In a historic decision on Aug. 31, South Korea’s Constitutional Court ruled that the government’s current climate change measures are inadequate, calling for more specific carbon-reduction targets for 2031 and beyond. It is the first climate litigation ruling of its kind in Asia.

The court mandated the revision of the country’s climate law while deliberating four climate cases filed by 255 plaintiffs, many of whom were children or teenagers when they initiated their complaints in 2020. These young plaintiffs asserted that South Korea’s 2018 climate target of reducing carbon emissions by 35 percent by 2030 is insufficient to meaningfully address the climate crisis.

“It is amazing to see how young activists raised their voices this time on a matter that will influence their future the most,” Nabin Won (9), news observer, said. “This is a great step forward, as younger generations have often had limited influence on political decisions.”

Although the court did not compel the government to raise its 2030 emission reduction target, it did uphold the plaintiffs’ argument that the country lacks concrete plans for the period between 2031 and 2049. This oversight, the court ruled, infringes on the constitutional rights of future generations and fails to provide adequate environmental protections. 

As a result, the court ordered the National Assembly to revise the Carbon Neutral Act by Feb. 28, 2026, to include more specific carbon-reduction targets for 2031 through 2049.

This ruling brings up an essential question: How ambitious should a country’s climate goals be?

While opinions may vary, for some, this victory could be a true “catalyst for change.”

“As the first victory in climate litigation in Asia, this ruling could set a precedent for other Asian countries to pass stronger climate change policies,” Jay Yoo (9), sustainability advocate, said. “I hope this ruling will lead to even bigger changes for our future.”