alchedek July 2025

As carbon neutrality emerges as a key factor determining the survival and growth of companies, the number of global manufacturing companies actively pursuing a transition to renewable energy is increasing. With RE100 participating companies pledging to convert 100% of their electricity use to renewable energy by 2050, they are demanding renewable energy usage from their supply chain partners, making renewable energy procurement an essential task for securing export competitiveness, thereby increasing its importance. However, overcoming practical constraints such as lack of information and insufficient infrastructure regarding RE100 and transitioning to a 100% renewable energy system remains a challenging task. In this context, Epson is being recognized as a leading example in achieving RE100 in the manufacturing industry. Since its founding, Epson has continuously emphasized the environment, announcing the initial model…

The climate crisis is an unavoidable future for humanity, necessitating contemplation on desirable responses and adaptations, as well as solutions. Environmental issues, which are directly linked to human survival, inevitably have a significant impact not only on the environment itself but also on the economy. As the world expands its focus from carbon neutrality to include climate change adaptation technologies in its strategies for achieving greenhouse gas reduction targets, South Korea must also advance with innovative technologies while staying ahead in the global competition for technological supremacy. In line with this, the July issue of alchedek aims to plan an environmental industry initiative utilizing greenhouse gas reduction and climate change adaptation technologies to establish a sustainable environmental ecosystem. With a multifaceted approach to carbon reduction and climate and environmental issues,…

The 1.5-degree threshold, promised by countries worldwide as the last line of defense against climate change in the 2015 ‘Paris Climate Agreement’, has been breached. According to the World Meteorological Organization(WMO) under the United Nations, the atmospheric concentration of the three major greenhouse gases-carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide-has shifted to an upward trend in 2023. Particularly, carbon dioxide, once emitted, does not quickly dissipate and remains in the atmosphere, significantly impacting climate change. Changes due to abnormal weather can lead to a global economic crisis. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has even required listed companies to disclose climate risks. Thus, addressing climate change is directly linked to corporate competitiveness. In Korea, there is an observation that 2025 will be a turning point in responding to climate change. This…

Established in 1986, the Hyundai Economic Research Institute is Korea’s leading private economic and industrial research institution. For over 40 years, it has operated as a think tank that has breathed alongside the growth and transformation of the Korean economy under the mission “We move people and change the world.” The Institute conducts research, education, and international development cooperation(ODA). Amidst the rapid changes in domestic and international economic environments, Hyundai Economic Research Institute publishes ‘Economic Weekly’ and ‘Issues and Tasks’ to propose rational policy alternatives for sustainable growth across government, businesses, and society. To enhance practical applicability, it collaborates with various institutions across diverse fields such as industrial innovation, energy and environment, and inter-Korean economic cooperation to carry out research projects. Particularly, it provides substantial and in-depth research focusing on…

As environmental changes due to the climate crisis emerge as a global issue, the National Institute of Environmental Research(NIER) is leading Korea’s sustainable future through scientific research and policy support. Entering his second year in office, President Han-Seung Keum is focusing on organizational innovation, the introduction of advanced technologies, and strengthening international cooperation to solidify NIER’s leading role in responding to the climate crisis. NIER has established a system to address future environmental issues through organizational restructuring, including the establishment of the Climate Carbon Research Division, reorganization of water-related departments, and the creation of the Future Waste Resources Research Division. In particular, it is taking the lead in proactive preparation for future climate change by developing a Korean-style AI air quality prediction model and climate risk maps. Furthermore, NIER is…

In the field of CCUS, which focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the sustainable and efficient absorber that is drawing attention is ‘trees’. Effective afforestation is being recognized as the best solution for carbon neutrality, leading to a reevaluation of the value of trees. NewSpring is offering a mass supply solution for seedling production as the fastest way to address the global climate change issue caused by CO 2. Their goal is to assist afforestation projects not only in Korea but worldwide, to return a cleaner Earth to the next generation. CO2 Absorption and Decomposition Capacity and High Timber Value of Larch Present Mass Production Solution to Overcome Limitations of Species Renewal Currently, 72% of the national territory consists of aging species, with very low utility as timber. The CO2…