Denmark: environment

What are Denmark's greenhouse gas emissions?

The Danish economy emitted 83 million tonnes of greenhouse gases (CO2 equivalent) in 2025, according to the energy and air emission accounts of Statistics Denmark. Gross energy consumption was 1,233 petajoules.

The emission accounts cover the activity of Danish resident companies and persons, following the national accounts. They therefore differ from the national greenhouse gas inventory reported under the UN climate convention. The Danish Energy Agency publishes energy statistics and greenhouse gas projections.

Official sources: Statistics Denmark: energy and air emission accounts

What is Denmark's carbon footprint per person?

4.3 tonnes: that is carbon dioxide emissions per person in Denmark for 2024, according to the European Commission's EDGAR database. That is the lowest since at least 2005. It is 29th highest of 46 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 5.1 tonnes. World rank, highest first: 55th of 186.

How much greenhouse gas does Denmark emit?

According to the European Commission's EDGAR database, total greenhouse gas emissions in Denmark was 38.3 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent in 2024. It is the bottom of the series, which starts in 2005. Europe & Central Asia median: 53.5 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent; Denmark is 30th highest of 46. World rank, highest first: 95th of 186.

How much renewable energy does Denmark use?

The IEA, IRENA, the UN Statistics Division, the World Bank and the WHO puts the renewable share of final energy use in Denmark at 39.5% in 2021. No year since 2005 has been higher. Europe & Central Asia median: 20.4%; Denmark is 9th highest of 50. World rank, highest first: 62nd of 191.

How much of Denmark is forest?

16.0%: that is forest area as a share of land in Denmark for 2024, according to the FAO. No year since 2005 has been higher. It is 39th highest of 51 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 33.2%. Worldwide: 132nd of 190.

What is air pollution like in Denmark?

The Global Burden of Disease study puts average exposure to fine particle air pollution (PM2.5) in Denmark at 7.5 micrograms per cubic metre in 2023. That is the lowest since at least 2005. It is 45th highest of 51 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 13.0 micrograms per cubic metre. Worldwide: 171st of 192.

How much of Denmark is in national parks and reserves?

According to the UN Environment Programme, the share of land in protected areas in Denmark was 16.4% in 2025. Its high point since 2013 was 2017, at 26.1%; its low point was 2024, at 15.8%. It is 36th highest of 51 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 22.1%. Worldwide: 105th of 192.

What is water stress in Denmark?

In 2022, water stress in Denmark was 25.3%, according to the FAO. The peak was 29.9% in 2018 and the low 15.0% in 2007. Europe & Central Asia median: 12.6%; Denmark is 17th highest of 47. World rank, highest first: 59th of 175.