Denmark's energy and carbon intensities are among the lowest in the OECD area. Green
taxation as a share of GDP is the highest in the OECD, and the country is a leader
in eco-innovation. Denmark has also achieved impressive results in the material recovery
of most waste streams and reached a political agreement to move to a circular economy.
It is an international standard setter for chemical risk assessment. However, municipal
waste generation remains the highest in the OECD area. Many bodies of water do not
reach good ecological status. Levels of exposure to fine particles remain above international
standards. Terrestrial biodiversity suffers from the lack of well-connected protected
areas. Further steps will need to be taken to achieve the stated goal of a climate
neutral economy by 2050.
This is the third Environmental Performance Review of Denmark. It evaluates progress
towards sustainable development and green growth, with special features on waste,
materials management and the circular economy and chemicals management.
Published on November 14, 2019Also available in: French
In series:OECD Environmental Performance Reviewsview more titles