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central denmark region
driving local climate action
DK2020 INITIATIVE
The DK2020 project is an initiative Supporting Danish municipalities in aligning their climate strategies with the 1.5°C target of the Paris Agreement. The program promotes collaboration among Denmark’s five regions. Its purpose is to empower municipalities to develop climate action plans (CAPs) that meet global best practices in mitigation, adaptation, and sustainability. All Danish Municipalities has made such plans as of today.
DK2020 equips municipalities with a Climate Action Planning Framework (CAPF) that focuses on four core pillars: Climate Neutrality; Climate Adaptation; Social Inclusion and Governance.
Central Denmark Region has been pivotal in supporting their municipalities in the proejct, offering consultancy, capacity building, and data analysis. By facilitating dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders, the region has played a significant role in bridging knowledge gaps and facilitating action. The regional government has also championed advocacy and lobbied national authorities to streamline support for local climate initiatives.
Tangible Impacts and Future Directions
The DK2020 initiative has already led to measurable outcomes:
- Municipalities collectively targeting a 76% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030.
- Increased awareness and integration of climate adaptation strategies.
- Enhanced synergy across sectors such as energy, transport, and agriculture.
Nationwide evaluations reveal that 80% of participating municipalities would not have developed equally ambitious or comprehensive climate plans without DK2020. However, challenges remain, particularly in addressing emissions from agriculture and transport sectors.
Looking ahead, DK2020’s next phase will focus on implementation capacity—ensuring climate plans translate into tangible actions. Programs like Klimaalliancen and LIFE ACT will be instrumental in driving this transition, ensuring long-term monitoring and continued progress toward climate goals.
By facilitating collaboration and equipping municipalities with the tools they need, DK2020 exemplifies the power of partnerships in addressing the global climate crisis


KLIMAALLIANCEN and life act
Building upon the foundation established by DK2020, the Klimaalliancen (Climate Alliance) was formed to continue and enhance local climate action efforts. Klimaalliancen focuses on support in relation to implementing Climate Action Plans, including assisting municipalities in translating their climate plans into tangible actions and Capacity Building.
LIFE ACT: Accelerating Denmark's Climate Transition
Denmark is intensifying its commitment to climate action through the LIFE ACT (Action for Climate Transition) project, a comprehensive initiative aimed at implementing municipal climate action plans nationwide. This project builds upon the foundation laid by the DK2020 initiative.
LIFE ACT is another collaborative effort involving Denmark’s five regions, 27 municipalities, and the Central Denmark EU Office (CDEU). The initiative is planned to span eight years, focusing on accelerating the implementation of municipal climate action plans across Denmark
The primary goal of LIFE ACT is to address complex challenges in climate action where solutions are not yet fully developed. The project emphasizes:
- Climate Mitigation and Adaptation: Developing strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance resilience to climate change impacts.
- Synergies and Added Value: Creating cross-sectoral collaborations to maximize the effectiveness of climate actions.
- Capacity Building: Providing resources and support to municipalities to effectively implement their climate action plans.
enhancing Planning Through Participatory and Holistic Approaches
Municipalities have increasingly adopted participatory approaches in their energy and climate planning processes to engage stakeholders effectively. Many have also incorporated living lab methodologies, extending their focus beyond CO2 reduction to include climate mitigation, liveability, and other broader aspects of sustainable development. The systematic framework developed by the 2ISECAP project offers additional value, particularly at the local level, by emphasizing the need for integrated and holistic energy planning. This approach ensures that all relevant elements are considered together, fostering more comprehensive and effective strategies.
The Role of Participatory Approaches
A participatory approach involving diverse stakeholders brings together people with varying expertise, resources, and challenges. This inclusivity is critical for creating plans that reflect local needs, enhance ownership, and foster commitment during the implementation phase. By involving multiple actors—public institutions, private entities, and civil society—municipalities can develop robust and actionable strategies tailored to their unique contexts.
Regional and National Challenges
While participatory and integrated planning thrives at the local level, the process becomes more complex at the regional and national levels due to intricate institutional structures and competing interests. However, cross-municipal coordination and knowledge-sharing are achievable through cooperation frameworks that align local, regional, and national objectives. A multi-level governance structure can bridge gaps, align efforts, and reduce fragmentation. Initiatives like DK2020 and its follow-up projects demonstrate the potential for such frameworks to foster coordination and alignment across governance levels.
Addressing Challenges and Strengthening Governance
Key challenges in energy and climate planning include limited technical capacity, financial resources, and coordination among stakeholders with diverse interests. Addressing these requires:
- Stronger Multi-Level Governance: National and regional governments must play a more significant role in supporting local planning efforts. Regular consultations can enhance coordination between national strategies and local implementation, particularly in aligning with EU directives.
- Robust Partnerships: Collaboration with stakeholders at all levels is essential, including public-private partnerships and engagement with research institutions. Research organizations provide evidence-based tools, methodologies, and technical expertise critical to designing effective plans.
- Clear Governance Frameworks: Defining roles and responsibilities clearly is crucial. Governance structures should include mechanisms for monitoring and evaluation to track progress against measurable targets. These mechanisms, already partially integrated into DK2020’s planned follow-up initiatives, are vital for ensuring accountability.
Ensuring Long-Term Viability
To ensure the long-term sustainability of climate and energy planning efforts, municipalities must secure consistent funding and establish long-term policies. Aligning Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plans (SECAPs) with national climate laws, strategies, and targets is key to creating durable frameworks that can withstand political and economic shifts.
By fostering collaboration, addressing challenges through structured governance, and aligning local efforts with national and EU objectives, municipalities can create actionable, impactful plans that drive climate action while supporting broader sustainability goals. The DK2020 initiative and its successors provide a promising foundation for scaling these efforts across regions and governance levels.