Struer Kommune adopted an ambitious climate action plan in 2023, aimed at achieving climate neutrality by 2050 while making the municipality resilient to climate change. The plan acknowledges that the municipality's location by the fjord and in West Jutland makes it particularly vulnerable to weather changes such as storms, flooding and drought periods, requiring a dual effort both to reduce emissions and adapt to the consequences of climate change. The municipality's particular geographic location by the fjord creates both opportunities and challenges. While the proximity to water is an asset for settlement and business, it also brings risk of storm surges and flooding. At the same time, Struer Kommune benefits from close cooperation with Struer Energi A/S, which operates the district heating network and is to become climate neutral by 2030. The municipality's industrial activities and agricultural production are key sources of greenhouse gas emissions, requiring targeted measures. Three core initiatives characterise the municipality's climate strategy. First, Struer town centre is to be protected against flooding from both storm surges and rainfall by 2028 through flood protection of the pedestrian tunnel under the railway and a new climate strategy for Struer Harbour. Second, a comprehensive wetland programme is being launched, where 252 hectares of carbon-rich lowland soils are to be converted to wetlands by 2030 in cooperation with landowners and Naturstyrelsen. Third, the forest share is to be significantly increased from 4.5 to 10 percent of total area by 2050, corresponding to approximately 1,300 hectares of new forest through both municipal and private initiatives. The plan acknowledges, however, that several important areas still lack concrete solutions. In particular, the transition of industry away from natural gas and the future energy supply require further mapping and development of technological solutions. Likewise, the management of high groundwater levels and the precise financing of many climate measures are still being clarified. The municipality is honest about the task being difficult and that it is not always clear what needs to be done. Residents and businesses are engaged through several channels. An annual sustainability week in week 17 aims to raise awareness about green choices and sustainability, while communication campaigns inform about opportunities for storm surge protection and energy transition. All schools are to annually visit NOMI4s' school programme to learn about waste and circular economy. At the same time, partnership agreements are being made with agricultural associations on green transition and with local haulage companies on electrification of the transport sector. The municipality aims to use the green transition as a tool to attract new businesses and ensure that Struer remains an attractive place to live close to the fjord.

Source: Klimahandleplan (2023)