South Korea adopts toughest emissions cut goal: source

By Yoo Choonsik

SINGAPORE (Reuters) - South Korea has adopted the toughest of its two voluntary 2020 emissions reduction targets, calling for a reduction of 4 percent from 2005 levels, a senior government source told Reuters on Saturday.

"The government has chosen the toughest option," said the source with direct knowledge of the decision. "I think it's important for countries to aim high."

The fastest-growing carbon polluter among the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) plans to announce its decision next Tuesday, with the other option calling for keeping 2020 emissions unchanged at 2005 levels.

"There was some opposition from the industrial sector but the government's will is very firm on this issue," the official added, without elaborating on the reaction from companies.

Early this month, South Korea dropped the weakest of the three options calling for an 8 percent increase in 2020 emissions from 2005 levels.

While not obliged under the U.N.'s Kyoto Protocol climate pact to announce binding cuts, South Korea has come under pressure to put the brakes on the rapid growth of its planet-warming emissions from industry and transport.

In response, the country took the lead among newly industrialized nations by announcing the three emissions targets in August.

The latest move showcases President Lee Myung-bak's firm commitment to making Asia's fourth-largest economy more energy-efficient.

The country's green investment plans already rank near the top in Asia. The government said earlier this year it would invest 107 trillion won ($92.53 billion) in environment-related industries over the next five years, or 2 percent of annual GDP each year.

Lee hosts a G20 summit next year, an event that will help him showcase the country's green policies.

($1=1,156.3 Won)

(Editing by Dean Yates)