01 · The problem
What is happening
Copenhagen set a goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2025 in its CPH 2025 Climate Plan, and has publicly reported difficulty meeting that goal in full. Nearly all buildings are connected to district heating, which has been shifted from coal toward biomass and waste heat. The city is known for its cycling infrastructure, and the Amager Bakke waste-to-energy plant combines heat and power generation with a public ski slope. Denmark's large share of wind power supports the decarbonisation of electricity.
Low severity. Present and monitored; limited current harm. Severity is descriptive editorial metadata summarising documented effects. It is not a measured index or a score.
02 · Causes
Why it is happening
- 01
Legacy fossil energy
Heating and electricity historically depended on coal and gas.
- 02
Transport emissions
Cars and freight remain a significant source.
03 · Impacts
Who and what it affects
- 01
Emissions from heat, power and transport
Energy use is the main source of the city's emissions.
04 · Solutions
Documented approaches
District heating conversion
Replacing coal with lower-carbon sources.
Expected effectLarge reduction in heating emissions.
Cycling infrastructure
Extensive protected cycle tracks and bridges.
Expected effectHigh cycling share reduces car trips.
Wind power
Onshore and offshore wind supplying the grid.
Expected effectDecarbonises electricity.
05 · Key indicators
What can be measured
No reliable quantitative indicator is included for this issue. TerraLens shows figures only where a credible source supports them — consult the sources below for current data.
06 · Sources
Where this comes from
- [1]City of CopenhagenKøbenhavns Kommuneinternational.kk.dk(opens in a new tab)
- [2]Danish Energy AgencyGovernment of Denmarkens.dk(opens in a new tab)
Links open the publishing organisation's site. Some point to the publisher's main page, where the named report or dataset can be found.