Denmark: Saving Energy Can Be Easy

Thomas L. Friedman wrote a great book on globalization called “The World is Flat”. (See Wiki for more Info.) Every now and then, Friedman writes articles about topics relating to globalization and every now and then I get to read them in the International Herald Tribune. Recently. Friedman wrote an article about a trip to Greenland and Denmark were he came in contact with energy-saving devices rarely seen in the US.

The article describes a number of “common sense” technologies which are in wide use outside of the US: motion-detecting light switches in hallways and stairwells, two-button toilets (chose your flush volume) and of course, biking.

Denmark is a great example of a country that actually is benefitting from the re-current energy crisis. After suffering in 1973 when oil prices spiked, Denmark implemened a system of taxes and benefits which have made the country practically energy-independent. Gasoline costs $10 a gallon in Denmark, but unemployment is an incredible 1.6%. And Denmark companies producing alternative energy technology are market leaders.

In comparison, the US Congress just cut the production tax credits for wind development.

Oh well, at least Big Oil in the US is doing well.