Both the US and Korea have made strong political commitments to developing clean energy solutions to
combat climate change and meet emissions targets as set forth in the Paris Accord. South Korea has
introduced a “Green New Deal” that seeks to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 through the
institution of more aggressive clean energy targets. Furthermore, South Korea has identified a number of
game-changing energy technologies that may act as clean energy solutions for decarbonization and
emissions reduction efforts. In the U.S., President-Elect Biden has signaled strong U.S. commitment to meet
climate targets through the Build Back Better Plan. Under the Biden administration, the U.S. is expected to
re-enter the Paris Agreement and use all its clean energy solutions, including renewable and nuclear
technologies, to address climate change. While regional geopolitics, differing technological priorities, and
the realities of economic competition pose certain challenges, the opportunities for U.S.-Korea cooperation
in clean energy and climate change are clear given the two countries’ historical relationship and general
alignment on the relevant issues.
