The opening ceremony of the UN Climate Change Conference COP-15 in Copenhagen took place in a packed Bella Center. The opening took the form of a dramatic film about how climate change can come to affect Earth, seen from the perspective of a child, and set the tone of this opening day. After a performance by Danish Radio's all-girl choir, delegates were welcomed by Danish Prime Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen and Mayor of Copenhagen Ritt Bjerregård.

“The world relies on you”

Lars Løkke Rasmussen pointed out that global warming knows no boundaries and discriminates against nobody - it affects all people and all parts of society. He said that it is time for a comprehensive agreement and that such an agreement is now within reach.

“The political will is there, we support you. Reach an effective, constructive and implementable agreement. Be visionary. The world relies on you.”

Rit Bjerregård also called on the assembled delegates.
“Help make Copenhagen into Hopenhagen for these two weeks. Please, seal the deal.”

The EU wants to go up to 30 per cent

The intention is that by the end of next week a climate agreement should be more or less negotiated, primarily by the countries' delegates and then by the environment ministers. Over 110 heads of state and government are then expected to attend the conference's very final stage. According to plan, the heads of state and government will then sign a new climate agreement.

Swedish Minister for Environment Andreas Carlgren will be representing the EU during the conference.
“I am here to ensure that an agreement is reached. The EU wants to raise its bid for emissions reductions from 20 per cent to 30 per cent, but that all depends on whether the USA and China are willing to make similar concessions. The final decision will not be made until the last part of the conference.”

Climate-smart conference

The climate conference is taking responsibility too. Two thirds of all food served is organically produced and bottled water has been banned in favour of tap water. Instead of giving expensive souvenirs or gifts to all the thousands of participants, organisers have granted scholarships to eleven young students. They will receive funds for two year's of MBA studies in Copenhagen and will in this way be able to transfer important knowledge to their respective home countries.