The legislative surge comes against the backdrop of a broad reorganisation of South Korea’s climate and energy policy architecture, with the environment and energy portfolios unified under a single ministry earlier this year. 

The merger created the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment, designed to streamline decision-making, eliminate bureaucratic overlap and better coordinate national efforts toward decarbonisation, energy security and biodiversity protection.

Governance and transition

Under a new bill, passed on 26 October, the presidential 2050 Carbon Neutral Green Growth Commission – responsible for nationally determined contributions under the Paris Agreement (NDCs) – will be renamed the “National Committee on Climate Crisis Response”, said the Ministry of Climate, Environment and Energy.

The ministry explained the new title, effective January 2026, reflects an expansion of the committee’s policy scope in line with administrative restructuring to more effectively address the era of climate crisis.

It also revises the reporting standard for greenhouse gas reduction plans, shifting from “gross emissions” – which measure total greenhouse gases emitted – to “net emissions”, which accounts for absorption sources such as forests and carbon sinks. 

The change reflects the government’s intention to align domestic reporting more closely with international climate accounting practices and to strengthen monitoring, feedback and management systems for emission reduction outcomes.

The National Assembly also approved an amendment extending the validity of the permit clause for hydrogen refuelling station construction from the end of 2025 to 2030. 

The revision aims to ensure regulatory continuity and accelerate the deployment of hydrogen infrastructure, which is considered essential to achieving South Korea’s national greenhouse gas reduction target.

According to the climate ministry, the country will need to install more than 660 hydrogen chargers over the coming years to meet its decarbonisation goals. 

The extension allows developers who have received approval from the environment minister to be deemed compliant with 14 related permitting requirements under other laws and this is expected to stimulate demand across connected sectors such as steel, metal, and clean-energy manufacturing.

Biodiversity and wildlife

The National Assembly revised the law to mandate the climate minister to conduct detailed surveys of endangered species habitats and disclose key findings to enhance systematic conservation efforts.

The government also introduced a legal definition of “nature conservation movements” and designates the Korea Nature Conservation Federation – a private organisation founded in 1977 – as a statutory body, recognising its nationwide role in promoting biodiversity and public awareness.

Other legislative changes focus on improving disaster preparedness, workplace and community safety as well as environmental accountability. 

They expand the government’s capacity to prevent and respond to natural hazards, strengthen safety standards in waste and industrial operations and tighten enforcement of recycling and chemical management rules. 

The reforms also enhance liability and compensation systems for pollution and land disputes, ensuring stronger protection for both citizens and the environment.

“We will do our utmost to ensure that the 12 bills passed by the National Assembly today are implemented smoothly in the policy field, including by revising subordinate regulations and preparing the necessary conditions,” said the ministry.