Emission targets have been doubled in South Korea

This year's greenhouse gas emissions reduction target is set to be doubled next year in a bid to make South Korea more environmentally friendly.

The targets are directed specifically at businesses, especially those who are most likely to produce a huge amount of greenhouse gas emissions. Sectors which use the burning of fossil fuels as an energy source will find the change the most difficult.

Naturally the industrial and power entities are the most damaging, with the government predicting that they account for around 97 per cent of the country's total emissions.

The government's Ministry of Knowledge Economy has stated that the industrial and power sector businesses will be required to cut emissions by a further 1.6 per cent in the year 2013. In 2012 reduction targets were 1.4 per cent, but that will increase to three per cent in 2013.

Specific industries that emit more than the average amount of greenhouse gases will be given individual targets.

As the launch of carbon trading is only three years away, these new targets are a chance for companies to begin making vital and severe changes.

Carbon trading joins together South Korea, China and Australia as they all attempt to tackle the problem of greenhouse gas emissions together.

Introducing the targets now give the businesses a chance to understand how to reduce emissions.

If the scheme is successful it is thought to make a huge impact on the whole of the world.

If companies do not comply with the new targets, or fail to meet the demands placed upon them, they will suffer fines.

This method of punishment is intended to ensure that businesses of all sizes take the necessary measures to prohibit further environmental damage to South Korea.

Individuals are also encouraged to make a difference where possible, although it is big industrial firms that are most accountable.