On June 17, 2020, the Danish Parliament passed the new Climate Act with 8 out of 10 parties supporting the proposal. Despite the COVID-19 crisis and ongoing economic turmoil, the target of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 70 percent by 2030 are maintained and enshrined in law.
(photo courtesy Steen Brogaard).
The Climate Act will act as the new framework for Danish climate policy in the years to come, for example through establishing an ambition mechanism with a five-year cycle, designed to ensure both early actions and to revise the reduction targets.
Today is a historic day, marking the end of a long journey from the conception of an idea to a fully-fledged Climate Act, designed to guide Denmark all the way to climate neutrality. The law sets our 70 percent reduction target in stone and reconfirms our full and unwavering commitment to deliver our part in the common fight against climate change. In the face of historic health and economic crisis, it is perhaps more important than ever, said Danish Minister for Climate, Energy, and Utilities, Dan Jørgensen.
The Climate Act ensures that Denmark works to reduce its carbon emissions by 70 percent in 2030 compared to 1990 levels and towards net-zero by 2050. contains a mechanism for setting milestone targets. Every five years the government must set a legally binding target with a ten-year perspective.
During the government’s forthcoming Climate Action Plan in 2020, an indicative milestone target will be set for 2025.
The Climate Act commits the government to separately report on Denmark’s impact on international emissions, including those pertaining to international shipping and aviation.
Furthermore, reductions from electricity produced from renewable sources and the effects of Denmark’s bilateral energy cooperation with 15 countries can be taken into account.
It is our aspiration to lead the way by example and hopefully inspire others around the world to follow. The Act is also a testament to the crucial role of the public at large in the momentous transformation to a sustainable society. Even though the law was passed today with a huge political majority, we really couldn’t have done this without the broad and passionate support among ordinary Danes, and of course, civil society that helped set things in motion, said Minister Dan Jørgensen.
