Basic Ordinances on Carbon Neutrality for Basic Local Governments in Seoul - With a Focus on Climate Justice -

This study analyzes the Basic Ordinances for Carbon Neutrality and Green Growth of 25 basic local governments (BLGs) in Seoul regarding climate justice, which is vital in tackling the climate crisis, and makes suggestions for improvement. The results showed that some ordinances did not specify the substantive contents of climate justice or the responsibilities of the gu mayor, and in terms of procedural climate justice, some ordinances did not include the democratic participation of residents or ensure the participation of diverse stakeholders in the Carbon Neutrality and Green Growth Committee. Based on the results, this study has the following suggestions for improvement. First, ordinances should stipulate the realization of a just transition as a basic principle, the democratic participation of residents, and stronger investment and support for green technologies and industries. Second, establishing and implementing policies tailored to local characteristics and seeking measures for effective emissions mitigation and adaptation to climate change should be set forth as the responsibility of the head of a local government. Third, it should be mandatory to establish a Carbon Neutrality and Green Growth Committee and specifically define its membership requirements to ensure the meaningful participation of diverse stakeholders. While previous studies on climate crisis response legislation have focused on the Framework Act on Carbon Neutrality and Green Growth for Coping with Climate Crisis and the ordinances of regional local governments (RGLs), this study is significant for analyzing the ordinances of BLGs, examining the legal contents that can realize climate justice at the local level, and offering suggestions for improvement.