Korea University Professor Lee Hoe Sung Named As New Chair Of Intergovernmental Panel On Climate Change

69-year-old Lee Hoe Sung was elected as the new chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) last month. Lee became the sixth chairman of the UN panel on climate following Indian Rajendra Pachauri, as reported by Korea Herald Oct. 7.

The South Korean professor defeated six other candidates from the United States, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria and Sierra Leone who are aiming to lead the IPCC.

Korea Joongang Daily noted Nov. 11 that Lee will lead the UN panel on climate change for at least five years until the sixth evaluation report on climate change is finished.

As the new chair of IPCC, his influence on the matter of climate change is anticipated to be elevated. According to Lee, he has been engaged with IPCC since it was established in 1988.

"While working as the founding director of the Korea Energy Economics Institute in 1988, a few foreign scholars contacted me about the IPCC, which was in its first stages," Lee said. "So I have been an observer with the organization since its establishment. From 1992 to 1997, I also worked as co-chair of the third Working Group that deals with the social and economic effects of climate change."

Lee went on, "The IPCC is a global think tank that scientifically analyzes and gathers information on the current state of climate change and provides solutions to alleviate the problem. The organization submits an assessment report once every five years."

"Although the IPCC does not intervene or regulate administration in other countries, its role has gained attention since the release of carbon dioxide and greenhouse gases have become more serious issues."

Lee thought that his nationality has contributed for his appointment as the new chair of the UN panel on climate change.

"Within the IPCC, there is the belief that Korea is the most eligible country to narrow down differences in opinions among developing and developed nations. That also played a part," he admitted.

Lee is a professor of Graduate School of Energy and Environment Policy and Technology at Korea University. He started his duty as the new chair of IPCC last October 9.