In June 2020, a broad political coalition in the Danish parliament agreed on a legally binding national Climate Act.
By 2030, we will cut our emissions by 70 percent compared to 1990 levels – and no later than 2050, we will reach net-zero. This bold commitment places us at the very front of the global fight against climate change
Some may ask – why is a legally binding goal a top priority? After all, Denmark is only accountable for 0.1 percent of the global emissions.
We are pursuing these goals for two reasons:
First, we believe that we can most effectively make a difference in the global battle against the climate crisis if we can inspire other countries to follow our example. Moreover, Denmark aims to show a model for the world of how the clean energy transition can make us not only greener, but also more prosperous.
After all, we have done it before.
Since the 1990s, we have cut our greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent. At the same time, our economy has grown roughly 65 percent.
Second, we believe that setting a bold goal will force us to innovate, to create new technologies, and to find new ways of working together. We continue to pursue and develop a wide range of tools and solutions to help us get there.
Denmark has come far in the green transition because we stand on a long history of listening to each other and finding solutions together.
Together, we are setting clear and ambitious climate targets.
And we are collaborating closely with partners across the private sector, as well as our citizens, to create a green transition that is not only profitable for our industry, but ensures that none of our communities are left behind.
As a government, we have introduced new thinking and innovation into our policy approach to ensure that our climate ambitions cut across the entire spectrum of our political priorities.
The Climate Act is not only a testament to the political unity on this issue; it ensures that climate considerations are taken into account of every major political decision in Denmark – from transportation to industry to agriculture.