South Korea, the fourth largest economy in Asia, has committed to choosing one of three targets for carbon emissions by 2020, aligning itself with the Kyoto signatories in the fight against climate change. The government announced it would select a 2020 gas emission target this year from three options: an 8 percent increase from 2005 levels, remaining unchanged from 2005, or 4 percent below 2005 levels. Despite being one of Asia's wealthiest nations and a major industrial player, South Korea saw its emissions double between 1990 and 2005. Per-capita emissions of carbon dioxide based on 2005 levels were 11.1 tonnes, on par with some European countries and ranking as the 17th largest among OECD members. Sang-hyup Kim, Secretary to the President for National Future and Vision at the Presidential Office, noted that compared to developed countries, the targets may seem moderate. The efforts being made are sincere and reflect Korea's capabilities to curb emissions. The government has estimated that each target will cost between 0.3 and 0.5 percent of GDP. They plan to achieve this by increasing the use of hybrid cars, renewable and nuclear energy consumption, energy efficiency with light-emitting diodes, and smart grids. Developed countries that are part of the Kyoto Protocol are facing pressure from developing nations to increase their emissions reduction targets as part of a broader climate agreement being negotiated. These discussions will conclude at the end of the year at a major UN conference in Copenhagen. Wealthy developing countries like South Korea, Singapore, and Mexico are also being pushed to announce emissions reductions. South Korea's goals are relatively small when compared to those of more advanced countries like the United States and the European Union. Japan and the US are targeting emission reductions of 15 and 17 percent by 2020 from 2005 levels, while the EU and Britain are aiming for cuts of 20 and 34 percent by 2020 compared to 1990 levels. China and other developing nations are calling for developed countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 40 percent by 2020 in order to prevent severe consequences of global warming such as droughts, floods, and rising sea levels.