I had to admit, it was difficult to explain in the lobby the fact that the two buildings on the other side of Oresund (seen when landing at the airport) was the former nuclear power plant Barseback. –“So close to Copenhagen, and the Swedes complain at the coal power plants of Denmark” I told them that we closed the last reactor in Barseback 2005. -but you are planning to intensify nuclear power production! I don’t know where we are supposed to open up plants. But I do know that it is difficult to discuss alternatives and be pedagogic about all the questions on energy systems when they are compared side by side.The environmental goals can only be met if system analysis is applied on the question. Sweden does have high ambitions and this was discussed in the lobby. “You are aiming at a 40 percent reduction in 2020”...complete carbon neutrality in 40 years”. --- Do we have to wait so long I answered? The Swedish government will achieve its goal by increased nuclear power, wind power and vehicles run by fossil free fuels. I believe that we can be carbon neutral earlier than in 40 years and maybe by other means of techniques!
I feel that this meeting COP-15 is about diffusion of ideas, theories and technology together whit a common target on emissions. The question about emissions is on the political agenda, but almost out of sight right now. Discussion among NGO: s are about how to solve problems already identified. The solutions, ideas and technology will be spread in geography in extreme after the conference. That is my most clear reflection!
Tired, I paused and went to Klimaforum09 in the City, -The Peoples Climate Summit where Climate Justice and tourism where discussed. For those that can not attend the COP-15 there are plenty of activities and seminars to visit the coming 8 days. SWECO will be part on the Bright Green Expo the 12-13 December.
www.climaforum09.org & http://www.brightgreen.dk/
I forward your e-mail Anders
ReplyDeleteHi Jonas! Interesting, inspiring, and I am glad being able following you day to day reporting from COP15. I hope you are very well down there. A No 1 wish from my side, when you are 'strolling around in the corridors', meeting decision makers, policy folks, engaged climate fighters, that you always argue for all potential in rising energy efficiency in our present energy systems. At least 30-50% av all energy use in the building environment and industry could be reduced without any comfort reduction or less industry production. Often the pay-off times are very short, and the measures normally inexpensive compared to benifits. In energy efficiency we all have the highest marginal effect coming to combating climate change. No 2 on my wish list - do argue for a basket of renewable energy options when diffent options are discussed. For instance notice that every second and world wide approx. 10,000 times more solar energy reach the globe surface - compared to the energy that we all use. Meanwhile new nuclear power is very expensive, dangerous (i.e. where to secure the long-lasting waste?) and a tight link to nuclear weapon. For the economy, to reach the quickest way to combat climate change, and for future generations - energy efficency, energy efficiency and a basket of renewable options are the absolute best choice! Sustainable regards! Anders