South Korea, the fourth largest economy in Asia, has committed to choosing one of three targets for carbon emissions by 2020, aligning itself with other Kyoto signatories in efforts to combat climate change. The government announced it would select a 2020 gas emission target this year, with options including an 8 percent increase from 2005 levels, no change from 2005, or a 4 percent decrease from 2005 levels. Despite being one of Asia's wealthiest nations and a major industrial player, South Korea saw emissions double between 1990 and 2005, with per-capita emissions of carbon dioxide in 2005 matching those of some European countries and ranking 17th among OECD members. Sang-hyup Kim, Secretary to the President for National Future and Vision at the Presidential Office, acknowledged that the targets may appear modest compared to those of developed nations. However, these efforts are the best and most sincere attempts that showcase Korea's capabilities. The government has calculated that each goal will require 0.3 to 0.5 percent of GDP and will involve measures such as increasing the use of hybrid cars, renewable and nuclear energy, energy efficiency using LED lights, and implementing smart grids. Developed countries that are obligated by the Kyoto Protocol to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are facing strong demands from developing nations to set more ambitious targets for emission reductions as part of a larger climate agreement being negotiated. These discussions will reach a climax at the end of the year in Copenhagen during a major UN conference. Even wealthier developing countries like South Korea, Singapore, and Mexico are feeling pressure to announce plans for reducing emissions. South Korea's goals for reducing emissions are not as ambitious as those of developed countries like the United States and the European Union. Japan and the US are targeting reductions of 15 and 17 percent by 2020 compared to 2005 levels, while the EU and Britain are aiming for reductions of 20 and 34 percent by 2020 compared to 1990 levels. China and other developing nations are calling for wealthy nations to cut greenhouse gas emissions by at least 40 percent by 2020 to prevent severe impacts of global warming like droughts, floods, and sea level rise.