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Image source, Getty Images
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Denmark hopes to stop being a carbon dioxide emitter in the next three decades.
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The Danish government’s plan is to completely stop the extraction of fossil fuels by 2050.
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As part of this project, the country announced the end of oil and gas exploration in the North Sea, an area located between the coasts of Denmark and Norway and part of the Atlantic Ocean.
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The Copenhagen government also chose to cancel its call for licenses for companies seeking to exploit this Thursday. hydrocarbons.
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“We are now putting a definitive end to the era of fossil fuels,” Danish Climate Minister Dan Jorgensen said during the announcement.
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The non-governmental organization Greenpeace called the decision a “historic moment.”
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Denmark is currently the largest oil producer in the European Union, although it produces much less than Norway or the United Kingdom.
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However, it must also be borne in mind that the latest opening of exploration licenses made by Copenhagen was in the midst of uncertainty since Total (a French company) withdrew in October, leaving only one other applicant.
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Figures
Denmark produced 103,000 barrels a day in 2019, according to an analysis by British oil consortium BP.
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There are 55 drilling rigs on its territory in 20 oil and gas fields.
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“We are the largest oil producer in the European Union and, therefore, this decision will resonate around the world“said the Danish climate minister.
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Image source, Getty Images
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The Danish State is the largest producer of hydrocarbons in the European Union.
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The measure is estimated to cost Denmark around US $ 1,000 million, according to the energy ministry.
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However, the government entity added that this calculation is subject to substantial uncertainty due to constant market movements.
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Un hito
Adrienne Murray, BBC journalist in Denmark
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This decision marks a historic milestone.
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No other major oil producing country took such a step, Dan Jorgensen tells the BBC.
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Denmark has just positioned itself as a pioneer state in the fight against climate change, although its attempt to curb hydrocarbon production is still a dilemma.
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Since the 1970s, the country has made billions of dollars from North Sea oil.
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This helped fund the country’s generous welfare state.
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“We want to be climate neutral in 2050 and if we want to have any credibility in that, then this is a necessary decision,” says Minister Jorgensen.
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When the current government came to power (2019), Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen dubbed her victory “the first climate election.”
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Frederiksen recently faced criticism for failing to take more ambitious steps to achieve its environmental goals, but this announcement sends a strong message.
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Economic factors also played a role. Lower international oil prices and high oil costs reduced interest in oil tenders.
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Even so, around 4,000 jobs depend on this sector, mainly on the west coast of Denmark.
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As part of the new plan, Jorgensen says that carbon storage technology will be developed in that area, and new job creation will come from the country’s growing offshore wind sector.
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“Green pioneer”
Since Thursday’s announcement, experts believe that Denmark has one of the most ambitious climate goals in the world.
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Its plan is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 70% by 2030, as well as nullify its net emissions by 2050.
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This decision is already part of a law.
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Helene Hagel, head of climate and environmental policy at Greenpeace Denmark, said the new announcement means “the country can establish itself as a green pioneer and inspire others to end dependence on climate-destroying fossil fuels.”
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“This is one great victory for the climate movement and all the people who have lobbied for many years for this to happen, “he added.
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Image source, EPA
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Denmark’s prime minister has had an environmental agenda since she won the elections.
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Other governments around the world have also pledged to take more action against climate change as part of a larger plan to meet the goals of the 2015 Paris Agreement.
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The UK, for example, intends to reduce its carbon emissions by at least 68% of what they were in 1990 by late 2030, according to a recent statement by Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
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However, scientists argue that even if Britain and other nations keep their promises to cut emissions, there is no guarantee that the world will avoid severe global warming.
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