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I. Introduction: ESD and the Transition to a Low-Carbon Environment-
Friendly Economy
The constant increase in fossil energy consumption is raising the concentration
of carbon dioxide and methane gas in our atmosphere, resulting in the
environmental crisis that we face today. Also, rapid industrialization of China and
India, following the advanced industries in the United States, Europe and Japan,
along with Korea and other emerging economies, is accelerating the depletion of
environmental resources including fossil fuels. Seeking ways for sustainable
development is required at all levels in this global society. On the other hand, with
the advent of the decline in world economy brought on by the recent global financial
crisis, nations are planning ahead on Low-Carbon/Environment-Friendly Green
Investments and seeking new ways for economic vitality. Korea has joined this wave
in 2008, beginning to advocate “Green Growth” as a virtuous circle utilizing resource
management and reduction of environmental pollution as drivers for economic
growth. 51
In order to transform the existing industrial structure and production
mechanisms to a low-carbon/environment-friendly way, training of new manpower
and reorientation and training of existing human resources must be put in place.
Such education and training can be seen as a sub-realm or action example of the
“Decade of Education for Sustainable Development” (2005-2014) advocated by the
UN in 2002. This is because such training aims to constantly cultivate vocational
skills as a means of preparing for a future in an international environment filled with
rapid technological changes and developing earth in a sustainable and eco-friendly
way. In this aspect, UNESCO’s Bonn Declaration (2009) focuses on the importance
of training new personnel and reorientation of existing manpower to stimulate
sustainable development.
This research will investigate the changes in the automobile industry with the
advent of Green Cars and in subsequent technological advances to find effective
ways of training technical professionals to meet such changes. In the transition to a
low-carbon/environment-friendly economy the development and widened use of
Green Cars not only hold symbolic importance in the Green Paradigm but also can
be regarded as a core driver of sustainable development, posing significant lead
effects in the industry. The impact of the automobile industry is especially large in
the Korean economy. Analyzing technological changes and subsequent needs in the
future and seeking ways for training relevant personnel will be good references not
51 The Korean government has recently decided to set the targeted reduction for national greenhouse gas
emission in 2020 to 30% of BAU (Business As Usual) This plan for reduction is the highest among
developing nations with an IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) recommendation of 15-30%
reduction compared to BAU.