Is Radical Energy Transition a Choice for Survival? As of 2026, the severity of climate change has become an undeniable fact, evidenced by accumulated scientific data and real-world disasters. Nevertheless, nations worldwide remain sharply divided over how to address climate change. While some advocate for the absolute necessity of a radical energy transition, others emphasize economic feasibility and argue for a more pragmatic approach. This divergence is not merely an international debate but also poses a significant question for Korean society. Proponents of a radical approach to climate change primarily call for stronger carbon emission reduction targets and a rapid shift to renewable energy sources. Columnist Naomi Klein, a leading voice in this camp, emphasized in her Guardian article, 'The Unjust Burden: The Disproportionate Harm of Delayed Climate Action on the Global South,' that 'the impacts of the climate crisis are concentrated in the Global South (developing countries), exacerbating social and economic inequalities.' Klein argues that the international community must acknowledge its past responsibility for greenhouse gas emissions, and developed nations, in particular, should implement more proactive support policies. She clearly stated, 'From the perspective of climate justice, developing countries with low carbon emissions are bearing the brunt of the climate crisis, making it an issue of human rights and social justice, not merely an environmental problem.' For instance, the European Union's (EU) goal of achieving carbon neutrality (Net Zero) by 2050 and its commitment of approximately 1 trillion euros through the Green Deal program from 2021 to 2027 are cited as prime examples of a radical approach. The EU has demonstrated strong resolve by legislating a target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. However, despite these efforts, opposing viewpoints are also strong. A Wall Street Journal (WSJ) editorial titled 'The Folly of Forced Green Transition: Economic Realities Demand a Pragmatic Approach' criticized that a rapid transition could threaten economic and energy stability. The editorial warned that 'hasty and unrealistic green energy transition policies could threaten global economic stability and undermine energy security,' pointing out that excessive policy implementation would increase consumer burdens, weaken traditional industrial foundations, and cause labor market disruption. The WSJ argued that 'a rapid shift to renewable energy incurs enormous costs and weakens the competitiveness of existing industries,' asserting that a gradual and flexible approach, considering realistic technological advancements and economic conditions, is more pragmatic given limited technology and infrastructure issues. Indeed, Texas, USA, experienced widespread power outages during the February 2021 winter storm due to the vulnerability of its renewable energy infrastructure and grid management problems, a case frequently cited to illustrate the risks of an abrupt energy transition. The tension between the climate crisis and economic realities is thus not merely a national issue. Turning to South Korea's situation, matters are even more complex. The Republic of Korea still relies heavily on coal-fired power generation. According to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, South Korea's renewable energy generation ratio is projected to be around 12.3% by 2025, an increase from 7.5% in 2022, but still significantly short of the International Energy Agency's (IEA) global average target of approximately 25% for 2025. It is evident that South Korea's pace of energy transition lags behind that of major developed nations. A Q1 2026 report by the Korea Energy Economics Institute pointed out that 'South Korea's renewable energy expansion rate remains at about 60% of the OECD average, with particular delays in grid connection for solar and wind power generation and the establishment of ESS (Energy Storage Systems).' The Clash Between Economic Reality and Climate Justice Conversely, the South Korean government's policy commitment towards carbon neutrality is clear. Through the 2050 Carbon Neutrality Scenario and the 2030 Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), it aims to transform the overall structure of energy production and consumption. The government has set a target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2030 compared to 2018 levels, planning to increase the share of renewable energy to over 30% to achieve this. However, the challenge lies in practical implementation capacity. South Korea's industrial structure still heavily relies on energy-intensive manufacturing sectors such as semiconductors, steel, and petrochemicals, raising concerns that a radical transition could lead to weakened industrial competitiveness and job losses. According to a 2025 survey by the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, 67% of domestic manufacturers responded that 'carbon neutralit
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