70by30 fact sheet

Background

Denmark has a target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 70% by 2030. This is one of the most ambitious climate goals in the world. During this decade, we must implement a green transformation of our society that drastically reduces greenhouse gas emissions in a fair and economically sound manner. THE VELUX FOUNDATIONS want to help perform this task.

The 70% by 2030 is an important target – but it is not the only goal that counts. By 2050, Denmark’s greenhouse gas emissions must be ‘net zero’, and the foundation for this long-term goal must be laid now. A sustainable transition is about much more than meeting a reduction target. It is about the society we want to build over the next 30 years. If this can succeed in a way that benefits both the planet and its inhabitants, Denmark can strengthen its position as a green pioneer country that can inspire others worldwide.

70by30 consists of five concrete initiatives rooted in a broad circle of partners.

The five initiatives

#1 Better climate data

If we are to succeed in meeting the climate goals, the decision-maker's ability to make the right decisions is essential – and this requires a solid knowledge base. The current situation is that the data on which our decisions are based is outdated or incomplete.

The purpose of this initiative is to develop a climate footprint calculator that, based on updated data, will give us more in-depth knowledge about the carbon footprints we leave. This gives the authorities, companies, and private individuals an important basis for making the best decisions to reduce Denmark’s greenhouse gases by 70% by 2030.

#2 Climate knowledge brought into play

Data and knowledge must be brought into play to ensure real climate action. The think tank CONCITO has a central role in this context: it bridges the gap between the best Danish and global knowledge and brings this knowledge into play among decision-makers throughout society – with politicians, companies and civil society.

With this initiative, CONCITO receives support for establishing, among other things, a number of dedicated programme areas focusing on the principal elements of the green transition. These programme areas are based on meeting the need for knowledge and catalysing action, where it makes the most sense in the creation of a net-zero and climate-resilient Denmark.

The primary purpose of the initiative is to strengthen CONCITO’s role as a knowledge partner for all parties in the green transition with a view to:

• Inspiring and supporting crucial Danish initiatives in priority areas to achieve a 70% reduction by 2030
• Supporting the necessary structural measures required to create a Denmark with net-zero emissions by 2050 at the latest
• Strengthening the sharing of knowledge and experience with the world’s best knowledge platforms and players in the green transition.

#3 Climate communication

In recent years, climate change has been a highly central issue in Denmark's political and public discourse. The stakes are high, and many stakeholders want to make their mark in the debate on how best to meet the challenge we are facing. There is consequently a need for clear communication about the most expedient solutions. Does it really make a difference that I eat less meat? Should we simply plant more trees?

There is a need to ensure that constructive and engaging narratives have stronger tailwinds and that the public debate is dominated by scientifically based answers to the general public’s doubts and questions. Popular mobilisation and support are also essential in creating space for implementing the radical changes needed over the next ten years.

The primary purpose of this initiative is to:

• Ensure a consistent, holistic and powerful message about the need for ambitious action widely across Danish society
• Raise public awareness of – and support for – new scientifically-based climate initiatives

​The initiative will be implemented through a wide variety of communication projects developed in close collaboration with relevant players. A pool will also be set up from which players can openly apply for funding. The funds for these projects will be allocated on an ongoing basis in the coming years, and this will be handled by KR Foundation.

Donation: DKK 49m

#4 Public participation in climate action

While there is often mention of the need to develop new technologies, adopt new policies, and make adjustments to economic incentives, the need to increase and qualify public participation in climate action is often overlooked.

With this initiative, DeltagerDanmark (Participant Denmark) wants to develop and qualify the national discussion of climate change: a hybrid between dialogue and participation aimed at anchoring the collective climate movement in the local communities in Denmark. The project will strengthen the democratic discussion of the challenges and solutions that have created (and create) new relations and alliances in our society. But most importantly, these discussions and relations are to result in collective drive and will – and realise the green mandate.

#5 Climate change education

The development in natural sciences and technology is moving fast, and there are challenges and dilemmas connected with climate change and climate change adaptations when we are to organise the society of the future. Future generations must be equipped to deal with these challenges. Therefore, an important part of 70by30 is an initiative aimed at climate education, which will be implemented with support from VILLUM FONDEN’s programme for Children, Youth and Science.

The primary purpose of this initiative is, through climate education, to:

• Strengthen children and young people’s knowledge, commitment and action competence in the field of climate change
• Increase children and young people’s understanding of the interaction between nature, technology and man, and the societal and ethical issues that this raises
• Engage children and young people in tangible solutions
• Strengthen teachers’ competences so that the necessary change and anchoring are ensured

• Generally promote instructive and motivating climate education in primary and lower secondary schools and general and vocational upper secondary education programmes