Great Danes: They're leading the future of energy, and we could learn from them
In one week, I saw two different energy futures.
In my Shepherd University environmental policy class my bright students submitted final policy proposals. Their papers were a revelation of feasible, pragmatic policies ranging from residential compost pick-up to bike lanes to more sustainable packaging at the university and beyond. My reactions included restored hope in the next generation and head-slapping wonderment at why haven’t these proposals already been implemented?
Coincidentally, the day after my class ended, I flew to Copenhagen. Now most Americans associate Denmark with Hamlet, Vikings, and Hans Christian Andersen’s “Little Mermaid.” However, our view of Denmark might be updated to a landscape of focused energy and climate goals underpinning a prosperous and happy nation.
Upon arrival at the airport, my wife and I could easily take the excellent public transit to our accommodations for a $5 ticket. In fact, Copenhagen’s superb public transit system meant we traveled easily everywhere — including day trips outside the city for $5-10 — and never felt the lack of a car.
The Danes preferred mode of transport is bikes. Bike lanes are everywhere, and the cornucopia of cycles include bikes with strollers attached, bikes with trunks in front, bikes with dog carriers — a veritable cyclists’ Valhalla. We biked around the whole central city and felt safe and in the majority, the exact opposite of a typical rare bike lane in the U.S.
The tallest mountain in this metropolis of nearly 1.5 million is a trash incinerator. Although Copenhagen seemingly recycles and composts everything, there is still some trash. Most of this is incinerated and converted to energy at CoppenHill. In addition to supplying heat to 90,000 apartments and electricity to 80,000 households, the incinerator also provides a cafe, ski slope, park and the world’s tallest climbing wall.
Copenhagen is aiming to be carbon neutral by 2025, the first national capital to claim that distinction. The entire country seeks to reduce carbon emissions by 70% by 2030 and be carbon neutral by 2050.
To paraphrase the Danish Prince Hamlet’s famous phrase “to be or not to be,” this nation has strongly determined “to be carbon neutral.”
The Danes are also extremely proud and happy in their nearly carbon neutral country. The Danish concept of hygge translates roughly as enjoying the good life, avoiding the rat race and instead appreciating everyday things like good food, health, socializing and a good lifestyle.
I contrast the happiness and contentment of the Danes with the pessimism and gloom of many young Americans about our conflicted energy and climate policies. Perhaps part of the Danes' satisfaction comes from seeing visible progress toward a more stable future in their wind farms, bikes and extensive recycling programs.
So I suggest we put aside our inaccurate stereotypes of pastries and horned helmets and instead look to Denmark as an exemplar of a saner, more stable and more satisfactory future. Their progress toward this future puts a whole new twist on the moniker Great Danes!
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Mark Madison teaches environmental policy at Shepherd University and is addicted to streaming Viking shows.
This article originally appeared on The Herald-Mail: Green transport and fuel from trash: Danes take lead in energy future
