Copenhagen climate summit: 1,200 limos, 140 private planes and caviar wedges

[JonQ]

On a normal day, Majken Friss Jorgensen, managing director of Copenhagen's biggest limousine company, says her firm has twelve vehicles on the road. During the "summit to save the world", which opens here tomorrow, she will have 200.

"We thought they were not going to have many cars, due to it being a climate convention," she says. "But it seems that somebody last week looked at the weather report."

Ms Jorgensen reckons that between her and her rivals the total number of limos in Copenhagen next week has already broken the 1,200 barrier. The French alone rang up on Thursday and ordered another 42. "We haven't got enough limos in the country to fulfil the demand," she says. "We're having to drive them in hundreds of miles from Germany and Sweden."

And the total number of electric cars or hybrids among that number? "Five," says Ms Jorgensen. "The government has some alternative fuel cars but the rest will be petrol or diesel. We don't have any hybrids in Denmark, unfortunately, due to the extreme taxes on those cars. It makes no sense at all, but it's very Danish."

The airport says it is expecting up to 140 extra private jets during the peak period alone, so far over its capacity that the planes will have to fly off to regional airports – or to Sweden – to park, returning to Copenhagen to pick up their VIP passengers.

As well 15,000 delegates and officials, 5,000 journalists and 98 world leaders, the Danish capital will be blessed by the presence of Leonardo DiCaprio, Daryl Hannah, Helena Christensen, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Prince Charles. A Republican US senator, Jim Inhofe, is jetting in at the head of an anti-climate-change "Truth Squad." The top hotels – all fully booked at £650 a night – are readying their Climate Convention menus of (no doubt sustainable) scallops, foie gras and sculpted caviar wedges.

-----------------------------

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/copenhagen-climate-change-confe/6736517/Copenhagen-climate-summit-1200-limos-140-private-planes-and-caviar-wedges.html

I for one am glad to have all these distinguished gentlemen and women come together in one place to finally get the rest of us to cut down on our wasteful and extravagant lifestyles.

[cherokeeprogressive]

1. Makes you wonder, doesn't it.

Cue the defenders of such hypocricy...

[Teaser]

6. I'll defend it

if these greedy motherfuckers add another few centuries to our civilization's lifespan, good for them.

I won't begrudge them the swanky dining or high priced whores.

[JonQ]

9. Yeah

like the folks at the vatican, preaching the virtues of a simple life to those living on less than a dollar a day (all the while returning to their own private mansions). If they're working for the best interests of everyone who can begrudge them a private waterpark or two?

[cherokeeprogressive]

14. Nice deflection. The OP didn't mentione whores AT ALL,

and only mentioned dining in the context of fish bait, which is what I consider caviar to be.

Of course you don't care to talk about 1200 limos or 140 private jets. That's inconvenient.

AS IF there aren't enough commercial aircraft flying to Copenhagen. AS IF there isn't a way to secure some kind of mass transportation from their swanky hotels to wherever it is they're meeting on a particular day.

And here you are, telling people to GROW UP. :puke: :crazy: :yourock: :sarcasm: :rofl:

[Bjorn Against]

82. You may not have read the article, but the link in the OP did talk about prostitution

What it did not talk about are all the corporate executives that will be flying out to Copenhagan and riding around in limos, not everyone at this conference is serious about combating global warming and in fact many are trying to kill any meaningful treaty.

The article linked talked about prostitutes and caviar instead of the serious issues related to global warming, this is a right-wing smear piece and I see no reason why I should fall for this type of "reporting".

[HillGal]

116. Wrong, it's hypocritical, and people need to start leading

by example. Although I admit I'm on the fence now about global warming because of the recent e-mails, but in the past the people I respected were the Ed Begley Jr's and the Darryl Hannah's because they talked the talk and walked the walk. This can't be justified and it's wrong and it makes the entire movement look like fools.

[agent46]

120. I delete

[unabelladonna]

7. you just don't understand....

the rules are for the peasants.

[SOS]

90. American peasants who drive 12 mpg SUVs?

Obama should set an example by crossing the Atlantic in a sailboat.
When he arrives in Copenhagen he should hop on an electric bicycle and ride to the conference.
Right-wing critics would really respect that.

[timeforpeace]

11. You mean the users of pretzel logic? It's an art form around here.

[HeresyLives]

2. Let us know as soon as you develop

a transporter beam. Because until then we'll have to use old-fashioned transportation.

[JonQ]

5. Oh I agree

wholeheartedly. I mean, I don't know what I'd do if I were relegated to (gasp!) public jets, or riding the bus. I'd rather the ice-caps melt than suffer that fate. Throw another polar bear on the grill, as long as I get my limo and private jet I will be fine.

[HeresyLives]

13. Do you want the problem solved or not?

Or do you just want to carp?

[JonQ]

16. Oh I want it solved so bad

I am prepared to take as many private limo/jet rides and eat as much caviar as it takes. I'd even be willing to endure a private massage from a high priced danish hooker.

I'm serious, I will do it. You think I won't?

[HeresyLives]

18. Then be quiet and let the conference get underway.

Save your whining for some other time...Christmas perhaps.

[JonQ]

20. Yes yes

we peasants should get back to our tasks. It was enough to merely gaze at the bright lights of the elites. But surely such a life isn't for us. Back to the salt mines for me!

[HeresyLives]

21. Good. Goodbye.

[JonQ]

24. I trust I will see you down there?

Have to make this weeks quota, or gaia will be enraged by our lack of faith. She will probably have her earthly representatives burn us alive, or worse, sit through another lecture on the importance of using only one sheet of toilet paper.

[HeresyLives]

33. I never go anywhere with whiners.

[JonQ]

34. Ah of course not

that's why private limos and private jets are in order, can't rub elbows with the filthy masses eh govna?

[SOS]

94. One thing's for sure

The owners and top management of the UK Torygraph are riding limos through London, eating at the most expensive restaurants and flying private jets.
Yet in their usual right-wing hypocrisy they find the cause of climate change to be the exhaust from Obama's car.

[JonQ]

118. If the owners of the telegraph

were the leading proponents of manmade global warming, and seeking legislature that would affect all of us directly, and constantly telling the peasants to limit their wasteful extravagance then they too would be hypocrites.

Consider two people smoking, one has said he has no issue with smoking, the other is a leading voice in the prohibition of tobacco and routinely rails against the evil of nicotine.

Which one is the hypocrite?

[Fla_Democrat]

79. No man, I don't believe you will

In fact, you're going to have to take me along with you so I can verify with my own eyes. Uhm, can I pick out my own 'high priced danish hooker'? I kinda got a thing for a certain look... :evilgrin:

[JonQ]

100. Sure

When it comes to saving the world money is no object! Get as many hookers as you feel are necessary.

[snagglepuss]

26. Why limos? Why not compacts? These assholes aren't going to solve

anything, their behaviour shows they do not see any problem.

[Hannah Bell]

123. their behavior shows they don't believe in "the problem."

[JonQ]

126. Either they don't believe in it

or they don't care enough to inconvenience themselves.

Either way, not a great sign.

[kestrel91316]

46. He doesn't even believe in the greenhouse effect, let alone global warming

or the anthropogenic component. I have him pegged for a paid corporate shill. It's really obvious.

[JonQ]

101. If that's true them I'm really pissed

I haven't gotten paid in . . . well ever. Those damn corporations are cheating me. :rofl:

[Fire_Medic_Dave]

39. You are actually defending this hypocrisy?

[The Straight Story]

73. Video conferencing? (nt)

[Statistical]

93. How about they plane sharing and some nice shuttle buses.

Nobody is saying go 0 carbon but most of them are releasing more carbon than a family of 4 in a year to talk about how to reduce carbon.

I mean private jets (and so many they fly empty to other airports to wait) and limo that have to be driven across Europe to get to the event? Come on. They could do something better than that.

[PaulaFarrell]

96. Let's do some math

40.5 thousand tonnes / 15,000 participants that's less than 3 tonnes per person

US per capita in 2006 : 19 tonnes

However, you are correct that there are families of 4 in Bangladesh, Cameroon and the like emitting less than 1.5 tonnes. per year.

Aside from the fact that Denmark is offsetting the emuissions by building 20 brick factories in Bangladesh to replace existing ones, there is a lot of waste. Government delegations from the US, EU and Australia need to be slashed; corporations should be banned. However, what they are all about is getting the most beneficial deal for themselves - why any deal the get will likely be a poor one.

[Hannah Bell]

122. good old fashioned private jets. let's see, how many mpg is that?

the super-rich are the biggest contributors to global warming, pollution, & environmental destruction on the planet.

but they're going to take it out of everyone else's hides & continue their profligate behavior.

[Teaser]

3. Oh grow the fuck up.

Seriously. That's how conferences happen. If something meaningful comes out of this, they can have all the caviar they want.

[babylonsister]

22. Major plus. This is the way this stuff works. nt

[harkadog]

27. It's the way your stuff works.

What won't you apologize for or try to justify?

[Hannah Bell]

124. so what? "the way stuff works" = the supposed problem.

they're telling everyone else to use one square of toilet paper & wear sweaters, but they're flying all over the world in private jets & using limos.

& we're supposed to believe in the "problem" when their behavior demonstrates they don't.

[Fire_Medic_Dave]

42. No sense in setting an example, eh?

[virgogal]

4. Me too. Gotta go lower the thermostat since I'm just one of the "little" people.

[Ruby the Liberal]

8. *facepalm*

They can't share a ride? Take a shuttle?

What a joke.

[leftstreet]

10. Why can't they just fucking email each other like the rest of us? n/t

[phasma ex machina]

25. Because M$M wants group photos to splash on its front page. nt

[rwheeler31]

12. Funny this is a problem only for Democrats.

[Quantess]

15. You are clearly obsessed with discrediting climate change.

Don't you ever get bored of the topic?

[JonQ]

19. You misunderstand my intentions

you see if these grand folks are willing to go to such extravagance for our sakes then clearly there is something worth looking at here. Surely they wouldn't waste such festivities on a non-issue. You can tell by their conspicuous consumption that they really feel this is a serious issue. And if those noble people think it is worth looking in to then clearly it is.

It's only fair that they enjoy such luxuries while admonishing us to tighten our belts. They're entitled to such treatment for feasting and vacationing tirelessly on our behalf.

[Quantess]

28. I agree it's disappointing, but these lavish accomodations and extravagances are the norm

for any gathering of leaders and other "important people".

Besides, that doesn't detract from the issue of climate change, itself.

[JonQ]

32. Certainly not

why should taking a private jet to an airport in sweden, to be dropped off in copenhagen in time to catch your private limo to a 16 star resort in anyway take away from the message of responsible consumption, conservation and limiting your carbon footprint? Clearly these guys believe it is a major concern, and are "walking the walk", it's only reasonable to expect us to fall in to line as well.

[Warren Stupidity]

45. No, your intentions here are quite clear.

And nobody has demanded any belt tightening as far as I know. By the way, there are several large global corporations that, after examining the issues around catastrophic climate change, concluded that it was, oddly enough, in their economic self interest to move forward on reducing their carbon footprint, increasing their energy efficiency, and converting as much of their energy use as possible to renewable sustainable sources, ahead of any concerted government action. Rather than belt tightening, these efforts increased and continue to increase the profitability of these corporations. There is a great TED talk on this, but you won't be interested as it does not fit into your ideologically wall-eyed perspective.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iP9QF_lBOyA if you are open minded enough.

[unabelladonna]

67. ummm, there will be belt tightening

a "climate expert" was cornered into admitting there will be increases in the cost of energy if the cap and trade BS is ever implemented....but that's OK most of us are millionaires and are willing to bite the bullet for this feelgood "look i'm doing something about global warming" nonsense. i do not believe for a minute we can affect global warming...errr, i mean climate change by cutting our "carbon footprint". and i guess i'm being shortsighted in believing we have more immediate problems to solve.

[Warren Stupidity]

85. policy is a matter of debate, the science isn't.

try the link, you might learn something.

[JonQ]

102. So no one has suggested

that part of the problem is the extravagant lifestyles enjoyed by those in the west?

Someone better tell this guy that he doesn't exist;
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/environment/climatechange/6683735/Climate-change-Hefty-taxes-and-monitoring-needed-says-expert.html

[Fire_Medic_Dave]

40. How is pointing out the hypocrisy of those attending discrediting climate change?

[Quantess]

52. It doesn't. But, have you not noticed how obsessed JonQ is with the climate topic in general?

He's one-track-minded. I can't imagine being so preoccupied about denying climate change.

[Fire_Medic_Dave]

98. Again I haven't seen where he has denied anything in regards to climate change.

Even if he has isn't skepticism a good thing in regards to science. At least that's what the anti-vaccine, anti-pharmaceutical brigade is always saying.

[JonQ]

103. Nope, never denied that the climate changes

merely disputed our role in it. I usually try to say "manmade global warming" or MMGW, but sometimes use the shorthand. Of course so do it's proponents, I thought that much was clear.

"He's one-track-minded."


Can you find the articles I posted when this wasn't in the news, and prior to climategate?

[kestrel91316]

48. He doesn't, apparently. He has spent all weekend and last week claiming that

global warming is a hoax, and foaming at the mouth about irrelevant British emails, and yet offers no scientific evidence to back up his moronic claims.

A paid shill, no doubt.

[neverforget]

84. You got that right.

[JonQ]

105. The really funny part of this

is that I live a fairly frugal life. So my carbon footprint is miniscule compared to many of those who claim carbon will kill us all.

I would gladly be a shill for the global warming hysterics if I could get a free trip to copenhagen, some limo rides and a private jet though.

Who do I talk to about that? It's easy work; the world will die if we don't do something immediately, for my part I will order the filet mignon, medium rare and don't skip on the horseradish sauce unless you want the world to burn!

[beyond cynical]

88. There are now thousands of documents available which reveal

that the supporters of climate change have discredited themselves.

[jpak]

115. Who knew?

:shrug:

















:evilgrin:

[CatWoman]

17. I love caviar

:9

[Bluenorthwest]

37. I hate caviar

but I love Copenhagen.

[neshanic still]

23. This is why they hate us.

Really.

[OhioBlue]

35. who is they? and who is us? n/t

[neshanic still]

36. "They" the Right. "Us" the left. Rightly so as the....

movement has been hijacked to the point of absurdity.

[cherokeeprogressive]

29. The funny thing is that even if there ARE meaningful changes brought about by this conference

Those changes won't be felt or suffered by the elites. They'll STILL go on flying around the world in their private jets, STILL go from the airport to their hotel in LIMOS, STILL have fresh bait (caviar) flown in for the chefs who travel with them to put on a plate (with crackers to cut the taste), even as we lower our standard of living to accomodate the new rules and regulations brought about by their coming stewardship of the planet. They'll STILL build their McMansions that use enough power in a month to power a hundred of our crackerboxes.

And DU'ers will STILL go on defending them for speaking out against the unwashed masses who continue to drive RV's in their retirement years.

Life... It's good if you have money.

[pa28]

30. Interim statement of intent?

lol

[endless october]

31. The creatures outside looked from pig to man, and from man to pig, and from pig to man again;

but already it was impossible to say which was which.

[ipaint]

38. We're a nation of toadies and damn proud of it.

:crazy:

The elite are a bunch of pampered fools after all they got us here.

[Toucano]

41. The people in charge are not capable of making change.

Yes, it is depressing.

[FrenchieCat]

43. And everyone here has a computer, and probably at least quite a few

has a car, have tasted caviar, and may even has a flat screen TV.

It's kind of pointless to just point fingers to an irony,
unless one is pure at not being part of a very large problem,
and I think we can all raise our hands
to say we ain't perfect when it comes
to this Climate Change issue.....
and what we are personally doing
to help slow it down....even if we are doing a little bit.

They are at least attempting to finally come up with some solutions,
at great long last. Criticizing everything ain't gonna get her done.

[neshanic still]

49. That's true, we all are part of this, but the dishonesty and shilling...

has made a mockery of how dire this problem is. Hollywood nitwits, poseurs, and business interests have made the problem larger, as the double standard is invoked and now you can have your glass cleaner or some other chemical shit made by "windpower."

More than half the people at that conference are to do business, and it's not the kind of business that helps the environment.

[FrenchieCat]

55. Unless one is writing on hemp, not using plastic,

and taking public transportation everywhere if they can't afford a Prius,
this sort of criticizing everything really isn't the answer, IMO.

Why don't we make teenagers feel guilty for renting a limo for the prom,
while we are at it?

Cause I"m just saying, we can bitch and moan,
or we can be part of the solution as much as we can be.....

I'm saying, let's just try to see if we can get this problem solved,
and if this Copenhagen situation truly fails,
then yes, let's look at the details and bitch about it,
cause then, I'd be game for that.

[neshanic still]

57. Trying to solve the issue with the "crew" we have now is not going to happen.

There needs to be a readjustment of the people that are involved along with telling the camp followers to stay home in Malibu.

[FrenchieCat]

59. The point of the conference is "readjustment".......

and the people involved don't need to be pissed on just yet....
as the problem is one that is million fold.

It's like saying that on the one hand, they can do something possibly to make
the difference in a large way,
and then, btw, wanting them to take a horse and buggy to the conference
which would be symbolic and nothing more, cause if it ai't the limos,
it would be something else we could bitch about.

I say, let them hurry up and get there
and let's see if they get something signficant done.

[neshanic still]

60. You are correct. They should of been pissed on years ago when they let

the business world co-opt the "green" thing.

[kestrel91316]

50. I am cracking up at the spoiled AMERICANS here on DU who have

so much more than the developing world, bitching at people who enjoy proportionately slightly more for a few days. I can't imagine how the Third World feels when it looks at GREEDY WASTEFUL US. Especially when those here on DU who are bitching about the Copenhagen conference for the most part deny that they could ever harm the earth.

Sad. We are ALL guilty in the extreme.

[neshanic still]

53. Yes I am guilty, but not as much as the people in this farce to be held.

[FrenchieCat]

56. It's possible that their work will make a bigger difference

than anything you might ever try to do,
when it comes to the environmnent.

I think we could hold our fire
and see if anything comes of this,
rather than to simply boo these folks
as they walk through the door.

Just sayin'! :shrug:

[neshanic still]

58. I don't see it, as they ride in on private jets. It's just caviar for the RW.

[kestrel91316]

61. It's only being called a farce by the paid denialist shills, IMHO.

[neshanic still]

63. Denialists in what way...?

Hollywood celebrities nitwits and useless baggage that diverts the issues to them?

Usual government suspects that are just phoning it in?

Usual business interests just phoning it in?

Or actual people that do not believe in climate change?

I truly believe in climate change, but to stop it, it's not gonna get change like this.

[neshanic still]

64. Dupe

[JonQ]

109. You can tell when you've struck a nerve

and can't be refuted when they bust out the old "paid shills" routine.

Hysteric1: autism is caused by vaccines!!!!!!!!!!!!
Response: no I don't think that's the case, no study has shown that.
Hysteric1: Paid shill for big pharma!

Hysteric2: GMO crops will kill us all, they have DNA in them, which is lethal even in small doses!!!!!!!!
Response: er no, they've been tested and shown to be safe.
Hysteric2: Paid shill for big agribusiness!

Hysteric3: global warming is irrefutable, it is 100% mans fault and there is no problems with the data!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Response: the data has been shown to be flawed in some ways, and many factors seem to be involved in global temperatures.
Hysteric3: Paid shill for big oil!

[JonQ]

108. I've found that if you want people to make radical changes

in their lifestyle then you should be willing to do the same.

Also, if you're trying to convince people that there is a major problem then acting like there is a major problem rather than business as usual is a good start.

If you stand up at your desk at work, calmly say "fire" then sit down and go back to work as if nothing happened then people may not take you seriously.

Go figure.

[Hannah Bell]

125. no, "we" are not "all guilty in the extreme". people who jet around the world in private planes

and live in 10,000 s2 ft houses while preaching & pointing fingers at the peons are guilty in the extreme.

[Warren Stupidity]

51. Can I Haz Caviar Now?

[ipaint]

66. Like I said toadie.

I'm pretty sure I'm not the one who decided to have two decades of stagnating wages and crappy trade agreements that led to the only affordable necessities anywhere to purchase were cheap breakable plastic crap manufactured in china full of lead and shoddy clothes from slave labor factories around the world.

And yes I will talk. I share a vehicle, almost 11 years old, which I drive 12 miles a week, rent a 250 sq ft studio apt, did not breed any generations of future super consumers and only buy what I absolutely need such as clothes, food and a minimal amount of electricity. My life has been spent in the working class so I have always lived small.

"They" are attempting to have their cake and eat it too. There will be no real changes and "they" could really care less because "they" are pampered, spoiled elite who don't believe their shit stinks. The very large problem lies firmly in their laps as a result of the gluttony of their personal and corporate ventures worldwide.

Perhaps the middle class and above can find some common ground with the super polluters but don't include me. That's one thing about living towards the bottom of the economic ladder. Over consumption and hoarding is not a problem. That takes money.

[neshanic still]

68. Nicely said!

[JonQ]

112. You mean you aren't sympathetic with these billionares

telling you to live more frugally?

[kestrel91316]

44. Of course you would complain. You don't believe in global warming.

Once again, I ask you to explain how Arrhenius was wrong. And cite exact data to back yourself up.

[Warren Stupidity]

47. In fact as the OP is a denier, what exactly is the problem?

All those limos are just fine, right?

[JonQ]

107. Hehe, but they believe in it

no? They believe carbon emissions will doom us all, but carry on as if nothing were different.

So either A) they are lying and don't believe any of it, B) they do believe it, but are greatly exaggerating the effects to scare the commoners, or C) they believe it and think what they are doing is part of the problem, but just don't give a damn.

Tell me, which one of those is supposed to inspire confidence in their judgment?

It's like when a prominent baptist preacher get's involved in a gay sex scandal involving drugs and prostitutes. I don't have any issue with the drugs, or prostitutes or what two adults choose to do on their free time. But the fact that he has come out and denounced those behaviors in everyone else makes him a hypocrite and worthy of contempt.


You see? Saying one thing and doing another (in fact trying to create laws to force people to act contrary to how you choose to behave) is not an endearing trait.

Just imagine they were auto CEOs flying their private jets to DC to beg for money. Doesn't that make your blood boil!

[JonQ]

110. Look what they think CO2 is going to to do this poor girl

http://www.wired.com/underwire/2009/12/post-apocalyptic-video-opens-climate-change-conference/

And yet that is still not enough to convince them to live merely extravagantly, rather than in unimaginable opulence. I mean, global warming ate that poor girls stuffed animal for christs sake! It doesn't get much worse than that.

Kind of reminds me of the pope telling people how great it is to be poor, and how that will help you get in to heaven, and won't you please give until it hurts? Then hopping in his private jet and flying back to one of his mansions.

Of course when he does it he's considered a hypocrite, rather than a hero . . . . hm.

[Stevenmarc]

54. Yawn..... pass the caviar wedge.

[Bjorn Against]

62. Many people in Copenhagan are not riding limos, many more are corporate shills...

I am sure you can find plenty of examples of people who are not practicing what they preach as well, but I am sure I could pull out just as many examples of delegates from Copenhagan who really are working hard to live a green lifestyle.

And let's not pretend that everyone in Copenhagan is trying to fix the climate crisis, there are many of global warming deniers and corporate representatives out there trying to weaken the deal and no doubt a number of the limos belong to them.

[neshanic still]

65. Sure, there are some, but Darryl will not be arriving in a airport shuttle I bet.

[Bjorn Against]

70. A major issue like global warming is at stake and I am supposed to be concerned about Daryl Hannah?

Maybe Daryl Hannah is a hypocrite, but why should that matter to anyone? We have a major issue on our hands and people here are ringing their hands over what celebrities drive to the conference about that issue. Daryl Hannah is completely irrelevant, what is relevant is that the polar ice caps are melting and we have people who are more concerned about pointing out the hypocrisy of a movie actress than they are with saving the planet.

[neshanic still]

72. Why not? She apparently is concerned about you.

[Bjorn Against]

75. If you think this issue is going to be decided by Daryl Hannah then I don't know what to tell you

And if you don't think this issue is going to be decided by Daryl Hannah then I see no logical reason why you would be focusing your attention on her rather than the issues being discussed at this conference.

[neshanic still]

76. Thankfully she will not be deciding. But you miss the point.

The carnival atmosphere is not helped by people who are not experts in the field of global warming.

Their presence there is a distraction and sideshow. They shouls stay away and let the experts do their job.

I am sure the Hollywood gang could find another diverting adventure to keep them busy.

[Bjorn Against]

81. This is a global conference open to people from many walks of life...

I have a friend who is in Copenhagan right now, he is not a climate scientist but he is an environmental activist who just finished a 500 mile bike ride to raise awareness of the threat posed by global warming. I assure you that he is not riding around in a limo.

We need activists like him out there and there are celebrity activists as well, Leonardo DiCaprio has done an enormous amount of work to raise awareness of climate change and the roles of people like him play are important because he has a big microphone that can reach a lot of people. Now it is possible that Leonardo DiCaprio is riding in a limo but quite frankly I am not concerned about his imperfections because his ride to the convention is not in itself going to make a significant impact on global warming. Climate change deniers are always trying to get us to focus on the imperfections of a few climate change activists while ignoring the bigger issue, to really fix the climate crisis we can not work on an individual level we need to change policy in a way that effects everyone. That is what this is about, policy. It is not about individual decisions, and while it may be great when individuals do things to reduce their own carbon footprint in order to really tackle this issue we need governments to change their laws and regulations. That is what this conference is about, it is not about celebrities as much as the climate change deniers want to distract you.

[earth mom]

69. No doubt the powers that be wouldn't show up if there weren't any perks.

I'm getting disillusioned about global warming ever being solved-especially when I see crap like this. x(

[neshanic still]

71. You should of seen the bizzarro spectacle held in Phoenix a bit back.

It was worthy of a comedy movie.

[earth mom]

78. I'm not sure what you are talking about but I believe global warming is real.

I'm just extremely disappointed and ticked off that so little has been done to stop it.

[neshanic still]

80. I completely believe it is real. No issue there.

[JonQ]

111. If they won't show up sans perks

then I question their commitment to the entire thing.

[tinrobot]

74. I'm sure many of those limos and jets are carrying Saudis...

...along with other people who have pro-oil agendas.

There is a group of people who are going to that conference with the goal of derailing any substantive change. I'm sure they have plenty of oil company money to rent limos and jets, and also don't give a crap about their carbon footprints.

[neshanic still]

77. True, but there are enough jets for everyone!

[tinrobot]

83. Actually, it isn't nearly enough.

The average private jet carries less than 10 people. 140 private jets is not nearly enough to transport the tens of thousands of people showing up for the conference, most of whom will take other forms of transportation.

[dems_rightnow]

86. I don't expect world leaders

to ride coach with the rest of us.

There are 195 countries in the word, so I'm allowing for 195 limos. The other 1,000 are excessive.

[blindpig]

87. It is a waste of time.

These people accomplish nothing, they will labor mightily and produce nothing of real value. The reason being that they do not address our system of production, a system based on generating ever increasing profits and not the fulfillment of human needs.

Capitalism or Nature, ya can't have both.

[RoadRage]

89. Huh. You'd think Toyota or Ford would have 1,000 Hybrids

lined up free to rent to anyone coming in for the Summit... talk about Free Advertising. Heck - at least Ford could do it for the American's coming in for the summit.... do these guys think that no one will NOTICE?!

[IrishBuckeye]

91. Why not use the net for a conference call?

All these meetings leaders go to, they seem more like work conventions in las vegas. Just a cover for a vacation.

[Javaman]

92. it's the ego. nt

[whatchamacallit]

95. Smells like ye olde "Limousine Liberal" meme to me.

discredit, discredit, discredit...

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

97. RW memes, global warming denialism...

You don't have to be a billygoat to tell who's under the bridge.

[Johonny]

99. and Al Gore has a big house

seriously who cares. You mean it takes energy to move the world leaders to the same location. Wow that's some hard hitting news. This is the kind of fake news Bill Kristol spews out to pretend trying to prevent climate change is a waste of time. If you want to be on the same side as Kristol, more power to yah.

[spanone]

104. 1200 limos for 15,000 delegates...140 private jets and 15,000 delegates?

[Warren Stupidity]

113. hush now you are confusing the rightwing talking point with facts

plus, the math!

But I agree with the OP that Obama should carpool in a prius from Washington to Copenhagen. After all,

[Liberal_in_LA]

106. love the title of this thread. 'caviar wedges'. lol

[branders seine]

114. farce

we're being led into the blender of history by a troop of dancing clowns.

[jpak]

117. BREAKING: Climate summiteers mob Copenhagen Olive Garden and gobble cornflake fried chicken

dis - gusting

:D

[jakefrep]

119. Denmark must be out of sackcloth and ashes.

[Electric Monk]

121. ...hot air lifts this thread back to the top...