OSLO, Sept. 30 (Xinhua) -- Denmark's government released its annual climate program on Wednesday, warning that the projected margin for meeting its 2030 emissions reduction target had narrowed sharply.
The country is still expected to meet its target of cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 70 percent from 1990 levels by 2030. The projected margin has fallen to 0.4 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent, down from 1.5 million metric tons in last year's assessment, the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Utilities said.
Climate, Energy and Utilities Minister Samira Nawa warned that even a few delays could wipe out the remaining margin, making closer monitoring of implementation essential.
"We have come a long way, but we are not there yet," she said in the ministry's statement.
The program introduces an assessment of uncertainties surrounding the main expected contributions to emissions reductions through 2030 and 2035. It examines risks sector by sector to identify where closer monitoring and timely policy decisions are needed.
Agriculture remains a particular concern. The program projects that emissions covered by the target for agriculture, forestry and land use will fall by about 52 percent by 2030 compared with 1990, below the binding reduction target of 55 to 65 percent.
The government plans to review progress toward the agricultural target in 2027 and is prepared to take further action if the sector remains off track, according to the program.
Denmark's Climate Act, adopted in 2020, requires the government to publish an annual climate program assessing progress toward national targets and whether they can be achieved.
