In 2024, the happiest countries in the world aim for a better future for the planet, wanting to achieve a net negative emission. According to experts, Denmark is the second most sustainable country after Finland, with a score of 85.63 out of 100, while Finland is ranked first with 86.76 points. These exorbitant numbers define the green efforts of the regions, as they embrace eco-values in the face of the political green backlash on the Atlantic. The climate crisis is a concerning issue for Scandinavians who embrace sustainability as a way of living, and they insist on the critical necessities of our planet.
What scientists say
Scientists say that Denmark and Finland’s goal can be achieved once the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is greater than the amount emitted. Also, the experts suggest that there are many ways to achieve the reduction of CO2 emission; one example of CDR (carbon dioxide reduction) is the bioenergy process, which involves the absorption of CO2 by plants and trees as they grow; their material is burned to produce bioenergy. Moreover, another common practice to address the CDR problem is reforestation and afforestation, which means planting new trees and replanting them where they existed previously. This practice captures the CO2. There are multiple ways that can revolutionise the ecosystem, from natural to chemical ways, so the green efforts of both countries are not in vain, and we wait to see the desired results.
The countries want to achieve a net negative
Denmark and Finland aim to make impossible, possible. The countries affirm that going net zero is just the first step they want to achieve by 2035, and enhance the planet’s recovery by 2040 (Finland) and 2045 (Denmark) reaching net negative. The Danish climate minister Lars Aagaard “the need for negative emission was clear”, affirming also that the country can’t meet the long-term sustainable commitment without the implementation of this goal.
Panama shares the same goal with the Nordic countries
At the climate talks in the United Arab Emirates, Denmark, Finland, and Panama, they found a great opportunity to collaborate since they share the same objective and the countries have remarkable green values, creating the Net Zero Emitters group. The collision is ready to adopt new technologies to go fully green, expand forests and lash greenhouse gas emissions. “it’s a huge challenge to become carbon neutral and then carbon negative, and we are not yet there, but we are really targeting this.” Cautioned the Finnish environment minister. Surely, this goal can be costly, especially for technological advancements. Dan Jorgensen, the Danish environment minister, acknowledges the challenge, “obviously, it’s a big step, especially if you want to deploy technology that’s not fully developed”. Denmark lacks vast forests, so, understandably, it relies on technological power, which was recently adopted with the implementation of a carbon capture facility that should be operable by 2026.
The happiest countries in the world focus on recycling
Understandably, the eco-friendly countries focus on recycling. This practice cuts air pollution by 75%, air emissions by 85% and water pollution by 76%. The green efforts of the Nordic countries are reflected in the daily life of the natives as the population tries to adapt to governmental initiatives. Municipalities are responsible for providing waste sorting bins to encourage eco-friendly values, and companies embrace sustainability as a core principle, seeking help from experts who can be called on 9675 8206 to find appealing strategies for recycling, like the usage of waste compactors and barrels. The goal is to increase the recycling sector by 2030, and this initiative has already been adopted by the fashion industry, as the Danish environmental agency announced during Copenhagen Fashion Week. The main purpose is to reduce the amount of clothing going into landfills and aim for at least 40% recycled material for textiles.
Green policies are still controversial
Many people are still sceptical about climate issues, and nationalists have been vocal critics of green regulations. Finns have mixed feelings about the green transition, not believing “the words of politicians’ ‘. In Finland, people are scared that the environmental-friendly policies could increase the cost of living because they think it might not be the perfect time for this new mindset in a time of inflation. In Denmark, the net-negative efforts are controversial as well; apparently, the Danish share the same fear with Finnish people because they affirm that people “can’t afford” the innovations that might come with a significant price rise in all markets and taxation. However, in the face of the green backlash, the Nordic countries’ politicians maintain their position, aiming for their goal confidently.
Finnish climate minister aims to leave fossil fuel behind
Finnish climate minister Kai Mykkanen said that the parliament believed that “the right thing to do” is to leave the fossil fuels behind. Adding that the main goal is to increase the country’s climate handprint, aiming to make “our handprint several times larger than our footprint”, referring to the CO2 emissions. Also, the minister encourages European countries to follow the same path, saying that his country’s efforts to reach net negative CO2 emissions should be a reason for others to continue burning fossil fuels.
Final thoughts
Despite all the challenges that countries all over the world face trying to implement green policies, one thing is for sure: sustainability is not a trend anymore, but it has become a necessity for our planet, and it’s essential to promise the next generations a better future. Denmark and Finland’s mindset is a positive example that it is indeed possible to do something, even if the process is broken into smaller steps and the final result can be seen years apart. Despite all the controversies, the Nordic countries aim for the planet’s recovery, trying to repair what has been ruined.