Dongjae Oh, the Oil and Gas Program Lead at Solutions for Our Climate (SFOC), recently shared his insights on the dominating presence of fossil fuel industry in Japan and South Korea. As a key industry expert, Oh stresses on the robust influence this industry wields over the energy policies and environmental challenges faced by these nations.
1. Dongjae Oh, Oil and Gas Program Lead at Solutions for Our Climate, highlighted the fossil fuel industry's strong influence over Japan and South Korea's energy policies and environmental challenges.
2. He noted the industry's strong impact on governmental policies in both nations.
3. Despite the commitment of Japan and South Korea to tackle climate change, their related policy measures are limited due to the dominance of the fossil fuel industry.
4. He pointed out that this industry's control has consistently hindered attempts to transition towards renewable energy sources.
5. Mr. Oh stressed that achieving environmental sustainability goals requires a comprehensive, determined effort to limit the huge influence of the fossil fuel industry.
Around 83.8% of Japan’s total energy consumption in 2019 was driven by fossil fuels, while in South Korea, 84.5% of its primary energy consumption was based on fossil fuels in the same year.
Mr. Oh further elaborated on the strength of the fossil fuel industry in these countries, noting the extent of its influence over governmental policies. Even though both Japan and South Korea have articulated their commitment to combat climate change, their relevant policy measures seem to have limited impact due to the dominant presence of the fossil fuel industry. This industry's stronghold has continuously hampered efforts to transition towards renewable energy sources. Mr. Oh emphasized that in order to achieve the environmental sustainability goals set forth by both nations, a comprehensive and determined effort is required to curb the staggering influence of the fossil fuel industry.