About the Danish Council on Climate Change
The Danish Council on Climate Change is an independent body of experts which exists because Denmark and the rest of the EU have a political objective to reduce CO2 emissions by 80-95% by 2050. The Danish Council on Climate Change advises on how Denmark can most effectively and cost-effectively undertake the transition to a low-carbon economy by 2050. That is to say a resource-efficient society with an energy supply based on renewable energy with markedly lower greenhouse gas emissions from other sectors.
The Danish Council on Climate Change contributes with solid, professional recommendations based on independent analyses which have as their foundation the overall objective for 2050. To achieve this goal it is necessary to look at ways of reducing greenhouse gas emissions throughout society over the next 35 years. In this regard it is important to set targets which identify ways forward. Therefore, the Danish Council on Climate Change investigates what the best solutions are for Denmark in the short, medium and long term in relation to Denmark's security of supply, competitiveness and opportunities for continued growth and development for the benefit of citizens’ welfare.
The Danish Council on Climate Change was established as a result of the Climate Change Act, which outlined the Council's tasks. In this Climate Change Act it is stated that the Danish Council on Climate Change must:
- evaluate the status of Denmark's implementation of national climate objectives and international climate commitments,
- analyse potential means of transitioning to a low-carbon society by 2050 and identify possible measures to achieve greenhouse gas reductions,
- draw up recommendations to help shape climate policy, including a selection of potential mechanisms and transition scenarios,
- contribute to the public debate. The Danish Council on Climate Change must, to the extent required in the preparation of its analyses and other work, consult and involve relevant parties, including, among other business interests, social partners in the labour market and civil society.
The Danish Council on Climate Change wishes to have a close interaction with the international community, and so currently an essential part of the Council's work is in dialoguing with stakeholders on climate change - not only to stay abreast of the latest factual knowledge about developments in the field of technologies and climate analysis, for example, but also to hear stakeholder opinions and proposals on how progress towards a low-carbon society can be organised. This contributes to ensuring that the Danish Council on Climate Change’s work is based on a solid knowledge of the realities facing the stakeholders in this area.
The Climate Change Act
Act No. 716 of 06.25.2014 "Act on The Danish Council on Climate Change, climate policy statement and setting national climate goals." Section 1 of the Climate Change Act states: "The act has as its main goal the establishment of an overall strategic framework for Denmark's national climate policy for the purpose of progressing to a low-carbon society by 2050, that is to say a resource-efficient society with an energy supply based on renewable energy with markedly lower greenhouse gas emissions from other sectors which at the same time supports growth and development. The law must also contribute to transparency and publicity about the status, direction and momentum of Denmark's climate policy." (Translation by the Danish Council on Climate Change)
The Danish Council on Climate Change consists of six members together with a chairman who are all appointed for a four-year term of office by the incumbent minister of climate and energy. The Danish Council on Climate Change's expertise is wide-ranging, and the council is engaged in work with all aspects of the transition to a low-carbon society. The work therefore includes issues concerning the areas of energy, buildings, transport, agriculture, environment, nature and the economy. In order to tackle this major task, the Danish Council on Climate Change is composed of experts with knowledge of the various areas in transition.
Transition
The Danish Council on Climate Change's work focuses on actions that can reduce Denmark's emission of greenhouse gases. Adapting to climate change is not part of the Council's mission and is not a focus area.
