Korea's Climate Change and Arctic Law

Korea’s Carbon Neutrality and Polar Activities Promotion Act represents the nation’s effort to balance economic and environmental objectives. Korea is one of the most trade-dependent nations in the OECD, and a high percentage of its trade is conducted through maritime shipping. The Polar Activities Promotion Act is important not only because it is the first polar law enacted by a non-Arctic State, but also because the Arctic shipping route can be the future alternative to the Suez Canal. As the Arctic ice continues to melt and the climate change regulations become stricter, this dual-law approach shows how the country tackles the challenge of integrating economic interests and environmental goals.