West Jutland fisherman fears CO₂ tax will ruin his livelihood

A fisherman from West Jutland says he lies awake at night worrying about the government’s proposed CO₂ tax, which he fears could force him out of business, reports Danish broadcaster DR.

Jens Peter Jacobsen, who has fished for flatfish and shrimp for 40 years, warns that the new tax—set to take effect in 2025—will make fuel costs unsustainable. His 14-meter vessel, Havhesten, consumes around 1,500 liters of diesel per month, and he estimates the tax could add 30,000 to 40,000 kroner (€4,000–5,400) to his annual expenses.

“I can’t see how we’ll survive this,” Jacobsen told DR, explaining that profit margins in fishing are already razor-thin. “If the politicians don’t understand that, they’re living in another world.”

The CO₂ tax is part of Denmark’s climate strategy, targeting industries reliant on fossil fuels. Fishermen, however, argue they lack alternatives to diesel engines and that the tax threatens coastal communities dependent on small-scale fishing.

Industry groups have called for exemptions or transitional support, but no decisions have been made. Jacobsen, who employs one crew member, said he may have to sell his boat if the tax proceeds as planned.