The 2009 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen, Denmark this past December may have failed to get a strong united stance from the 192 world leaders, but it did, however, have some merit.

The deal includes seven major countries. It will see money being distributed to third world countries who don’t have money to take provisions towards climate change. It also includes references to keeping global temperature increases below 2 degrees Celsius.

The deal is widely considered weak because it’s not legally binding and doesn’t hold countries accountable.

“At least everybody got together. At least there was an agreement,” said George Gallant, a Communication Arts instructor at Lethbridge College, who was in Copenhagen filming footage for the Canadian Wildlife Federation.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper laid low for most of the time, even letting Environment Minister, Jim Prentice deliver the key presentation.

Gallant was amazed by how different their society works in Denmark, suggesting North Americans can learn a thing or two.

“Everybody walks and rides bikes. I didn’t see one traffic jam the whole time I was there. It’s -10 and people are riding bikes and it’s not a big deal.”

Gallant suggests their progressive approach is due to an early education in public schools on global warming since the 1970s.

“We haven’t educated people properly as to what is actually happening or who to listen to.”

He feels that many Canadians are listening to the loudest people, using the small percentage of scientists who deny global warming as an example.

“Everybody thinks about everything in their own little world and that has to change,” he added, quickly admitting that every person’s needs must be considered.

“Everybody in some way shape or form is right, it’s just how do you make all those answers work together so that it actually works for the entire world.” 

He also pointed out the smaller demand for capital goods in Denmark, explaining how they don’t pack huge refrigerators full of food, they buy fresh food and prepare it daily.

Just owning a car there will have you paying more in taxes than what it costs.

Though Canadian society might be reluctant to change in such a drastic way, Gallant couldn’t help but notice how happy the people in Denmark were.

“Everybody is nice and orderly, everybody gets along and it was really nice to see.”