The Incheon Climate&Environment Research Center has been operating since May 2017 as a Think-Tank and Act-Tank towards a global green city. It leads carbon neutrality and climate crisis policies and plays a central role in collaboration with various domestic and international partners. Following the enactment and implementation of the Incheon Metropolitan City Carbon Neutrality Ordinance in 2022, it has been renamed as the "Incheon Carbon Neutrality Center" starting from 2023.
On December 6, 2022, during the declaration ceremony for Incheon's carbon neutrality vision, the Mayor of Incheon proclaimed the innovative determination that "as the climate changes, policies must also change." Depending on how we expand infrastructure, urban development, regeneration, investment, and efforts for energy supply in the city's future, we can either get closer to or further away from achieving carbon neutrality.
In Songdo, Incheon, various international organizations and global research institutions in the field of climate&environment are located, including the Green Climate Fund (GCF), the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) Northeast Asia Office, the United Nations Office for Sustainable Development (UNOSD), the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), and the Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN) PALO. The International Conference on Climate Finance&Industry, jointly hosted with GCF, will celebrate its 10th edition this year. Furthermore, efforts have been made to enhance international information sharing and collaboration on local government roles in climate change response, such as International Forum on Low Carbon Cities with UNESCAP and side events at the Conference of the Parties (COP).
The goal of carbon neutrality is not simply achieved over time. To achieve tangible results for carbon neutrality in Incheon, it requires specific, persuasive goal-setting, strategic planning and support, raising awareness and active participation and implementation from the local community. Our center has been providing policy support for Incheon Metropolitan City in policy formulation, implementation, and evaluation.
In the future, our center will faithfully fulfill its role as a leader in promoting practical action and fostering sound communication and collective intelligence based on reliable information about carbon neutrality for the local community. We promise to utilize Incheon's unique potential as an international city and expand the network of cooperation with international organizations and global institutions in the field of climate&environment to develop into a leading city in carbon neutrality and environmental sustainability.
Thank you.
Incheon Carbon Neutrality Center