Op-Ed: How hard can it be?

Denmark has the objective of reducing its CO2 emissions by 40 % by 2020 compared to 1990. In the spring of 2012, a broad energy political agreement, which secures the first 34 %, was reached, and a new climate agreement is to find the remaining 6 % or about 3 million tons of CO2 per year – primarily from the agriculture and transportation sectors. 

Climate- and Energy Minister Martin Lidegaard has proclaimed that the new climate agreement is to ram it home that Denmark is a pioneer when it comes to the climate – we shall wear “the green lead jersey” among the world’s countries. 

A brilliant vision, so let’s get to work, because it can be done without costing society anything and at the same time bring jobs and revenues to the state. 

To be concrete, it could be done by focusing on 1. generation biorefining. A process which through the use of biomass (wheat, corn, sugar beets) produces fuel, fibre for food and protein feed for the Danish animal husbandry. A unique process that without any waste products replaces fossil fuels for our cars and replaces the import of unsustainable soy proteins from South America to our husbandry, and thereby reduces the climate impact from both agriculture and transport.

Another advantage is that we accomplish a higher yield per ha we cultivate, because we utilize the crop more efficiently. 

Well-documented fact

So, an increased blend of bioethanol in our cars, and the feeding of our animals with locally produced protein will help the transport and the agricultural sectors reach the last 6-7 % of the CO2 reduction objective through the coming climate agreement. As an added bonus, the refinery process will create jobs, hard currency and more money in the various public pools. And what does Denmark need – I don’t think I need to answer this!

Again, it sounds too good to be true, but it is a well-documented fact. And despite this we need support and visions – no that’s true, we have the visions, but we need the support to realize the visions. 

So let’s get started, and let us get the political support and some positive signals! How hard can it be?