Copenhagen is the step in the right direction that every city needs, especially in the U.S. It is immediately apparent when visiting the city, one of the first things one would notice would be the large number of wind turbines. These wind turbines represent 20% of Denmark's electricity, according to a New York Times article. There, an endless wave of bikers will also be seen- as this, along with Public Transportation, is the main form of transportation in this city.
This year at the conference, the christmas tree in the city's square is powered by stationary bikes setup for viewers! This is an amazing idea. The city even imposes fines on shopkeepers who let excessive heat slip from their building through unnecessarily opened doors, windows, etc. These are the little things that we need here in America, back by legislature and laws, and it is only with the drive and push of the people to their elected officials that these demands will be met. Bottled water has been banned from the conference. More organic foods are consumed in Copenhagen than in any other city across the globe.
This seems like the city that we, the students of this class, would build in a new light shed by the knowledge we have obtained. I believe that there can be even greener cities created, without a doubt, and I would hope to see one in the United States sooner than later.
References:
1. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/11/science/earth/11notebook.html?_r=1&ref=earth
2. http://planetgreen.discovery.com/travel-outdoors/copenhagen-city-guide.html
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