The new climate tax will not only lead to somewhat more expensive groceries, but also to restrictions in agriculture and livestock farming. This will need to be compensated, according to initial reactions to the Danish climate plan presented last week.
The Danish climate plan has sparked mixed reactions from various parties. According to a report by Landbrug & Fødevarer (L&F), if policies remain unchanged, there is a risk of significant job losses in the agricultural sector, although the current proposal will provide some relief.
The financial sector shows division regarding the impact of the tax on land prices. Some expect the tax will cause land values to decline, while others believe prices will remain stable.
Greenpeace criticizes the climate plan and calls it "insufficient." They argue that the measures do not go far enough to achieve the necessary CO2 reductions and that the agricultural sector is being maintained in its current form. According to Greenpeace, a fundamental reform is needed to meet climate goals and achieve real sustainability.
The Husmændene, an interest group for small farmers, is also dissatisfied with the tripartite agreement. They feel the arrangement places too much burden on farmers without adequate compensation. The organization calls for a reconsideration of the plan and more support for small farmers struggling to bear the additional costs.
On the other hand, the Danish Minister for Climate and Energy praised the agreement as a "historic deal" that puts the agricultural sector on a path toward sustainability. According to the minister, the tax is a necessary tool to achieve Denmark's climate goals and transform the agricultural sector into a more sustainable model.
Although the Danish CO2 tax is seen as a step in the right direction for climate policy, it also raises questions about the economic consequences and feasibility of the measures. The debate between supporters and opponents of the tax remains intense as Denmark works to find a balance between environmental obligations and economic viability.