The Significance of the 3<SUP>rd</SUP> Comprehensive National Air Quality Improvement Plan and Directions for Policy Implementation

Abstract

This paper aims to address the background, significance, and core contents of the Third Comprehensive National Air Quality Improvement Plan (hereafter referred to as The 3 rd Plan (2023 ~ 2032)), which is the top-level national plan for air pollution management in Korea based on the National Air Quality Preservation Act. The 3 rd Plan was established before the conclusion of the 2 nd Plan, responding to evolving both domestic and international circumstances, including national legislation and policies for carbon neutrality, and recent strengthening of air quality standards by the World Health Organization (WHO). The 3 rd Plan sets the goal of significantly reducing the emissions of air pollutants and improving the annual average concentration of fine particulate matter (PM 2.5 ) to 13 µg/m 3 by 2027 (12 µg/m 3 by 2032) in order to meet the current national air quality standards. To achieve this goal, the plan includes targets such as achieving a 29% reduction in PM 2.5 and a 45% reduction in NOx emissions by 2032 (base year of 2021), achieved through measures such as promoting the adoption of low/no emissions vehicles and significant reducing emission allowances for industrial facilities. Additionally, the 3 rd Plan also outlines policies to combat the deterioration of domestic ozone pollution through researches and effective reduction of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). To achieve these objectives, future air quality plans should align with the National Determined Contributions (NDC) roadmap for carbon neutrality. Practical measures are needed for managing both greenhouse gases and air pollutants together. Transitioning to air quality goals based on toxicity assessments is essential. Improving emissions inventories for hazardous air pollutants (HAPs), conducting health impact assessments, and enhancing governance and government support for local governments are also critical. Urgent actions are required to facilitate effective communication, stakeholder collaboration, and institutional improvements to reduce industrial emissions significantly.