In the near future, all 98 Danish municipalities will be able to present a local climate action plan developed and approved by international standards. The plans will align with the 1.5 degree target set with the Paris Agreement and pave the way for climate neutrality no later than 2050 as well as local adaptation to climate change.
The next crucial step is to transition from planning to climate action. This is why Local Government Denmark (KL) and the five Danish regions have joined forces to form a climate alliance to support implementation efforts in municipalities and regions. The aim is to provide assistance in terms of knowledge, finances, and a shared framework and forum for exchanging knowledge and developing new answers to address challenges of both local and general character.
Developing a Shared Framework for Implementation
For 98 municipalities to draw up climate action plans in line with the 1.5 degree goal in the Paris Agreement over the course of a few years is unprecedented. Needless to say, the impending implementation work, transitioning towards climate neutrality by 2050 or sooner, will be uncharted territory as well.
Consequently, one of the alliance's first initiatives is to develop a shared framework for implementation, providing knowledge-based decision support and guidance for municipalities, regions, and the partnership behind the alliance. This includes, for example, implementation support, the establishment of a monitoring system, and an annual progress report that follows up on implemented efforts and progress.
The framework will support the development of new answers to the challenges of both local and general character facing municipalities and regions transitioning to climate neutrality. On the one hand, the alliance will reach out to municipalities and regions across the country facing similar challenges in order to facilitate collaboration and exchange of knowledge. Moreover, municipalities and regions will have the opportunity to initiate and seek financial support for projects that explore and address local challenges. This way, the Climate Alliance can support the implementation of municipalities' climate action plans and establish new positions of strength in the green transition while promoting knowledge sharing across the country. As one of the first development projects, the Climate Alliance has taken the initiative to develop a standard for taking stock of consumption emissions.
A third focus is on establishing a guide and procedure for reviewing municipalities' climate action plans, as well as the development and approval of criteria for recertification of municipalities' plans. Additionally, the Climate Alliance is tasked with providing guidance, sparring, and support to municipalities that want to draft a climate action plan and do not yet have one.
At a more general level, the alliance will collect knowledge, build competences, inspire new solutions, and examine the national conditions and barriers for green transition.
CONCITO and C40 are knowledge partners for the Climate Alliance.