Aarhus shifts climate neutrality goal from 2030 to 2035

Aarhus Municipality has abandoned its goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2030. Under a new political agreement, the city has instead set a target to reduce CO2 emissions by at least 85 percent by 2030, with an unofficial ambition to reach 90 percent.

The municipality now aims to be climate positive regarding direct and energy-related emissions by 2035 at the latest. If carbon capture technology is successfully implemented, this target could be reached as early as 2033. A primary reason for the delay in the original 2030 goal is the lack of available carbon capture opportunities, which depends on national frameworks that are not yet in place.

The new agreement was reached by several political parties, including the Social Democrats, SF, Venstre, Enhedslisten, Conservatives, and Radikale Venstre. The plan also emphasizes reducing emissions from sectors typically excluded from the municipal climate accounts, such as transport and construction. The progress of these targets will be reassessed in 2028.