Denmark appoints new climate ambassador to Africa

The Danish government has appointed Ole Thonke, currently deputy director for development policy at the ministry of foreign affairs, as the new climate ambassador. Foreign minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen stated that Thonke will help ensure Denmark continues to lead in the global climate effort and utilize opportunities from the green transition. Thonke succeeds Thomas Anker Christensen, who joined former minister Dan Jørgensen in Brussels to assist the new EU commissioner of energy and housing. The climate ambassador will promote Danish climate diplomacy and engage with representatives from other nations. Rasmussen emphasizes the need to enhance climate diplomatic cooperation with African countries, which are severely affected by climate changes yet have contributed the least to the crisis. Thonke will undertake his new role while remaining deputy director for development policy, a position his predecessor did not hold. Denmark, holding the EU presidency, plays a crucial role in the upcoming COP30 climate summit in Brazil.