Economic growth can be driven by ecology. Investments can be sustainable and beneficial for both the environment and people. And the energy transition can represent a unique opportunity to combine wellbeing and long-term development. It is on the basis of these convictions that Frank Jensen has led the city of Copenhagen since 1 January 2010 — a commitment that has allowed the capital of Denmark to establish itself as an example at the international level.

Fifty-six years old, social democrat, and former Minister of Research, Jensen tells Lifegate.it about the strategies adopted so far, the challenges posed by climate change and his international commitment.

Copenhagen ranked first in the Global Green Economy Index 2016, an index that measures the ecological performance of 80 countries and 50 cities around the world. What is the key to combining growth and the ecological transition?

Our city is often cited as one of the most liveable in the world and one of the greenest. It is something we are truly very proud of. I believe we have managed to achieve this goal above all because we believe that growth and sustainability must go hand in hand. In Copenhagen we have succeeded in combining ecological solutions and business opportunities, starting from the idea that investments in sustainability can also deliver financial benefits. "Green" policies are not, in fact, an obstacle to growth — on the contrary, they are an efficient way to build a better place, with cleaner air, less noise, and greater health. And a solid economic sustainability.

In 2013 you announced a plan to become a carbon-neutral city by 2025. Will you manage it?

We have set ourselves a series of ambitious targets, which should allow us to become the first capital city in the world to bring its net balance of harmful emissions to zero. We are aiming for 2025, and the path we are following is the right one: CO2 emissions have fallen by 40 per cent since 2005. I am sincere when I say I believe we can reach the target. This is thanks to a transition in the way we produce and consume energy and thanks to ecological transport.

The rise in average global temperature and sea levels, together with extreme weather events, will pose a serious risk to Copenhagen's coastal areas. How do you plan to protect the city and its population?

Studies indicate that the risks in this regard for Copenhagen are increasing. However, we have drawn up a new plan to deal with severe storm events: it contains a series of measures that we will need to introduce in order to guarantee the safety of the population. In concrete terms, this includes, for example, the construction of barriers to the south and north of the city.

In 2016 the number of bikes in Copenhagen exceeded the number of cars. How does one achieve a result like this?

The bicycle is Copenhagen's way of life. For this reason we have always worked to try to make the city as perfect as possible for this mode of transport. It is certainly necessary to create the right cultural conditions, which requires a political strategy, knowledge-sharing and significant investment. Today we can boast 435 kilometres of cycle lanes and roads dedicated specifically to two wheels. And genuine attractions such as The Circle Bridge and Inderhavnen Bridge, or The bicycle snake.

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More broadly, what do you believe is the role of major cities in the fight against climate change?

Large cities must take responsibility for their actions. Metropolises represent hundreds of millions of inhabitants around the world and can play a key role in securing a sustainable future for humanity. Mayors must be able to show national governments the way forward, in order to push them to go further with their ecological policies. Fortunately, numerous cities have taken concrete action on climate. Copenhagen is strongly committed to C40, which represents the main forum in which mayors can devise and develop new sustainable solutions, as well as share experiences of those already in existence. It is precisely by bringing together ideas and solutions that we can find excellent local responses and at the same time ensure enormous advances at the global level.