Wonderful Copenhagen is leading by example

The keynote speaker at the Perth conference was due to be Bo Asmus Kjeldgaard – a former mayor of the Danish capital Copenhagen who now consults in urban development and sustainable business growth.

As mayor of Copenhagen and chairman/member of a number of major environmental companies, the Aarhus University political science graduate has developed numerous sustainable projects.

He has been involved in the development of the old Copenhagen as a modern city with wind turbines, harbour swimming, super bike lanes, 100,000 more trees, climate adaptation and an ambition to become the world’s first carbon-neutral capital.

Mr Robinson says there are many things Perth can learn from the

Copenhagen experience. He also says lessons can be learned from Dundee’s approach to its waterfront vision or Glasgow’s redevelopment of the Clyde. A “shared narrative” is important for people to buy into while transcending social and inter-generational boundaries, he adds.

It is also important to have a “just approach” socially and intergenerationally.

However, he believes the biggest hurdle to overcome is complacency.

“Whilst I speak to loads of people who wish and believe Perth could be more ambitious for itself,” he says, “I’m sure there’s just as many who are happy with how it is now.

“It’s important we direct and change it for the better and engage as many voices as possible.”