Environmental Problems and the Energy Sector in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea

Abstract

Abstract: The quality of human life depends intimately on the quality of the ecological system and environment in which we live. In many ways, the local and regional environment in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) is currently at risk. These risks arise from human activities, often compounded by the effects of natural disasters such as the floods of 1995 and 1996. Although the environmental problems faced by the DPRK are hardly unique, the combination of the DPRK’s political and economic isolation, the current weakness of its economy, its longstanding juche philosophy, and its dependence on coal as an energy source make the potential impacts of environmental problems on the quality of life for North Koreans quite serious. Environmental problems in the DPRK can be divided into global and regional problems. This paper provides estimates of selected environmental impacts of energy sector activities based on conditions in 1990 and 1996, as well as estimates for the years 2000 and 2005, under two scenarios of energy and economic development in the DPRK. A discussion of potential environmental management strategies is also provided. There are many opportunities for regional cooperation to assist the DPRK in addressing its environmental problems and South Korea has a special role and interest in assisting the DPRK in these matters.