Seeing REDD

Stopping the Earth from getting warmer is a goal of the UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen, but the conference itself seems to be heating up.

One area where progress is being made is on REDD, the Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation program, which would provide developing countries with credits from developed countries in exchange for rain forest preservation. As David Gillette explains in the video below, this is among the least controversial in a series of topics that are sparking protests and debate in Denmark:

Youth Radio’s Caitlin Gray is on the scene in chilly Copenhagen this week, as well, and wrote a strong opinion piece based on her experiences as a youth representative.

“Sometimes it feels that no matter what we do here, no matter what anyone does anywhere, that the people in power will not listen. That no matter the bicycle critical mass happening in the streets of Copenhagen TODAY, or the 10,000 people that marched to the Bella Center in protest on the International Day of Climate Action on the 12th, the message is still not getting through to the people who decide.”

While there is controversy brewing over the larger accord, Denmark as a backdrop for the summit is setting an example for the world. Denmark has made strides to reduce its own carbon emissions, leading Europe by creating a cleaner economy with fewer cars, but the country uses high taxes to get results, Marketplace’s Sam Eaton reports.

For a glimpse on what’s happening inside the Bella Center in real time, follow the #cop15 tag on Twitter, and check out videos from the conference, like this one on Future Cities:

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