The world’s happiest countries are targeting net-negative emissions — despite a growing ‘greenlash’

illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on CNBC or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: Finland and Denmark aim to achieve "net-negative emissions," drawing more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere than they emit, while facing growing political backlash against climate measures.

🔭 The context: Finland has set a target of achieving net zero by 2035 and net negative by 2040, while Denmark targets net zero by 2045 and net negative by 2050
• Both countries have formed a coalition, the Group of Negative Emitters, at COP28, aiming to implement policies to slash emissions, expand forests, and invest in new technologies

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The efforts by these two nations to go beyond net zero aim to actively slow the pace of global warming, especially critical amid growing skepticism of climate measures in Europe and the U.S

⏭️ What's next: Both countries emphasize the need for immediate action, emphasizing that progress over the next five to seven years is crucial for their targets, while balancing climate measures with policies that don't burden everyday citizens

💬 One quote: “For us, negative emissions are needed, and we cannot meet our long-term climate commitments without it” (Danish Climate Minister Lars Aagaard)

📈 One stat: Sea levels are projected to rise by 1.3-1.6 meters by 2100 in scenarios of strong warming

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