Denmark has set an ambitious new target to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 82% by 2035, compared to 1990 levels

Denmark has set an ambitious new target to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 82% by 2035, compared to 1990 levels, surpassing the overall EU target of a 66.3% to 72.5% reduction by the same year. This goal, announced at COP30, has been called one of the most ambitious in the world. The Danish government is prepared to spend up to 4 billion Danish kroner annually to achieve it, and while the EU has its own climate goals, Denmark's commitment is significantly higher than the collective goal for the bloc, leading some to perceive a disconnect.

 

Denmark's new climate target

Emissions reduction: 82% by 2035, compared to 1990 levels.

 

Comparison to EU: This is a much more aggressive goal than the EU's pledge of a 66.3% to 72.5% reduction by 2035.

Funding: The Danish government plans to allocate approximately 4 billion kroner per year to meet the target.

Ambition: Danish officials have stated this is the most ambitious target of any industrialized country.

 

Context of the EU

EU climate goals: The European Union has its own climate targets, but they are less ambitious than Denmark's new pledge.

EU's finalization: The EU finalized its own climate target just before the COP30 conference began.

Perception of a disconnect: Denmark's announcement is being framed by some as a sign that the EU as a whole is not setting goals on the same ambitious level, with the title of the search query highlighting this difference in ambition.

 

Broader climate initiatives

International efforts: Denmark's announcement comes as other initiatives aim to tackle climate change. These include the Global Energy Alliance for People & Planet, the Breakthrough Energy Catalyst, the First Movers Coalition, and the Climate Investment Coalition.