A historic political agreement in the Danish Parliament has brought the Green Tripartite Agreement to life (read about it in AN 2/24). The deal allocates 43 billion DKK (approximately 5.8 billion euros) to reshape Denmark’s landscape and accelerate climate efforts. Agreed upon by seven political parties, this initiative represents a significant step forward in Denmark’s green transition.
The plan includes the creation of 250,000 hectares of new forest, covering nearly 6% of Denmark’s total land area. Furthermore, 140,000 hectares of low-lying farmland currently used for agriculture will be repurposed into natural habitats such as meadows, heaths, and wetlands. These transformations aim to reduce climate impacts, enhance biodiversity, and protect groundwater resources.
A groundbreaking feature of the agreement is the world’s first CO₂e tax on livestock production, signalling Denmark’s ambition to lead on climate-friendly agriculture. Combined, the measures outlined in the agreement are expected to cut greenhouse gas emissions by up to 2.6 million tonnes of CO₂e by 2030.
While the agreement reduces the amount of land used for agriculture, it supports a high-tech and sustainable approach on the remaining farmland. Investments include 10 billion DKK (1.3 billion euros) for pyrolysis and other climate technologies, alongside 1 billion DKK (130 million euros) dedicated to promoting plant-based food production.
Climate and energy minister, Lars Aagaard, stressed the importance the agreement has for Denmark’s climate targets: “Now we are creating the necessary green transition of agriculture, and for the first time the road is now fully laid to our climate goals in 2030. And we stand together for a firm agreement on CO2 tax on agriculture."
Source: Danish government Press release, 18 November 2024 https://www.regeringen.dk/nyheder/2024/bred-politisk-aftale-om-den-groen...
