A lecture on Green Transition: A Perspective From Denmark was held on May 31, 2017 from 5:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. in room 115 of the International Studies Hall of Korea University (KU). Thomas Lehmann, a Danish Ambassador to Korea gave out his opinions on how to combat climate change by sharing how Denmark dealt with climate change. He also emphasized the need for a transition into a green economy.

  

The overall lecture was on Danish climate policies and the direction Denmark and Korea’s cooperation should head toward. In the earlier part of the lecture, Ambassador Lehmann said, “Danish climate policies still have a long way to go, but are on the right track.” This can be seen by the fact that 30 percent of the energy Denmark generates is renewable. Lehmann also stressed the need to approach climate issues not only on a national level but also on a local level, since 70 percent of the world’s CO2 emission comes from urban areas. He then suggested a circular economy, which is recycling waste and re-using by-products in construction, food, mechanical, and electronics industries, as the next step for green transition.

 

Lehmann wrapped up the lecture by highlighting the following five points considering green transition: green transition is an opportunity for growth and innovation, cities also play a major role in green transition, the world’s cities must cooperate and inspire each other, setting ambitious goals is essential for green transition, and that there is a huge potential in being a front-runner in the green transition and climate.