Global climate leader: Denmark's new target is an 85% reduction in emissions by 2035

Global climate leader: Denmark's new target is an 85% reduction in emissions by 2035 Associated Press

Maria Semenova

The country plans to achieve climate neutrality by 2045

At the COP30 Climate Conference, Denmark announced that it plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 82-85% compared to 1990 levels by 2035. The country is the most ambitious in its climate commitments and tops the Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI).

EuroNews reports that the state plans to allocate DKK 4 billion (approximately €535 million) to achieve this goal.

"We must once again show the rest of the world that it is possible to balance ambitious climate goals with a competitive business sector and social cohesion," said Danish Minister of Climate and Energy Lars Aagaard at COP30.

At the top of the rankings

Denmark's performance earned it fourth place overall in this year's Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI). However, this is the highest score for all countries whose commitments are in line with the Paris Climate Agreement.

The report takes into account the following indicators: greenhouse gas emissions, climate policy, energy use, and green energy development. Denmark's rating is "high" in the area of emissions reduction and climate policy, and "very high" in the area of renewable energy implementation.

Consistency of climate ambitions

Denmark's first climate law was passed in 2020. Even then, the state set itself a target of reducing emissions by 70% by 2030. Overall, the European country wants to achieve complete climate neutrality by 2045. The European Union plans to do so five years later.

Denmark's ambitions have overtaken the former leader, the United Kingdom. At COP29, Keir Starmer announced that the country would reduce emissions by 81% by 2035. This year, the UK ranks second in the CCPA Index. The weak point in the country's climate transformation is the development of renewable energy sources.

EcoPolitic reported that the definition of common climate commitments in the EU was met with skepticism by some countries. They consider climate goals to be an obstacle to the sustainability of their economies.

On the eve of COP30, Ukraine also announced its nationally determined contribution. The country's goal is to reduce emissions by more than 65% from 1990 levels by 2035.

On the eve of COP30, Ukraine also announced its Nationally Determined Contribution. The state’s target is to reduce emissions by more than 65% from 1990 levels by 2035.

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