Denmark has set a target to operate "green" flights on domestic routes by 2030 as part of efforts to meet its climate goals and as the aviation sector comes under more pressure to become more environment-friendly.
The Nordic country plans to have the first green flights start by 2025, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said in her annual new year's address. It will completely forgo domestic flights powered by fossil fuels by 2030.
"To travel is to live, and that is why we fly. But, at the same time, it is harmful to our climate," Ms Frederiksen said. "Imagine if Denmark could help solve that problem. We need to make flying green."
The move is part of a number of measures that are expected to help Denmark to achieve one of the world's most ambitious climate targets.
The country intends to reduce overall emissions by 70 per cent by 2030, compared with 1990 levels, and also achieve climate neutrality by 2050, according to its global climate action strategy called "A green and sustainable world".
"The government will set an ambitious goal: by 2025, Danes must have the opportunity to fly green on a domestic route. And by 2030, at the latest, we must be able to fly completely green when we fly domestically in Denmark," Ms Frederiksen said in the televised address.
She acknowledged the difficulties in reaching the ambitious target but noted that the scientific research is under way.
"Will it be difficult? Yes. Is it possible? Yes, I think so. We are already on our way," Ms Frederiksen said.
"Skilled researchers and companies are working on the solutions. If we succeed, then it will be a green breakthrough. Not just for Denmark but for the whole world."
Other European countries are also taking measures to reduce their aviation industry's carbon footprint.
Sweden, where the flight-shaming movement began in 2018, plans to make its domestic flights fossil fuel-free by 2030 and its international flights green by 2045. It also intends to charge airlines more at take-off and landing for using aircraft with high emissions.
Authorities in France plan to ban domestic flights in cases where the same journey could be made by train in less than two and a half hours.
Try out the test yourself
Q1 Suppose you had $100 in a savings account and the interest rate was 2 per cent per year. After five years, how much do you think you would have in the account if you left the money to grow?
a) More than $102
b) Exactly $102
c) Less than $102
d) Do not know
e) Refuse to answer
Q2 Imagine that the interest rate on your savings account was 1 per cent per year and inflation was 2 per cent per year. After one year, how much would you be able to buy with the money in this account?
a) More than today
b) Exactly the same as today
c) Less than today
d) Do not know
e) Refuse to answer
Q4 Do you think that the following statement is true or false? “Buying a single company stock usually provides a safer return than a stock mutual fund.”
a) True
b) False
d) Do not know
e) Refuse to answer
The “Big Three” financial literacy questions were created by Professors Annamaria Lusardi of the George Washington School of Business and Olivia Mitchell, of the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
Answers: Q1 More than $102 (compound interest). Q2 Less than today (inflation). Q3 False (diversification).
Milestones on the road to union
1970
October 26: Bahrain withdraws from a proposal to create a federation of nine with the seven Trucial States and Qatar.
December: Ahmed Al Suwaidi visits New York to discuss potential UN membership.
1971
March 1: Alex Douglas Hume, Conservative foreign secretary confirms that Britain will leave the Gulf and “strongly supports” the creation of a Union of Arab Emirates.
July 12: Historic meeting at which Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid make a binding agreement to create what will become the UAE.
July 18: It is announced that the UAE will be formed from six emirates, with a proposed constitution signed. RAK is not yet part of the agreement.
August 6: The fifth anniversary of Sheikh Zayed becoming Ruler of Abu Dhabi, with official celebrations deferred until later in the year.
August 15: Bahrain becomes independent.
September 3: Qatar becomes independent.
November 23-25: Meeting with Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid and senior British officials to fix December 2 as date of creation of the UAE.
November 29: At 5.30pm Iranian forces seize the Greater and Lesser Tunbs by force.
November 30: Despite a power sharing agreement, Tehran takes full control of Abu Musa.
November 31: UK officials visit all six participating Emirates to formally end the Trucial States treaties
December 2: 11am, Dubai. New Supreme Council formally elects Sheikh Zayed as President. Treaty of Friendship signed with the UK. 11.30am. Flag raising ceremony at Union House and Al Manhal Palace in Abu Dhabi witnessed by Sheikh Khalifa, then Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.
December 6: Arab League formally admits the UAE. The first British Ambassador presents his credentials to Sheikh Zayed.
December 9: UAE joins the United Nations.
What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
Specs
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