New White Paper: the climate impact of Danish consumption must be significantly reduced
In a wealthy country like Denmark, we buy many things, a lot of which are made abroad, so it leaves a climate footprint outside the country.
Danes have one of the world's largest climate footprints measured per citizen due to our high consumption levels of food, energy, transport and material goods, but many of us are prepared to do something about it if we receive help and guidance. Therefore, the next big step in the green transition requires us to get serious about policy measures that can help reduce Danes' consumption emissions.
In a wealthy country like Denmark, we buy many things, a lot of which are made abroad, so it leaves a climate footprint outside the country. Today, these emissions are not included in the official Danish climate accounts, but they are still important to include in a climate policy, say the two organisations behind the white paper, Omstilling på vippen (On the brink of Transition). For this reason, there is also a need for aiming for at least a halving of emissions from Danish consumption by 2030.
"In eight years’ time, we should halve the global climate footprint from our consumption. We can't leave that to individuals or new technology alone. We need more sustainable food, transport, housing, etc. Politicians must set a clear target and make it cheaper and attractive for citizens to live more sustainably," says Rune Baastrup, Director of DeltagerDanmark.
Climate action moves closer to citizens
As Denmark's territorial emissions are reduced, the emissions that occur outside Denmark's borders as a result of our consumption will make up a relatively larger share of our total climate footprint. While the climate transition in recent decades has focused on energy systems and actions far from citizens' everyday lives, the next phase will involve a number of decisions close to citizens' everyday lives.
"Many citizens are ready, but they lack action and someone to show the way. That's why we recommend promoting sustainable actions in citizens' everyday communities, where they live, play football and work. Municipalities, green neighbourhoods, and volunteers are doing this, and the government should support them both politically and financially. The White Paper contains several suggestions on how to do this," says Rune Baastrup.
A better future with less climate footprint
The White Paper describes how it is possible to achieve broad public support for creating a sustainable change in the everyday lives of Danes. It contains both instruments and proposals for the necessary decisions - and it introduces a holistic approach to sustainable change, based on the latest practical experience and research, involving shared responsibility for action and committed cooperation in partnerships.
Director Christian Ibsen, CONCITO, stresses the need to reduce the climate footprint and consumption of resources as well.
"Today, we exceed several of the planetary boundaries, and Denmark has an unsustainably large footprint on the climate. If we are to set a good example for other countries, we must put an end to our current overconsumption and significantly reduce our consumption-based emissions. The transition will require a lot from all of us. But if we do it smartly, it can create better lives with more opportunities," says Christian Ibsen.
Read the White Paper “On the brink of Transition - Changing the balance - on consumption, behaviour and public participation" here (in Danish).
For more information, contact:
Rune Baastrup
Director, DeltagerDanmark
rb@deltagerdanmark.dk
41 77 45 75
Or
Charlotte Louise Jensen,
Behavioral Analyst, CONCITO,
cj@concito.dk
51 68 74 63
