Meet the FABLE Denmark team

The team is led by Denmark’s green think tank, CONCITO. CONCITO aims to accelerate the green transition by translating relevant knowledge into climate action. This is achieved by writing and publishing knowledge-based analyses on various subjects, all revolving around the issue of pathways towards a climate-neutral and climate-resilient society. The team’s main areas of interest have been the transition of the agricultural sector in Denmark. Furthermore, the team is interested in the significant challenges the European food system faces and how it can transition into a sustainable and resilient system for everyone.

The Danish team is primarily interested in pathways to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions stemming from land use areas, including agriculture, production, forestry, and biodiversity.

Models used by the team: FABLE Calculator.

Contact focal point

Simone Hoejte

Simone Højte

CONCITO

Emil Fraas

Emil Fraas

CONCITO

Tavs Nyord

Tavs Nyord

CONCITO

Regitze Skou Fertin

Regitze Skou Fertin

CONCITO


Transforming food and land-use systems in Denmark

The agricultural sector currently contributes 31% of Denmark’s territorial greenhouse gas emissions, and this share is expected to increase as emissions from other sectors decrease. To meet Denmark’s climate mitigation targets, the agricultural sector is confronted with the significant challenge of reducing emissions while maintaining high productivity. This is especially crucial as global food demand is projected to increase by 1.3% annually until 2032, according to OECD forecasts.

Sixty percent of Denmark’s land is used for agriculture, with the majority allocated to fodder production. Only 2.5% is designated as protected areas for biodiversity. Denmark has a national target to increase forest area and biodiversity, further reducing land available for agriculture. This necessitates higher productivity to ensure future production meets the expected rise in global food consumption. Additionally, the increasing demand for biomass from the agricultural sector for energy, negative emissions, and various materials like bioplastics poses a challenge.

Moreover, many drained and cultivated peatlands, with significant carbon storage potential, are now being rewetted to reduce emissions from the sector.

Denmark is a net exporter of meat, particularly pork, and dairy products, while it imports fodder and vegetables. Consumption rates of meat and dairy exceed EAT-Lancet recommendations, and half of the adult population is considered obese. Therefore, a significant challenge lies in shifting Danes’ dietary habits towards more plant-based foods with lower climate impact and ensuring appropriate calorie intake.


Key national objectives and targets


Policy engagement

CONCITO, as a think tank, works daily to enhance understanding of the complexity of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across various aspects of society. The Danish team aims to utilize the FABLE calculator to facilitate informed discussions on pathways for the AFOLU sector.


Publications