In Denmark, the People Want Bold Action On Climate. Their Government Does Not

This year has dealt us one record-breaking hottest month after another. One might think that a country like Denmark, otherwise known for its green leadership, is on the right track when it comes to climate policies. But surprisingly, while 82 percent of Danes consider clean energy legislation crucial for the security of future generations, the Danish government is canceling one climate goal after the next as its policies – and actions – fly in the face of public sentiment.

The Danish government, including the rightwing party Venstre (which, ironically, means Left), is now in the process of abandoning climate goals not only supported by most of the nation, but also agreed to in Paris at the UN climate summit last year. Surveys find that 69 percent of Danes are worried about climate change. Only 6 percent claim to be unworried. To many, this bolsters the argument for why the country should be continuing on its agressive green path – not to mention Denmark's renewable energy sector, which is among the world's most advanced and profitable.

Yet despite economic arguments, public protests and the scientific consensus on climate change, the Danish government has ignored warnings, making clear its intentions to turn back the clock, at whatever the cost. The country's previous plan to abolish coal by 2030, adopt 100% renewable power for electricity and heat production by 2035, and become entirely free of fossil fuels by 2050, have been canceled.

For starters, the country's important green energy tax, which is funding much of the transition to renewable power, is slated to be canceled altogether. Planned off-shore wind parks have been put on hold. Meanwhile, taxes have been lowered on fuel-guzzling cars, and subsidies for electric cars and research in green technology solutions have been cut severely.

A Bizarre Backtracking

In a policy shift that sounds more American than European, Denmark's government has repeatedly said that environmental protections are now only viable if they don't stand in the way of growth and companies' opportunities to be competitive. The result: Green energy is being treated as unnecessary, expensive and unwanted. All this despite the high demand for clean power and a green energy sector that is among the fastest growing anywhere, with financial gains to show from it.

When Venstre came to power, the new minister of climate and energy, Lars Christian Lilleholt, famously said: “We want green realism in the energy policy, so goals and means fit together. We must be ambitious without putting us so far ahead that the other countries are loosing us from sight.”

Now, the government's so-called “green realism” is being met with rising criticism. Not only are most of the political opposition and green NGOs against the trend, but the majority of the population is as well, according to new surveys. Denmark's people are outraged that their government now lacks the will to solve what many consider the most urgent crisis of our time.

Instead, the government has announced that it has made “a master-plan for a stronger Denmark, which will have a significant importance for the coming decade.... It is a plan, which is going to secure the welfare and the economy of Denmark towards 2025, so the next generation also have the same opportunities we have today.”

For starters, the plan claims that “we can become DKK 65 billion ($10 billion) richer," promising $2,000 more a year per family, with 250,000 additional jobs. Ironic, since only one of 20 Danes is currently unemployed – a total number that itself does not reach 250,000. And in relation to the migrant crisis, the government states: “We can make a solid protection when we need to shield ourselves against uncontrollable streams of refugees.” Generally, growth and concerns over immigration are core to the plan.

But No Mention of Climate

Astonishigly, the plan makes no mention of climate or the environment – not a single word. This is despite the climate goals that Denmark previously committed to, and which were committed to in the Paris agreement, including certain first steps that require implementation within 10 years of ratification.

The largest opposition party, the Social Democrats, have also made a 2025 plan. Yet theirs as well is remarkably silent about how Denmark will live up to to its climate promises. The only climate it wants to help, according to the plan, is the “business climate.”

Much is therefore pointing to Denmark falling behind when it comes to climate policy, despite the early role the country played as a green leader. Aside from the Social Democrats, most of the smaller leftwing parties are for definitive climate action. But the only rightwing party that has declared itself pro-climate is the small Det Konservative Folkeparti. Its spokeswoman, Mette Abildsgaard, says she is happy that a majority of Danes are concerned about the environment:

"I am delighted that four out of five Danes are aware that the green transition is necessary, because this concern means that we have a political mandate to prioritize the (green) transaction economically. According to the survey, there most also among right-wing voters be many who want a greener line than Venstre is putting forward, and who do not take it lightly that the necessary decisions are postponed. So it confirms that the battle for the green that we are pursuing is justified,“ she told the Danish newspaper Information.

These are not unimportant words. Since Denmark currently functions with a minority government, it is dependent on its rightwing supporting parties to establish the majority votes to carry out its policies. Curious though it may sound, for those hoping for a less hostile line on climate, the country's conservative party might hold a key to blocking Venstre's continual backsliding on climate policy.