Denmark Proposes Ambitious 82% Emissions Reduction Target by 2035

Denmark Unveils New Climate Ambition at COP30

The Danish government has officially proposed a new, highly ambitious climate goal, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 82 percent by the year 2035, relative to 1990 levels. The announcement was made by Climate Minister Lars Aagaard at the UN COP30 climate summit in Belém, Brazil, on Monday, November 17, 2025. This target is intended to be legally binding and reinforces Denmark's commitment to leading global climate action.

Details of the Proposed Target and Funding

The proposed 82 percent reduction by 2035 builds upon Denmark's existing legally binding target of a 70 percent reduction by 2030 and its long-term goal of climate neutrality by 2045, with a 110 percent reduction by 2050. Minister Aagaard indicated that while 82 percent is the baseline proposal, the government is open to negotiations that could see the target set within a range of 82 to 85 percent. To facilitate this transition, the government plans to allocate 4 billion Danish kroner annually, equivalent to approximately $575 million to $620 million USD.

International Context and Implications

Denmark's new 2035 target is notably more ambitious than the European Union's current aim for the same period, which stands at a 66.25-72.5 percent reduction from 1990 levels. It also surpasses the United Kingdom's climate goal by one percentage point, positioning Denmark as one of the most ambitious industrialized nations in climate policy. Lars Aagaard emphasized the importance of this move, stating, 'It is crucial that we send a bold and clear signal in the times that we're living in. Too much in this world is moving in the wrong direction. In Denmark we will continue to show that ambitious climate action can go hand in hand with a competitive economy and strong social cohesion.'

Pathways to Achieving the Goal

While an independent advisory body, the Danish Council on Climate Change, previously projected that Denmark would achieve a 78 percent reduction by 2035 under existing policies, the new 82 percent target necessitates additional efforts. The Climate Minister acknowledged the challenges, noting that eliminating remaining emissions would be 'complicated and expensive.' He suggested that significant reductions could be achieved through strategies such as CO2 capture and storage in industrial facilities. The government's proposal highlights a continued focus on balancing ambitious environmental goals with economic competitiveness and social cohesion.