Norddjurs Kommune has set an ambitious course toward climate neutrality by 2050 with its climate plan "Sammen om et grønt Norddjurs". As a rural municipality with 64% of its area used for agriculture, Norddjurs faces a particularly complex climate challenge where the green transition must balance considerations for food production, nature, and local jobs. The municipality's participation in the DK2020 project commits it to a 70% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. In 2018, Norddjurs Kommune emitted 617,600 tonnes of CO2, equivalent to 16.2 tonnes per capita (p. 13). Agriculture completely dominates the emissions inventory with 59% of total emissions distributed across livestock (20%), crop production (12%), and land use (27%). Transport follows as the second largest emitter at 21%, while the energy sector accounts for 18% (pp. 14-15). This sets Norddjurs markedly apart from more urbanised municipalities, where buildings and transport typically dominate. The municipality's geographic location on the Kattegat coast and as one of the country's driest municipalities creates additional challenges. Rising sea levels and more frequent storm surges particularly threaten Grenaa harbour and Allingåbro, while drought affects both agriculture and water supply. At the same time, the 337-kilometre coastline and significant offshore wind potential offer opportunities for renewable energy that can support the green transition. The most extensive planned initiatives focus on the energy sector with expected reductions of 94,133 tonnes of CO2 by 2030, primarily through the phase-out of oil boilers and the establishment of solar and wind energy (p. 31). Within transport, reductions of 29,887 tonnes are planned through the transition to electric vehicles and improved public transport, while agriculture is to contribute 39,638 tonnes through afforestation, wetlands, and new technology (pp. 33-37). The project "Grenaa - Næse for vand" combines climate-proofing with urban development and demonstrates how climate adaptation can create value for the local community. Although the climate plan contains comprehensive actions, the municipality honestly acknowledges that there is still a shortfall of 105,450 tonnes of CO2 reductions by 2030 to reach the 70% target (p. 46). Agriculture and heavy transport in particular remain unsolved challenges where technological breakthroughs and national framework conditions are crucial. The shortfall of 301,300 tonnes by 2050 underscores that climate neutrality requires solutions that do not yet exist or are not yet mature. Citizens and businesses are engaged through concrete initiatives such as the municipality's climate bus, which has fostered dialogue about climate challenges across the municipality. The partnership agreement with Djurslands Landboforening is intended to ensure agriculture's active participation in the transition, while collaboration with the utility companies AquaDjurs and Reno Djurs supports both climate adaptation and the circular economy. Through this collective effort, Norddjurs is working toward a future where the municipality both contributes to the global climate effort and remains an attractive rural municipality with viable local communities.

Source: Sammen om et grønt Norddjurs (2023)