Climate change negotiators, NGOs, professors, and journalists boarded the ‘Climate Express’ train from Brussels early this morning for a carbon-free journey that will take them to the Danish capital for the start of the climate change negotiations.

Amid the bustle and throngs of passengers at Gare du Midi, Brussel’s main station, climate change activists were getting to work to urge negotiators to agree to an ambitious deal at COP15 that could save the planet from the destructive effects of global warming.

"Rail transport powered by renewable energy is the answer in a sector until now dominated by fossil fuels,"Rémi Gruet from EWEA said before boarding the train. But, he added: “this train will arrive at its destination, but will the Copenhagen summit?”

During the 14-hour journey, travellers will be able to attend climate talks by the WWF, UNDP, IPCC, European Commission and other specialists. There will be workshops on climate change and a screening of the ‘age of stupid’ plus discussion with the film’s director Franny Armstrong.

Jazz, a DJ and tasty organic food are among the other attractions on-board.

The train, travelling via Cologne and Hamburg, will arrive in Copenhagen at 23:00 for a pre-summit reception opened by Connie Hedegaard, Danish minister for climate and energy.

By Sarah Azau

Click here to follow the Copenhagen negotiations.