The government proposes that the 2035 target be set as a point target within the range of 82 to 85 percent.
Whichever level within this range is ultimately chosen, Denmark will continue to hold one of the most ambitious climate targets in the world. The decision sets a clear course toward Denmark’s long-term objectives: climate neutrality by 2045 and a 110 percent reduction by 2050.
The government emphasises the importance of sending a clear and ambitious signal at a time when global developments are moving in the opposite direction. At the same time, the circumstances today differ significantly from those that formed the basis for adopting the 70 percent target for 2030.
“Denmark must consistently remain among the most ambitious countries, and a new target for 2035 ensures that we remain right at the top internationally. 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. We have to prioritise climate action even in a time marked by war and conflict. Six years of experience with the current Climate Act have also given us important insights into what it actually takes to reach the goals we set. That is why the new target must, this time, be accompanied by a clear responsibility for delivering on it. Targets, financing, and the measures needed to secure the additional reductions must go hand in hand,” says Minister for Climate, Energy and Utilities Lars Aagaard.
The government is prepared to allocate DKK 4 billion annually to achieve an 82 percent target. From a technical standpoint, this funding level would make it possible to meet the target through subsidies alone.
“It’s simply due diligence that we’re already setting aside funding for an 82 percent target. That’s our baseline. After COP30, I’ll begin negotiations with the other parties so we can determine together where the target should be set. The Danish Government is open to consider a higher target, but that depends on the will to take shared responsibility for both the ambition and the financing,” says Minister for Climate, Energy and Utilities Lars Aagaard.
Denmark’s current climate target is a 70 percent reduction by 2030. Earlier this year, the Climate Status and Projection 2025 assessment concluded that Denmark has identified the measures required to reach the 2030 target.
Facts:
- The government proposes establishing a 2035 climate target as a point target in the range of 82 - 85 percent.
- Regardless of the final level within this range, Denmark’s target will rank among the most ambitious in the world.
- The government will allocate DKK 4 billion annually to meet an 82 percent target, this funding level would make it possible to meet the target through subsidies alone.
- A final decision on how to meet the target has not yet been taken, but the allocated financing signals, that the government remains focused on securing the purchasing power for households and competitiveness for businesses.
- The government will invite the political parties of the Danish Parliament to negotiations on the 2035 climate target.
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