In late 2009 I was asked to speak at an important "side event" to the COP 15 Climate Change Conference. This extraordinary event took place in Copenhagen, Denmark on International Mountains Day, December 11th. Participants included world-famous Everest Summiteers and record-holders, Nepali government officials, leaders from the UIAA (International Mountaineering and Climbing Federation) and global conservation NGO's such as WWF (Worldwide Fund for Nature), ICIMOD (International Center for Integrated Mountain Development) and IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature). The event included a rally in the city center, speeches by the officials, and a march through the streets of Copenhagen by over 600 participants.