downturn, environment ministry data showed Tuesday.
The tentative emissions, calculated in carbon dioxide equivalents, declined 4.4 percent over the year to 624.2 million tons in 2023, after decreasing 3.5 percent in the previous year, according to the Ministry of Environment.
The estimated emissions from the industrial sector dwindled 3.0 percent to 238.9 million tons last year on the back of lower production in industries generating more greenhouse gases, such as petrochemicals and cement, affected by economic slowdown.
Emissions from the energy generation sector retreated 7.6 percent to 200.4 million tons on higher power generation in carbon-free nuclear power plants and renewable energy.
The building emissions dwindled 7.0 percent to 44.2 million tons as higher temperatures in winter weakened heating demand. ■