Joint Statement on Denmark Study Trip
We recently returned from a clean industry study tour in Denmark, the country leading the globe in innovation that will realize the green energy transition. There is no substitute for being on the ground in a community or inside an industrial facility to visualize the future – and Denmark is making progress through what they call industrial symbiosis. We went to see that innovation in real time — to witness what is possible. Our goal is to create that symbiosis here: a network of circular, local industrial practices that drives profitability, creates good-paying jobs and provides opportunities for all of our communities, while actively reducing carbon emissions and other environmental impacts.
Together, all levels of the Danish government and the private sector are proving that economic growth and saving our planet can be achieved together through mutual collaboration and shared goals. Not only does Denmark see opportunity, this work is also the basis for the country’s carbon reduction plan. Even though there are historical, demographic and political differences between our two countries, there is a uniting force behind this way forward, and our region has a similar opportunity.
Seeing this concept through in Portland will take many years. The tour was the first step. Next, we will be inviting Danish public and private sector representatives to come here. We are eager to showcase industrial symbiosis to more businesses and share how we can commit to a carbon neutral future. Portland businesses and government will join together to achieve real reductions in carbon emissions and collaborate with community to ensure the economic and environmental benefits are being delivered in a just, equitable way.
This is what unites us right now – learning more, listening to each other, and defining how each of us can contribute to and benefit from our efforts to fight climate change.