Denmark

Denmark remains ranked 4th in the CCPI and is again the highest-ranked country surveyed. Denmark earns a very high rating in GHG Emissions and Renewable Energy, high in Climate Policy, and medium in Energy Use.

Over the past five years, Denmark has reduced its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by over 25%, putting it on track to meet its 2030 emissions-reduction target of reducing emissions by 70% compared with 1990 levels. At the end of 2025, Denmark set a new climate target for 2035, aiming for an 82% reduction in emissions vs 1990. Projections indicate it will not meet this target with existing policies, with a shortfall of approximately 1.9 million tonnes of CO2eq. The country needs more ambitious policies to achieve its 2050 target of a 110% reduction in emissions compared with 1990.

New agricultural law regulates emissions

In September 2026, the Danish parliament passed a new agricultural law regulating nitrogen and GHG emissions from farming. The law will enter into force from the start of 2027. It aims to improve water quality, assessed annually through measurements of nitrogen discharged from agricultural fields into the aquatic environment. Even though the decision-making process included farmers and civil society, farmers held large-scale protests before the law was passed.

At the international level, Denmark plays a leading role, particularly in advancing climate finance. Its government is committed to providing at least 60% of its grant-based climate finance for adaptation. However, the CCPI country experts stress that Denmark should further scale up its focus on loss and damage funds.

While the Danish government is taking substantial measures to promote sustainable development, it must also ensure that the transition does not leave anyone behind or burden them, especially people living in rural regions. The experts also stress that Denmark should consider consumption-based emissions in new policies and stop expanding new licences for gas extraction.

Concern about continued licences for gas extraction

The experts emphasise their concern about the Danish government’s decision to review licences for gas extraction in the North Sea and extend them until 2050. The North Sea Agreement has been in force since 2020 and allows gas and oil extraction only until 2050. The government now plans, where necessary, to extend some gas production licences due to expire before 2050. The government has not yet made the final decision, and the outcome is still uncertain. It also has no current plans to amend the provisions of the North Sea Agreement. It justifies the licence extensions on the grounds of security of energy supply within the EU.

Key outcomes

CCPI experts

The following national experts agreed to be mentioned as contributors for this year’s CCPI:

• Mattias Söderberg (DanChurchAid)