Why Denmark is the most climate ambitious country – Euronews.com

Denmark’s Renewed Commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 13: Climate Action

New National Emissions Target for 2035

A report from the COP30 climate conference indicates that Denmark has established a new, ambitious target for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction, directly addressing the objectives of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13: Climate Action. The key elements of this announcement include:

• Target Reduction: An 82 to 85 per cent reduction in GHG emissions by 2035, compared to 1990 levels.
• Policy Statement: The Danish Minister of Climate, Energy and Utilities, Lars Aagaard, emphasized the nation’s strategy to balance ambitious climate goals with a competitive business sector and social cohesion, aligning with SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).
• Financial Commitment: The government has allocated 4 billion Danish kroner (approximately €535 million) to support the measures required to meet this target, reinforcing its commitment to SDG 13.

Historical Context and Long-Term Goals

Denmark’s climate policy demonstrates a consistent progression towards sustainability.

1. 2030 Target: A legally binding target, established in the 2020 Climate Act, to reduce emissions by 70 per cent by 2030.
2. 2045 Target: A national goal to achieve climate neutrality.

Performance Assessment in Relation to Global Sustainability Goals

Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) Analysis

The annual Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) report evaluates national progress towards achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement, a cornerstone of SDG 13. Denmark’s performance is notable:

• Overall Ranking: Denmark is ranked 4th out of 63 countries and the European Union. It is the highest-ranked country, as the top three positions were left vacant due to no nation being fully on track to meet the Paris Agreement’s targets.
• Category Ratings:
  • Renewable Energy (SDG 7): “Very High” rating, attributed to its leadership in offshore wind.
  • GHG Emissions (SDG 13): “High” rating.
  • Climate Policy (SDG 13): “High” rating.
  • Energy Use (SDG 7 & 12): “Medium” rating.
• Innovation and Infrastructure (SDG 9 & 11): The report highlights Denmark’s significant progress in the uptake of electric vehicles, contributing to more sustainable transport and communities.

Comparative Analysis of European Climate Commitments

Regional and National Contributions to the SDGs

A comparative overview of climate targets across Europe provides context for Denmark’s position and illustrates varied approaches to achieving SDG 13 and SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy).

• European Union: The bloc has agreed to a net emissions reduction of 66.25–72.5 per cent by 2035 from 1990 levels, with a climate neutrality goal for 2050.
• United Kingdom: Ranks 5th on the CCPI and targets an 81 per cent emissions reduction by 2035 compared to 1950 levels. The UK is recognized for being the first G7 country to phase out coal but lags in renewable energy expansion.
• Norway: Aims for a 70-75 per cent emissions reduction below 1990 levels by 2035 and is a leader in renewable energy expansion.
• Other High-Performers: Luxembourg, Lithuania, and the Netherlands also feature in the top ten of the CCPI rankings, demonstrating strong national commitments to climate action.

The CCPI report concludes that while no single country exhibits a “very good” overall performance, individual nations are pioneering ambitious actions in specific categories, underscoring the importance of international cooperation and partnership as outlined in SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 13: Climate Action

  This is the most prominent SDG in the article. The entire text focuses on climate change mitigation efforts, specifically the setting of ambitious national targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions by countries like Denmark, the UK, and Norway, as well as the European Union as a bloc. The article discusses national climate policies, performance rankings (CCPI), and international frameworks like the Paris Agreement and COP30, all of which are central to SDG 13.

• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

  The article directly connects climate action with the transition to clean energy. It highlights Denmark’s “very high” rating in Renewable Energy and its leadership in “offshore wind.” It also mentions that Norway and Sweden are leaders in “renewable energy expansion” and that the UK was the first G7 country to “phase out coal.” These actions are fundamental to achieving SDG 7, which aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all.

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

  This goal is addressed through the mention of specific actions that make urban areas more sustainable. The article notes Denmark’s leadership in “electric vehicle uptake,” which is a key strategy for creating sustainable transport systems (Target 11.2) and reducing the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including air pollution (Target 11.6).

• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

  The article implicitly addresses this SDG by discussing the international cooperation required to tackle climate change. It mentions multilateral platforms like the UN climate conference (COP30), international agreements (the Paris Agreement), and collaborative evaluation tools like the Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI), which assesses and compares the climate policies of 63 countries and the EU. This highlights the global partnership needed to achieve climate goals.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning.

   The article is centered on this target. It details how Denmark has set a new emissions reduction target of “82 to 85 per cent by 2035 compared with 1990 levels” and passed a “climate act, with a binding target to reduce emissions by 70 per cent by 2030.” Similarly, the EU has agreed to “reduce net emissions by 66.25–72.5 per cent by 2035,” and the UK announced a target of an “81 per cent reduction in emissions by 2035.” These are all direct examples of integrating climate measures into national planning.

2. Target 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.

   This target is identified through the article’s emphasis on renewable energy as a key component of climate strategy. It cites Denmark’s “very high” rating in Renewable Energy and its leadership in “offshore wind.” The mention of the UK being the first G7 country to “phase out coal” is a direct action to shift the energy mix away from fossil fuels towards cleaner alternatives, contributing to this target.

3. Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities.

   The article’s reference to Denmark’s leadership in “electric vehicle uptake” directly relates to this target. Widespread adoption of electric vehicles is a key strategy for reducing urban air pollution and the overall environmental footprint of transportation in cities.

4. Target 17.16: Enhance the global partnership for sustainable development.

   The context of the article points to this target. The announcement of Denmark’s target at “COP30,” the evaluation of countries based on their alignment with the “Paris Agreement,” and the use of the “Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI)” to compare national efforts all exemplify the global partnerships and accountability mechanisms necessary to drive collective action on sustainable development.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. Indicator for Target 13.2: Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Percentage.

   The article is replete with this specific indicator. It measures progress by citing the percentage reduction of greenhouse gas emissions against a baseline year. Examples include:

   • Denmark: “cut greenhouse gas emissions by 82 to 85 per cent by 2035 compared with 1990 levels.”
   • EU: “reduce net emissions by 66.25–72.5 per cent by 2035 from 1990 levels.”
   • UK: “an 81 per cent reduction in emissions by 2035 compared with the 1950 level.”

2. Indicator for Target 7.2: Progress in Renewable Energy and Phase-out of Fossil Fuels.

   The article implies indicators related to the share of renewable energy. The CCPI’s “very high” rating for Denmark in “Renewable Energy” and its leadership in “offshore wind” serve as qualitative and specific indicators of progress. Furthermore, the “phase out of coal” by the UK is a concrete, measurable action indicating a shift in the energy mix.

3. Indicator for Target 11.6: Rate of Electric Vehicle (EV) Uptake.

   The article explicitly mentions “electric vehicle uptake” as an area where Denmark is a leader. The rate of adoption of EVs within a country’s vehicle fleet is a quantifiable indicator used to measure the transition to more sustainable urban transport systems and, consequently, the reduction of cities’ environmental impact.

4. Indicator for Target 17.16: Participation in International Agreements and Monitoring Mechanisms.

   The article implies that a country’s performance and commitment can be measured by its participation and ranking within international frameworks. The “Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI)” is mentioned as a specific tool that evaluates and ranks countries, serving as an indicator of their policy implementation and alignment with global goals like the Paris Agreement.

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: euronews.com