Denmark is the most energy efficient country in Europe.  By 2030, 30% of its energy supply will come from renewable resources.  All household waste is incinerated to generate heat and power. 

Denmark has become synonymous with wind energy.  It accounts for 20 percent of the power generated in the country.  Now, the Danes are selling the technology throughout the world and getting rich doing it.  The biggest wind-turbine manufacturer in the world, the Danish giant Vestas, can’t fill orders from China and India fast enough.  Danish export of energy stood at about 12 billion in 2007. 

You don’t need to spend much time in the Danish capital to realize how seriously the people here take climate change.  It is probably no coincidence that the next big important conference on the issue will be held in Copenhagen in December. 

While much of the world talks about the problem, the Danes are finding solutions. 

How about this stat:  The Danes use about the same amount of energy today as they did in 1980.  But, over that same period of time, the country’s economy has grown by 70 percent. 

Each year, the eco-devoted from around the world go to Samso Island, situated off the east coast of the Jutland mainland.  What’s so special about Samso?  In 10 years, it found a way to convert 100 percent of its energy needs to 100 percent renewable energy.  So, the 4,100 residents now rely on wind turbines for electricity and solar panels and biomass for heat.  The experiment has been written up in all the leading journals in the world and was featured on CBS evening news. 

With the upcoming climate talks in Copenhagen, this green mecca is getting set to be invaded by the media. 

Connie Hedegard, a former journalist who is now the country’s Minister of Climate and Energy, enjoys rock-star status.  She rides her bike to work too - in a skirt and high heeled boots some days. 

Denmark has one of the strongest economies in the European Union.  Unemployment is 3.7 percent.  Danish politicians are different too.  They are not afraid to impose taxes to discourage people from driving their cars.  Gas is very expensive and almost half of the cost is tax, which the government collects and uses, in part, to help fund green innovation research.  If only American politicians had some of that spine.

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