Rebild Kommune has set an ambitious goal of becoming climate-neutral by 2050 through participation in the national DK2020 project. With Vores Klimaplan, adopted as part of the municipality's significant step-up in climate action, the municipality aims for a 60% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions as early as 2030 - a target that reflects the municipality's proactive approach to climate action even though it falls below the national 70% target. The starting point is a significant climate challenge. In 2018, Rebild Kommune emitted 594,628 tonnes of CO2, equivalent to approximately 20 tonnes per capita (p. 12) - double the Danish average. These high emissions primarily stem from three sectors: livestock (31%), land use (28%), and crop production (14%), which together constitute 73% of total emissions (p. 29). Transport contributes a further 17%, while the energy sector accounts for only 8% following extensive conversions over the years. What makes Rebild Kommune's climate challenge particularly complex is its dominant role as an agricultural municipality with around 500 farms with commercial livestock and 7,280 hectares of carbon-rich lowland soils (p. 32). Of these, 5,080 hectares are drained and cultivated, creating significant emissions as the carbon content is released. At the same time, high commuting rates characterise the municipality - residents drive an average of 29.8 km to work, and through-traffic on the E45 motorway creates additional transport emissions over which the municipality has limited influence. The most impactful planned measures therefore naturally focus on the municipality's largest emission areas. Rewetting and extensification of lowland soils can reduce emissions by over 12 tonnes of CO2 per hectare annually, while afforestation on agricultural land can contribute absorption of over 7 tonnes of CO2 per hectare (p. 33). Biogas production from manure represents a large untapped potential, as only 2% of cattle manure and 7% of pig manure is currently sent to biogas. On the energy side, the expansion continues with renewable energy through new solar panel installations and support for district heating expansion. However, there are significant challenges that are not yet fully resolved. The municipality has limited regulatory authority over agricultural emissions, and many of the most effective reductions require voluntary cooperation with private landowners. The gap between planned measures and climate targets must be progressively reduced through the identification of new measures, but the path to the target is not yet fully mapped. Central to the municipality's approach is the broad citizen engagement through Klima Rebild, which has an annual budget of DKK 200,000 for climate activities and the annual climate weeks in weeks 11 and 12 (p. 21). Here, citizens, businesses, and associations come together around concrete climate actions, from hedgerows to electric vehicles. Business Rebild has focused specifically on sustainable business development from 2023, while Det Grønne Råd ensures a balance between nature's protectors and users. Through this broad approach, Rebild Kommune builds on its strong tradition of cooperation and community associations as the foundation for the green transition.

Source: Vores Klimaplan (2022)