The happiest people in the world.

Abby Ward

Copenhagen is certainly becoming the centre of the world’s attention, with a giant globe being constructed outside the town hall as I write. This “climate capital” certainly exemplifies an eco-city, with the average citizen emitting less than half the global average of CO2 annually (6.3 tonnes). Their committment to cycling, wind turbines and “district heating” (waste hot water from producing electricity is used to heat the city) is evident.

However, I still see plenty of room for improvement in this eco-haven where little of the waste is seperated. Achieving a substantial cut in emissions seems achievable, as does a move towards a healthier lifestyle. Indeed, these progressive people are among the happiest in the world.

As the world leaders gear up for an intense and possibly brutal round of negotiations, let’s not forget that mitigation for climate change is not simply a scheme to rob the taxpayer. Rather, these are solutions that, with some hard work, will encourage happier and healthier lifestyles.