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More than half of all cars sold in Europe have diesel engines. Featuring high fuel economy and producing less carbon dioxide, they are more environmentally friendly. Toyota is prevailing in the world¡¯s auto market and supporting its strong image as an environmentally friendly company by introducing hybrid cars. The governments of developed countries such as France and Finland charge an automobile tax based on carbon dioxide emissions levels.
The demand for green technology is surging beyond the automobile industry. U.S. presidential candidates John McCain and Barack Obama both strongly support energy independence, a system for trading rights to emit carbon dioxide, and the development of clean energy. Recently, the U.S.?based Brookings Institution stated that of the 10 key issues facing the next U.S. president the top priorities should be solving the financial crisis and developing green technology.
Korea imports 97 percent of the energy it consumes and, among OECD nations, produces the 9th most carbon dioxide and has the fastest-growing emissions levels. With its heavy dependence on exports, the nation is strongly affected by the environmental regulations of the developed countries that import its products. Europe has strong environmental regulations, putting pressure on developing countries as well as creating new markets and promoting economic development and job creation. The market for green technology is expected to reach W3,000 trillion ($2,308 billion, W1,300=US$1) in 2020. The success of this technology will be fatal for us.
Belatedly, the president announced at an Independence Day ceremony that he was including green technology and clean energy in his vision for the nation¡¯s growth in the next 60 years. To reflect this, the government is increasing its support for green technology to W1,307 billion (US$1,005 million, W1,300=US$1) in next year¡¯s budget. Increasing the budget for one year, however, will not bring growth. Organizations are working quickly to do what they can in the five years the current administration is in power. No one knows what will happen with a change in government. Investments in green?growth technologies should be made for 20?30 years and with strategic perspectives. The policies that are put in place to support this urgent national project should be consistent and long lasting and should be unaffected by changes in government.
I would also like to stress the importance of investing in fundamental research. According to a recent study, efforts in forecasting and technology aimed at dealing with climate change and creating new/recycled energy amount to 60 percent of those in developed nations. Green technology combines various areas of research, including energy, nanotech, environment and biotech. Weak fundamental research will not bring victory in the long race. The government plans to increase the portion of its R&D budget dedicated to fundamental research from 25.6 percent to 50 percent by 2012. The basic research necessary for supporting green growth should be included in this.
The need to foster achievement in research is urgent and unavoidable. Universities offer majors in foreign literature, but rarely for energy science. That is our reality.
High income per capita will not make us a world powerhouse. Europe is seeking to enhance its image as a group of high-minded countries taking the initiative in solving global issues such as environmental stewardship. In the past 60 years, Korea has changed its image from the Land of Morning Calm to Dynamic Korea, but now is the time for strong principles. Green technology is our key to becoming Noble Korea.
The column was contributed by Lee June-seung, president of the Korea Institute of Science and Technology Evaluation and Planning.
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