A Christmas tree lit up at the Copenhagen town square is demonstrating energy-saving measures — the lights on the tree are glowing with pedal power.

Volunteers ranging from professional cyclists, school children and politicians are taking turns pedaling to power the lights until December 18th.

[Stephen Risgard, Project Manager]:
“It works like each and every bike is connected to one section of the tree and if the bikes are not running, the lights are not turned on.”

The city’s mayor says it’s the greenest tree ever.

[Pia Allerslev, Mayor, Culture and Sports, Copenhagen]:
“I hope that all the children and grown-ups, all Copenhageners and tourists will help Christmas and the Christmas tree lights to stay lit.”

Managing director of light bulb manufacturer Osram says the tree illustrates the idea of energy-saving.

[Henrik Worsoe, Managing Director, Osram]:
“I think it's a great idea. It's a lot of fun and it illustrates the idea of energy saving products.”

Copenhagen is hosting the major United Nations climate summit in December.

[Pia Allerslev, Mayor, Culture and Sports, Copenhagen]:
“In this way we won't just inspire Copenhagen but the rest of the world to limit CO2 emissions and we also tell the thousands of guests that are coming to the U.N. summit on December 7, that it shouldn't be too difficult to make the earth a cleaner and healthier place to live.”

[Henrik Worsoe, Managing Director, Osram]:
“I'm hoping for a very demanding but very fair deal. In the European industry we are prepared to stand up for a demanding request but it has to be a fair deal. It won't do the climate any good if we impose too strict regulations on the European industry if other industries in the worldjust continue without any change.”

The climate summit starts on December 7th and ends on December 18th.