Denmark calls on the international community to cooperate in achieving a new financial goal at COP29, Denmark's Minister of Climate, Energy and Utilities Lars Aagaard said at a high-level meeting during COP29, Report informs.
He reminded that Denmark has set an ambitious goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 70% by 2030.
"At the time, this seemed like an almost impossible task. We started with the lowest-hanging fruits. Rollout of renewable energy, wind, solar, biomethane, fast increase in e-mobility, energy efficiency and CCS tools that are available for most countries. But these tools, mostly in the energy sector, can only take us so far. We still have to cut additional emissions to reach our goal. We have to cut emissions from the agricultural sector. This summer, something amazing happened in Denmark.
A somewhat odd group of people got together. Farmers, trade unions, employers, organizations, a national NGO for nature conservation and the government. Most often such a group would not agree on climate and natural issues.
In order to walk the last mile towards the 70% reduction target, we had to break new ground. We have done this with the first in the world climate tax on agriculture.
It helps us to cut the needed emissions and we will do it with a focus on jobs and affordable food. With the backing of a broad coalition in our Parliament, on Monday we reached a political agreement that brings the basis for the decision so we can bring it to life. We found a way, but we know it's not as easy as it sounds.
One of the biggest challenges to climate action is polarization. We must take people's concerns seriously because we can never let climate be either or. Nature versus farmers, the big cities versus rural communities, rich versus poor.
It is possible to find constructive, innovative solutions. But it requires trust. This is what is at the very heart of just transition.
We also build trust between countries here. Finance is key to that. We need a new goal on climate finance, an ambitious and achievable goal that paves the way for new NDCs and more climate action.
The next round of NDCs is crucial and we count on the G20 to take the lead. Denmark is also committed to being among the leaders in delivering on the new financial goal. But others must also follow," he added.