Greenhouse gas emissions and removals in land and forests

The 2025 Danish climate inventory and projection estimates that Danish land use, land use change and forestry (LULUCF) emissions totalled – 500 kt of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO₂eq) in 2023. Compared with 1990 emissions, at 6 700 kt CO₂eq, the sector is estimated to have reduced emissions by 107% (see graph). In 2030, Danish LULUCF emissions are estimated to be 300 kt CO₂eq, corresponding to a reduction of approximately 95% compared with 1990.

Denmark’s green tripartite agreement is expected to increase the carbon sequestration in forests by increasing the Danish forest area by 250 000 ha by 2045. Of that area, 150 000 ha is expected to be climate-optimised forest and 100 000 ha is to be untouched forest. The afforestation set out in the agreement is expected to reduce Danish LULUCF emissions by 100 kt CO₂eq by 2030 and 500 kt CO₂eq by 2035.

Furthermore, the agreement aims to reduce emissions from drained carbon-rich soils. Rewetting projects on 140 000 ha of land will be under way by 2030. Project areas include both drained carbon-rich soils and border areas. In the agreement, the expected effect on Danish LULUCF emissions in 2030 is a reduction of approximately 300 kt CO₂eq by 2030 and 800 kt CO₂eq by 2032.