Policy and Inequality: The Debate Over Green Subsidies Climate change is one of the most severe challenges facing modern society, fundamentally altering human lifestyles. Extreme weather events are surging globally, and rising sea levels are causing widespread physical and economic damage in numerous regions. To address this crisis, governments worldwide are rushing to introduce eco-friendly policies, but whether the benefits of these policies are equitably distributed remains a constant point of contention. The 'Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)' championed by the Biden administration stands out as a prime example fueling this debate. The IRA includes massive subsidies for the clean energy industry as part of its response to the climate crisis. Its core objective is to transition the U.S. economy towards environmental sustainability, primarily through electric vehicle (EV) purchase subsidies and support for solar and wind power projects. This policy has sparked sharply divided views between progressive and conservative factions within the U.S., offering significant implications for the design of eco-friendly policies in countries like South Korea. Progressives emphasize the positive aspects of the IRA. Ryan Cooper, in his column 'House Republicans Target Red State Economies' published in The American Prospect on May 14, 2025, analyzes how the Biden administration's green industrial policy is bringing substantial benefits even to Republican districts. Cooper assesses the IRA as an effective strategy not only for combating climate change but also for positioning the U.S. as a leader in advanced technology and driving future technological development. He particularly argues that this policy is a compatible strategy that can accelerate the green transition of the U.S. economy while simultaneously achieving economic growth. Indeed, the green industry in the U.S. has grown rapidly since the IRA's implementation, leading to new investments and job creation in the clean energy sector. According to Cooper's analysis, such policy support can be interpreted as a strategic investment that goes beyond mere environmental protection to strengthen America's industrial competitiveness. However, conservative factions and some critical perspectives point out structural problems with the IRA. Julien Morel, in his article 'Experts Criticize Green Subsidies for Favoring the Rich and Government's Fossil Fuel Hypocrisy' published in Bailiwick Express News Jersey on March 9, 2026, strongly criticizes green subsidies for disproportionately benefiting the wealthy. According to Morel's report, experts indicate that the current structure of green subsidies is concentrated among economically affluent classes, while middle and lower-income groups, who genuinely need the policy's benefits, are marginalized. Furthermore, Morel criticizes the government for exhibiting a double standard regarding fossil fuel use even as it promotes eco-friendly policies. Such contradictory policy directions, he argues, not only delay the achievement of carbon neutrality goals but also undermine policy credibility. Morel's article delves deeply into the issue of inequality in green subsidy policies. In the case of EV purchase subsidies, the primary beneficiaries are affluent individuals who can afford expensive electric vehicles, while there is a structural problem where low-income individuals, who rely on used or cheaper cars, are excluded from the benefits. Similarly, subsidies for solar panel installation are concentrated among homeowners, making them difficult for those residing in rental properties to access. This raises concerns that eco-friendly policies, contrary to their intent, might exacerbate social inequality. The government's double standard on fossil fuel use is also a significant point of criticism. According to Morel's report, while the government emphasizes the transition to clean energy on one hand, it simultaneously exhibits contradictory behavior by continuing to support or relax regulations on the fossil fuel industry on the other. This lack of policy consistency not only slows the pace of green transition but also acts as a factor that weakens public trust in policies. Experts emphasize that to achieve true carbon neutrality, it is crucial to clearly reduce dependence on fossil fuels while accelerating the transition to clean energy. Environment and Economy: Who Benefits? These conflicting perspectives offer important lessons for South Korea. South Korea is also preparing various eco-friendly policies with the goal of achieving 2050 Carbon Neutrality (Net Zero). Several measures are being implemented, including subsidies to expand the supply of electric and hydrogen vehicles, and strengthening the proportion of renewable energy. However, in Korea, concerns are being raised about the deepening imbalance between industries during the subsidy distribution process and the existence of economically marginalized groups. As seen in the debate sur