South Korea's Constitutional Court Orders Concrete Climate Action Plans

South Korea's Constitutional Court has mandated the government to solidify its climate action plans through 2049, marking a partial win for climate activists. The ruling recognized the inadequacy of current climate goals and emphasized the need for robust plans to ensure protection of environmental and human rights.

South Korea's Constitutional Court on Thursday mandated the government to enhance its climate goals with concrete action plans extending through 2049, delivering a partial victory to climate activists who argue that the nation's sluggish emission cuts violate their rights.

Ruling on four climate cases brought by 255 plaintiffs—many of whom were children or teenagers when they started filing complaints in 2020—the court identified climate change as a fundamental rights issue and called for more robust plans to cut emissions after 2031. The court stopped short of demanding a more ambitious 2030 target, citing a lack of unconstitutionality in the existing policy.

Activists hailed the decision as a significant judicial move that could inspire future actions across Asia. The South Korean Ministry of Environment pledged to adhere to the court's directives by formulating concrete plans by February 28, 2026, while environmental groups continued to press for stronger emission reduction targets.

(With inputs from agencies.)