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POLICY TOPIC

Climate & Environment

Denmark is projected to achieve roughly 68.5% CO2 reduction by 2030 -- close to, but short of, the legally binding 70% target. The energy sector has been transformed, whilst agriculture and transport still account for the largest remaining emission cuts needed.

SUMMARY

Denmark is projected to achieve roughly 68.5% CO2 reduction by 2030 -- close to, but short of, the legally binding 70% target. The energy sector has been transformed, whilst agriculture and transport still account for the largest remaining emission cuts needed. Projected CO2 reduction by 2030: ~68.5% (Klimaprogram 2024 (KEFM)). Renewables share of electricity (2023): 88% (Energistyrelsen 2024).

KEY FIGURES

~68.5%
Projected CO2 reduction by 2030
88%
Renewables share of electricity (2023)
-70% vs. 1990
2030 climate target (Climate Act)

See statistics in the charts below ↓

EVIDENCE BASE

The global average temperature has risen by 1.1°C since industrialisation. Continued emissions will very likely push warming beyond the 1.5°C threshold before 2035.

Denmark's total greenhouse gas emissions are projected at 25.4 million tonnes CO2e in 2030, equivalent to a roughly 68.5% reduction compared with 1990. The remaining gap to the 70% target is 1.6-1.9 million tonnes.

Renewable energy covered approximately 88% of Denmark's electricity consumption in 2023, primarily through wind power. The electricity and district heating sectors are expected to be fully green by 2030.

ESTABLISHED CONSENSUSEnergistyrelsen: El-statistik

An agricultural CO2 levy is part of the 2024 Green Tripartite Agreement. Its effect on emission reductions and agricultural competitiveness is debated among economists.

STATISTICS AND DATA

Denmark's total greenhouse gas emissions (million tonnes CO2e)
02040608069 mio. ton68 mio. ton58 mio. ton47 mio. ton38 mio. ton33 mio. ton25 mio. ton1990200020102015202020232030
CONTEXTDenmark has cut greenhouse gas emissions by over 50% since 1990 -- primarily through the shift to renewable energy in the electricity sector. The 2030 projection of 25.4 million tonnes equates to a 68.5% reduction from the 69 million tonnes emitted in 1990. The remaining gap to the 70% target is 1.6-1.9 million tonnes, which must mainly come from the agriculture and transport sectors. The projection carries uncertainty, partly due to methodological adjustments in accounting for forest carbon uptake.
Renewable energy share of Danish electricity consumption (%)
02040608010053 %68 %80 %85 %88 %20152018202020222023
CONTEXTDenmark is a world leader in wind energy and has transformed its electricity sector within a few decades. However, the 88% renewable share covers only electricity consumption -- transport, heating and industry are separate and far from fully electrified. Total primary energy use, including fossil fuels for aviation, shipping and industry, remains an outstanding challenge. The renewable share varies year to year depending on wind conditions.

PARTY POSITIONS

Importance shows how central this topic is to each party's platform.

Relevant

Enacted the legally binding 70% target and brokered the Green Tripartite Agreement on an agricultural CO2 levy. Aims to reach the target through green industry and CCS technology.

Secondary

Supports the climate targets but emphasises business competitiveness and technological solutions over bans and high levies.

Peripheral

Sceptical of green levies that burden businesses and families. Unwilling to sacrifice agriculture and industry for rushed climate targets.

Core topic

Wants to go faster than the 70% target and demands binding climate plans for all sectors.

Secondary

Rejects climate levies and believes technology will solve the challenge without state intervention.

Relevant

Supports ambitious climate targets but insists solutions must be business-friendly and not harm competitiveness.

Secondary

Pro-climate targets with a focus on nuclear power as a long-term solution and market-based instruments.

Core topic

Wants to keep fossil fuels in the ground and demands a climate-just transition that does not hit low-income groups.

Important

Very ambitious climate profile. Wants to move faster than the government and lead EU cooperation on greener standards.

Peripheral

Wants to preserve Danish agriculture and opposes climate levies that weaken competitiveness.

Core topic

Views climate and biodiversity as existential issues and would invest significantly more than any other party in the green transition.

Peripheral

Sceptical of official climate models and unwilling to burden citizens and businesses with green levies.

SOURCES

[K1]IPCC Sixth Assessment Report 2023: Den globale gennemsnitstemperatur er steget med 1,1 °C siden industrialiseringen
[K2]Klimaprogram 2024, Klima-, Energi- og Forsyningsministeriet: Danmarks samlede drivhusgasudledninger forventes at udgøre 25,4 mio. ton CO₂e i
[K3]Energistyrelsen: El-statistik: Vedvarende energi dækkede ca. 88 % af Danmarks elforbrug i 2023, primært via vin
[K4]Klimaprogram 2024 / Klimarådet: Landbrugets CO₂-afgift indgår i den Grønne Trepart-aftale fra 2024. Effekten af
[S1]Klimaprogram 2024 (KEFM): Forventet CO₂-reduktion i 2030: ~68,5 %
[S2]Energistyrelsen 2024: VE-andel af elforbrug (2023): 88 %
[S3]Klimalov 2020 / KEFM: Klimamål 2030 (Klimalov): −70 % ift. 1990
[P]DanPol: Party positions based on official party programmes and public statements.
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