PROJECT DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND
Denmark is unique as all municipalities voluntarily are aligned with the Paris Agreement through politically approved and certified Local Climate Action Plans (LCAPs), pioneering the transition to a climate-neutral and resilient society by 2050. However, the LCAPs reveal significant barriers obstructing progress in climate change mitigation (CCM) and adaptation (CCA). Denmark contends with high GHG emissions and serious vulnerability to climate changes, underscoring the urgent need for action. The overarching objective of LIFE Action for Climate Transition (LIFE ACT) is to catalyse an accelerated nationwide implementation of the LCAPs through a coherent set of measures to reach the objective of the LCAPs: climate-neutrality and resilience by 2050. This is achieved through three specific objectives: accelerated implementation of the LCAPs, improved governance structures and upskilling of municipal staff, and ensuring complex climate action is addressed through multiple helix partnerships. The LIFE ACT Consortium comprises 27 municipal beneficiaries, the five Danish regions, and Central Denmark EU Office. Focused on key CCM emission domains, CCA risk areas, and synergies, LIFE ACT engages all Danish municipalities, the 6 relevant national agencies, a total of 18 knowledge institutions, 649 politicians, and additionally impacts at least 2.5 mil. citizens (more than 30% of the Danish population). The inherent mechanism of replication and exploitation of project results ensures nationwide coverage, preventing sub-optimal implementation of LCAPs. By the end of LIFE ACT, the 27 municipal beneficiaries achieve 75% CO2e reduction (acc. 1990) and more than 2900 km (eq. to 30%) of the Danish coastline is climate resilient. Moreover, the project secures at least 211 mil. EUR in complementary funding for LCAP implementation, ensuring that the vision of a climate-neutral and resilient Denmark becomes an attainable reality.