Aarhus to become carbon neutral?
Green transport plans would be key to lowering emissions
Denmark's second city Aarhus is set to decide whether it will finance a multi-million pound plan to become carbon neutral by 2030.
Local authorities are expected to vote on the 70 million kroner (£8.1 million) first phase of the plans next month and if they are given the go-ahead the city will begin a number of initiatives aimed at lowering its carbon emissions, reports the Guardian.
The schemes will include a new light railway system, expanded bike paths, charge spots for electric cars and renovating inefficient properties.
According to Aarhus city officials, the biggest challenge it faces in achieving eco-city status is apathy from local residents.
"We try to conduct campaigns and explain to people what we are doing but it is very difficult to change people's behaviour," Helle Friis at Aarhus council's department of business and city development, told the news provider.
She added that if people can see how easy and convenient some of the green solutions are it may change their minds.
A number of other Danish regions are also aiming to become eco-cities, with Copenhagen hoping to be carbon neutral by 2025.
The capital city announced its plans back in March 2009 and hopes to have reduced emissions by 20 per cent by 2015 through embracing wind power and using hydrogen and electric cars among other measures.
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