Copenhagen in March

alex — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 08:19:24 +0000

We recently had the privilege of attending the Climate Change Congress in Copenhagen, Denmark. This was the scientific run-up to the COP-15 meeting in December, where politicians will work towards a global climate accord. The conference was really interesting and even made me feel somewhat optimistic about how we can positively influence the future.
We also had a chance to visit some colleagues at the Center for Ice and Climate of the University of Copenhagen. This is where some of the original work on the Greenland ice cores was carried out, and they even have many of the samples in a basement freezer at a mild -24 °C (-11 °F). Originally, in the 70s, they hand-built machines for separating and analyzing isotopes contained in the cores. And today they have some very high-tech, high precision devices. But they still crank out samples on the tried-and-true older machines.
Of course, being in Copenhagen also meant catching up with Aaron and Chrisitine. We had some great burritos, complete with fresh taco sauce actually imported from Colorado! All in all, life looks pretty good up North – if just a tad cold this time of year.

Introductory folk recorder performance - I didn't even know there was such a thing!
Some odd activities in the forum
A beacon
Astounded!
The walk to the conference hall - complete with barbed wire. Do you think the politicians will stroll this way too in December??
Look at my complementary hippy wicker bag!
Listening to Lord Nicholas Stern present the dire economic outlook of our planet.
1st one on the right - that's the Prime Minister of Denmark. 2nd from the left, that's my advisor arguing with him!
Downtown Copenhagen post-conference. Check out the solar-powered, public trash compactor!
If you smile, it doesn't feel so cold.
Inspecting the compactor.
The kids in Copenhagen were big on their snowsuits. He's ready for anything.
In the Center for Ice and Climate, with Christo and Vasilieos explaining isotopes
That black thing in crushes the ice to let gas out, but at freezing temperatures, so that no ice actually melts and reacts with the gas!
The original, badass machine which helped produce the NorthGrip record we all know and love.
Heading into the ice freezer
Arriving at Aaron and Christine's for dinner.
Great hosts. Notice the fresh guac :).
A well-framed shot. Well done, Aaron.
There he is.
Nothin like a neighborly visit across the North Sea.
Look at the candy bus! Yum.
Grandma downin' some morning brew around 10am on Saturday. And why the hell not?
Christiania architecture
On our way to the ballet at the New Danish Opera House (ie space ship) - accessible only by water taxi. It made one feel somewhat privileged.
Those walkways take you to the orbish concert hall
Inside...
The Opera House by morning fog.
Good to be back in Copenhagen.
Living the dream.

alex robinson » Copenhagen

Copenhagen in March