Germana Carillo Denmark will convert 10% of its agricultural land into forests and wildlife habitats in a bid to reduce fertilizer use, which has resulted in severe depletion of oxygen in its waters and loss of marine life
Denmark, a nation where nearly two-thirds of the land is dedicated to agriculture, is embarking on a historic transformation. Under an agreement that makes it the first country to impose a carbon tax on agriculture, Denmark plans to plant 1 billion trees over the next 20 years, converting significant portions of farmland into forests and natural habitats.
A necessary shift for sustainability
This ambitious project aims to rewild 10% of agricultural land within two decades. The primary objective is to reduce fertilizer use and create a more sustainable environment.
“The Danish landscape will change in ways we haven’t seen since wetlands were drained in 1864,” said Jeppe Bruus, head of Denmark’s tripartite Green Ministry. This body was established to implement the green agreement reached in June among farmers, industry leaders, unions, and environmental groups.
The government has allocated 43 billion Danish kroner (approximately $6.1 billion) to buy farmland for reforestation over the next 20 years. This initiative has been described as “the largest transformation of the Danish landscape in over a century.”
Currently, forests cover 14.6% of Denmark’s territory. The plan includes adding 618,000 acres (250,000 hectares) of forests and 346,000 acres (140,000 hectares) of other natural areas to replace existing farmland on low-lying soils.
The green leader
This initiative solidifies Denmark’s position as a global environmental leader. The country ranks first in the Climate Change Performance Index 2025 (CCPI), unveiled at COP29 in Baku. Earlier this year, Denmark introduced a groundbreaking policy to tax greenhouse gas emissions from livestock—cattle, sheep, and pigs—beginning in 2030.
From 2030, Danish farmers will face a carbon tax of $43 (300 Danish kroner) per ton of CO2 generated by farming activities, including livestock emissions and fertilizer use.
The tripartite green accord
These efforts fall under the broader framework of Denmark’s Green Tripartite Accord, a historic agreement approved on June 24. This accord represents a collaborative effort among diverse stakeholders to ensure a greener and more sustainable Denmark for future generations.
