Denmark's Climate Council says the government lacks a clear plan for long-term climate neutrality. The independent expert body advises Denmark's government on green transition policies.
Parliament's current climate efforts focus heavily on 2030 targets. But officials warn this short-term approach risks missing later deadlines.
Climate Council Chairman Peter Møllgaard stated, "Achieving climate neutrality quickly requires more substantial short-term adjustments." The council published its annual assessment of government climate programs on Friday.
The report notes Denmark appears on track to meet its 2030 goal of 70% CO2 reduction. Still, the country faces challenges reaching subsequent targets for 2045 and 2050.
Denmark's current climate law mandates climate neutrality by 2050. The current government coalition proposes reaching this goal by 2045. Some political parties advocate for even earlier implementation by 2040.
Møllgaard emphasized timing impacts later requirements. "Choosing climate neutrality in 2040, 2045 or 2050 greatly affects what target you set for 2035," he explained.
The government plans to address these concerns through a new 2035 target and ten-year climate action plan. Climate Council members say this still falls short.
Their report recommends supplementing the action plan with a long-term climate strategy extending beyond ten years. This marks repeated criticism from the council, with previous similar warnings receiving limited government response.
Political observers note the tension between ambitious climate declarations and practical implementation. Denmark's reputation as a green leader faces reality checks without concrete roadmaps for distant targets.