(Friis Arne Petersen, Danish Ambassador to the United States)

Ambassador Petersen delivered an inspirational speech tonight on Day 4 of Brita Climate Ride 2009, describing his personal connection to bicycling, the views of his Government regarding the UNFCCC negotiations in December, his perception of the debate in Washington regarding pending climate change legislation, and the need for collective, concerted, near-term action on climate change.

Ambassador Petersen elucidated five principles that should be incorporated into a potential agreement at the talks in Copenhagen in December.

1. Developed nations ought to commit to binding targets to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, including agreement to cut GHG emissions by 80 percent by 2050.

2. Key emerging markets, including China and India, and other significant developing nations, should agree to take action on climate change commensurate with their ability to do so.

3. Public financing, from developed nations and other public sector organizations like the World Bank, will be necessary to facilitate the transfer of environmental technology to developing nations, and to provide solutions regarding mitigation and adaptation.

4. Provision ought to be made for domestic and international offsets.

5. The mechanics and vehicles associated with a global approach to regulating GHG emissions must operate within a framework that is verifiable, reliable and measurable (VRM) as well as equitable and transparent.

Ambassador Petersen praised Congressional action on the Waxman-Markey climate/energy bill (H.R. 2454) but said that some of the provisions and targets, including the GHG reduction goal for 2020, fall short of current EU commitments. He underscored the significance of the U.S. debate on the Copenhagen talks but indicated that it is unclear, despite efforts by the Danish Embassy and certain Senators including Senator Kerry, if the U.S. Senate will pass climate/energy legislation prior to the Copenhagen talks.

Ambassador Petersen noted that President Obama and the First Lady will visit Denmark soon. Climate and energy are on the agenda. His Excellency did not indicate whether President Obama has committed to attend the UN conference in December.

The Ambassador recounted how, starting in the 1970s, Denmark transformed from a heavy importer of energy (99 percent) to a net exporter of energy. He acknowledges that large deposits of fossil fuels facilitated the conversion but notes also the important role played by renewables and greater energy efficiency. For instance, the Danish firm Vestas is the world's largest wind firm.

The Danish Government has high expectations for Copenhagen, which must set down clear lines of demarcation and serve as more than a stepping stone for more talks -- which will be necessary in any case given the breadth and complexity of the attendant issues.

In closing, His Excellency thanked Climate Ride for the opportunity to ride along, and exhorted the Climate Riders to join him tomorrow for the march on Washington. This may be a tall order - as the Ambassador is outfitted with a sleek black Specialized S-Works and showed today that he has the legs to master the local terrain.

THANK YOU AGAIN AMBASSADOR PETERSEN FOR YOUR SUPPORT! WE WISH YOU THE BEST IN COPENHAGEN, AND HOPE TO RIDE WITH YOU AGAIN IN FUTURE.