Nordic Cooperation and the Nordic Council of Ministers
Nordic cooperation on energy and climate contributes to dynamic development and strengthens the region’s expertise and competitiveness. The cooperation includes Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden, as well as the three autonomous territories: the Faroe Islands, Greenland, and Åland.
The Nordic governments’ energy policy cooperation takes place within the framework of the Nordic Council of Ministers for Business, Energy and Regional Policy, while climate policy cooperation takes place under the Nordic Council of Ministers for the Environment. Under these two ministerial councils, government representatives collaborate in committees of senior officials and various working groups.
Climate Cooperation in the Arctic Council
The Kingdom of Denmark (including Greenland and the Faroe Islands) participates in international climate and environmental cooperation through the Arctic Council. The Council’s work focuses particularly on protecting the Arctic climate and environment and promoting sustainable development in the region for the benefit of Arctic communities.
The Arctic Council consists of eight member states: the Kingdom of Denmark (including Greenland and the Faroe Islands), the United States, Canada, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia. In addition, six organizations representing Arctic Indigenous Peoples permanently participate in the Council’s work, alongside numerous observer countries, NGOs, and organizations.
Climate Support for the Arctic
Since 1994, Denmark has provided environmental and climate support to the Arctic under the scheme known as DANCEA (Danish Cooperation for Environment in the Arctic). The scheme is divided into an environmental support program, administered by the Danish Environmental Protection Agency, and a climate support program, administered by the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Utilities.
The climate support for the Arctic contributes to the Kingdom of Denmark’s participation in the Arctic Council's climate cooperation and other international climate forums. It helps ensure long-term monitoring of the climate in the Arctic parts of the Kingdom. This, in turn, contributes to expanding knowledge about the effects of climate change, its development, and consequences. These science-based forecasts are crucial not only for local and regional climate adaptation but also for global issues, such as sea level rise, the global carbon cycle, and the migration of whales and birds.