South Korea, the fourth largest economy in Asia, has committed to selecting one of three targets for carbon emissions by 2020, aligning itself with Kyoto signatories in the global effort to combat climate change. The government announced that it will decide on a 2020 gas emission target this year, with options including an 8 percent increase from 2005 levels, maintaining 2005 levels, or reducing emissions by 4 percent below 2005 levels. Despite being one of Asia's wealthiest nations and a major industrial player, South Korea experienced a doubling of emissions between 1990 and 2005. Per-capita emissions of carbon dioxide based on 2005 levels were 11.1 tonnes, comparable to 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 seem modest compared to those of developed countries. These efforts are the highest and most sincere, showcasing Korea's capabilities. The government has estimated that each goal will require between 0.3 and 0.5 percent of GDP and will involve the increased use of hybrid cars, renewable and nuclear energy, energy efficiency with LED lights, and smart grids to reduce emissions. Developed countries that are obligated by the Kyoto Protocol to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are facing pressure from developing nations to increase their targets for emission reduction as part of a larger climate agreement being negotiated. These negotiations will conclude at the end of the year at a major UN conference in Copenhagen, Denmark. Wealthy developing countries like South Korea, Singapore, and Mexico are also being urged 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 United States are targeting reductions of 15 and 17 percent by 2020 compared to 2005 levels, while the European Union and Britain are aiming for reductions of 20 and 34 percent by 2020 compared to 1990 levels. Developing nations, including China, are calling for wealthy countries to cut greenhouse gas emissions by at least 40 percent by 2020 in order to mitigate the severe impacts of global warming such as droughts, floods, and rising sea levels.