Seoul: South Korea on Thursday unveiled two proposals to cut greenhouse gas emissions by about 50-60% by 2035 from 2018 levels.

According to Anadolu Agency, the government presented the proposals during a public hearing, with the first plan aiming for a 50-60% reduction in emissions and the second plan targeting a slightly more ambitious 53-60% cut.

Seoul is expected to make a decision next week on which proposal to submit to the United Nations. In 2018, South Korea's emissions were 742.3 million tons, which means the country must reduce its output to approximately 371 million tons by 2035 to achieve the minimum goal. Last year's estimated emissions were 691.6 million tons, significantly higher than the minimum target set for 2035.

South Korea is anticipated to submit its new nationally determined contribution (NDC) plan under the Paris Agreement to the UN later this month. Under the agreement, countries are required to update their NDCs every five years to outline efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In 2021, South Korea submitted its NDC for 2030 to the UN, committing to a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from the 2018 level.