Energ’Ethic - Climate Justice and Energy Transition

Episode 55: Tackling Energy Poverty and Building a Fair Transition with Miłka Stępień

How can renewable energy end energy poverty while creating better jobs? In this episode of Energ' Ethic, we explore how Central and Eastern Europe is confronting these challenges with Miłka Stępień, Just Transition Campaign Coordinator at CEE Bankwatch Network.

Miłka brings 25 years of activism to the table, and she’s seen the energy transition from every angle. Her message is clear: the green transition must be fair, and it needs to work for everyone—especially those in vulnerable communities.

"If I see something isn't working, I feel the need to fix it," Miłka says, reflecting on how her journey into activism began in high school. It’s that spirit of problem-solving that has shaped her work in fighting for just transition policies that bring real benefits to both people and the planet.

What’s at stake for Central and Eastern Europe?

In this episode, Miłka shares her experience growing up in Eastern Wielkopolska, a coal-mining region in Poland. She explains the deep connections people in these areas have to coal and how the shift to renewable energy can feel like a threat. But Miłka believes the conversation must go deeper than that.

"We need to address people's fears. You can't just come in and say 'we’re closing the mines'. You have to understand why this transition is difficult for them," Miłka explains.

At the heart of these fears is heating poverty. In Central and Eastern Europe, it’s not just about the cost of electricity—it’s about how people heat their homes.

"For many households, heating is the biggest cost, not electricity. We need to focus on retrofitting homes and making them energy-efficient," she says.

Breaking down barriers to the energy transition

Miłka also highlights the real challenges that come with accessing EU funds, especially for rural and smaller municipalities.

"What we need is a network of energy advisors in every municipality, especially in rural areas. These advisors can guide people through the process of retrofitting homes and adopting renewable energy," Miłka explains.

She talks about how decentralized funding can help communities access the resources they need. Big projects may get headlines, but it's small, local initiatives that will make the biggest difference to those struggling with energy and heating poverty.

Throughout the episode, Miłka emphasizes the need for a participatory approach. Local communities must have a say in how the energy transition happens.

"It's not just about closing coal mines. It’s about listening to people and working together to create a future where everyone benefits," she says.

Key takeaways:

- The link between energy poverty and heating poverty in Central and Eastern Europe

- The importance of keeping high environmental standards, even in regions facing economic challenges

- The need for decentralized funding and technical assistance to make the green transition work in small communities

- Why participatory approaches are key to ensuring a just and inclusive transition

Read here the EEB report on How renewables can help vulnerable households, released today!

Check out the latest European Environmental Bureau (EEB) report on how the Social Climate Fund can help vulnerable households transition to renewable energy. And don't forget to tune in to the rest of our mini-series, where we explore how renewables can create jobs and fight energy poverty across the EU!

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In this thought-provoking episode of Energ’Ethic, we sit down with Jad Mouawad, a trailblazer in climate communication and a key figure in the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) pivot towards clean energy advocacy. With a career spanning over two decades, Jad has been at the forefront of merging energy policy with climate imperatives, advocating for a future where energy security and sustainability go hand in hand.
Bridging Climate and Energy Policies:
Jad reflects on the evolution of energy coverage, from its initial environmental footprint to its undeniable impact on climate change. He shares his journey from The New York Times, where he championed the integration of energy industry coverage with climate implications, to his pivotal role at the IEA.
We delve into:

• The IEA’s Transformation

• Mainstreaming Information

• Combatting Misinformation

• Competing for Attention

• Convincing the Audiences

• Trust in Science and Accessibility

• The Power of Positive News

• The Power of Information:
  With a powerful message on the transformative potential of information, Jad calls for a concerted effort to reshape perceptions through factual storytelling, highlighting the economic and societal shifts already underway.
  Resources:
  Ipsos Earth Day poll (2023)

https://www.ipsos.com/en/earth-day-2023-concern-and-focus-slipping-climate-change

Pew Trust in Scientists poll (2022)

https://www.pewresearch.org/science/2022/02/15/americans-trust-in-scientists-other-groups-declines/

Reuters Digital News Report 2023 (about Tik Tok and other social networks)

https://reutersinstitute.politics.ox.ac.uk/digital-news-report/2023

Rowan Atkinson (Mr Bean) editorial in the Guardian

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/jun/03/electric-vehicles-early-adopter-petrol-car-ev-environment-rowan-atkinson

Rebuttal by Simon Evans

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/jun/08/fact-check-why-rowan-atkinson-is-wrong-about-electric-vehicles

IEA’s World Energy Outlook 2023

https://www.iea.org/reports/world-energy-outlook-2023

IMF, Public Perceptions of Climate Mitigation Policies: Evidence from Cross-Country Surveys https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/Staff-Discussion-Notes/Issues/2023/02/07/Public-Perceptions-of-Climate-Mitigation-Policies-Evidence-from-Cross-Country-Surveys-528057?cid=bl-com-SDNEA2023002
Reach out to Marine Cornelis via Twitter @MarineCornelis or LinkedIn
Music: I Need You Here - Kamarius
Edition: Podcast Media Factory 

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"We all live under the same sun"

In this fascinating discussion, Tedd Moya Mose, a lawyer, academic, and consultant at the University of Oxford, looks at the power of law to broaden access to electricity worldwide. From his experience as a lawyer in Kenya to British universities, he has come to understand that “if we get the legal framework or policy or regulation wrong, it is very, very difficult to have effective energy systems, and it's very difficult to have modern life as we know it in a sustainable way.“

He looks at the principles needed for energy justice to be truly implemented, the power of information sharing, and the need to ensure that the law is applied in a fair and equitable manner. “Even the best-written laws need people who understand them to apply them. But the community also needs to be aware that these laws exist and need to know what rights there are to enforce them.”

The law is also instrumental in creating a level playing field and reconciling often conflicting objectives. This is what he calls the “energy trilemma”, opposing three equally strong interests: financial, environmental and political. The “law should come and be almost like the pivot; it should be at the centre of this dilemma and try to balance these interests”.

Finally, he provides an expert view of international treaties and agendas such as the 7th Sustainable Development Goal and the newly recognised UN right to a “clean and healthy environment”. “The law establishes rules, regulations and standards that have to be followed. (…) We need to have the same legal aims and principles. And once those legal aims and principles are well known and documented, they can infuse any legal system. So instead of looking at changing legal systems, what we need to do is to continually develop and accept and adopt and pass laws that carry certain legal standards and legal principles and legal aims that then will lead to action.”

Tedd Moya Mose is a lawyer, academic, and consultant Researcher and Fellow at the University of Oxford focused on mitigating climate change through the transition to a low carbon economy. In his work, he investigates the impact of law on various energy technologies and projects in sub-Saharan Africa, the UK, and the Middle East. Find him on Twitter @Contentedd or LinkedIn

Reach out to Marine Cornelis via Twitter @MarineCornelis or LinkedInMusic: I Need You Here - Kamarius Edition: Podcast Media Factory

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Why is energy poverty unsustainable? 

How do disabled people navigate the transition to net-zero? 

The “just transition” could be the right framework to rethink the way our societies are designed, and make sure disabled people are taking ownership of the opportunities presented. But first, we need to acknowledge that “The current distribution of energy is unfair to disabled people in the sense that they do not have as much access to energy." 

Prof. Lucie Middlemiss is Professor of Environment and Society in the Sustainability Research Institute, at the University of Leeds in the UK. She wrote the first textbook on Sustainable Consumption, and has research interests in sustainable consumption, energy poverty and participation in sustainable development. Her research bridges the gaps between energy consumption in daily life, planning, measuring, monitoring and decision-making.

Read here Lucie's most recent paper, Characterizing the energy use of disabled people in the European Union towards inclusion in the energy transition, with Diana Ivanova.

Lucie's on Twitter: @LucieMiddlemiss

Reach out to Marine Cornelis via Twitter @MarineCornelis or LinkedIn 
Music: I Need You Here - Kamarius
Edition: Podcast Media Factory

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"We cannot afford to exclude any community from this transition" 

What is energy justice and how can it be developed?  

In this episode, Dr Elizabeth Blakelock shares her experience as a fierce advocate for citizens' rights to fair treatment in the energy market. She tells us how she opened her eyes to the intersectionality of race and vulnerability in the sector, and how she is now fighting for energy policies to become explicitly anti-racist. She shares her advice on how to create strategies that put the lived experiences of citizens at the centre, in order to create services, products, programmes and strategies that are truly inclusive by design. Eventually, she addresses the opportunities that the energy transition represents for creating fairer societies 

"There is so much more to the energy system than technical decisions about moving electrons along a wire" 

Dr Elizabeth Blakelock is a champion of the rights of everyone to have access to a warm and safe home. She is passionate about tracking the impacts that firms' decision-making has on people's lives. Then she uses that data to help design essential service markets that are inclusive by design. Elizabeth has been working in the corporate world, as an academic, the charity sector and an energy regulator. As an academic, Elizabeth co-authored the report “Fairness in UK Energy Markets” and in 2020 she finished her Ph.D. on how powerful ideas influence the rules of the energy market to undermine processes that were supposed to ensure inclusive policymaking.  

Reports mentioned: 

• Inclusive design in essential services https://fairbydesign.com/inclusive-design/  

• Diversifying Power: Why We Need Antiracist, Feminist Leadership on Climate and Energy. Stephens, Jennie https://islandpress.org/books/diversifying-power  

• Powerful women: https://powerfulwomen.org.uk/board-statistics-by-company-2021/  

Find Dr Elizabeth Blakelock’s work on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethblakelock/ 

Reach out to Marine Cornelis via Twitter @MarineCornelis or LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/marinecornelis 
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"If we design for low-income vulnerable energy consumers, there can be benefits to a whole range of consumers"

Rose Chard, Fair Future Lead at Energy Systems Catapult, shares her expert insights on how to make the net-zero transition work for low-income and vulnerable consumers and how businesses can design products and services that benefit all consumers. 

We discuss the challenges of fuel poverty and how the energy and health sectors can collaborate to keep people warm and well in their homes, in particular through the Warm Home Prescription Programme developed with the NHS.

Rose also shares her views on the changing smart and flexible energy system and how it can be translated into consumers' homes.

Throughout the episode, Rose provides valuable advice for businesses looking to create sustainable and inclusive products and services. She emphasizes the importance of thinking differently about how we use energy in our homes, beyond just kilowatt hours, to focus on warmth, hygiene, and comfort.

Dr Rose Chard holds a PhD in social sciences and over 10 years of experience as a Consumer Insight Manager. She is now Fair Future Lead at Energy Systems Catapult. As a specialist in consumer-centred energy products and services, Rose has been helping translate consumer insights into policy, product, and service design to address consumer vulnerability and energy poverty issues. 

Reach out to Marine Cornelis via Twitter @MarineCornelis or LinkedIn
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In this episode, I’m joined by Will Wiseman, the CEO and co-founder of Climatize. Will is a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree for social impact and a recognized Young Global Changer. He’s leading a groundbreaking movement that allows anyone to invest in renewable energy projects with as little as $10. Climatize has already amassed over 850 investors, collectively pouring $3.75 million into 11 community solar projects across seven states in the U.S., many of which support underrepresented communities.

Highlights from the Episode:

1. Will’s Journey to Climate Action:

   • Will shares his unique path from studying finance and engineering to becoming a pivotal figure in renewable energy. Inspired by his father, a marine biologist, he witnessed the fragility of our ecosystems from a young age, which spurred his commitment to climate action.

   • Starting in project management and construction, Will gained hands-on experience in the renewable sector, eventually leading him to establish Climatize, a platform aimed at democratizing investment in clean energy.

2. The Climatize Model:

   • Discover how Climatize breaks down the financial barriers to investing in renewable energy. Will explains their innovative approach to fractionalized loans, allowing everyday people to contribute to significant solar projects.

   • The platform targets a crucial funding gap in the $250,000 to $5 million range for small to medium-scale projects, which traditional banking institutions often overlook.

3. Navigating Regulatory Challenges:

   • Will recounts the strategic pivot from Europe to the U.S. due to the complex regulatory landscape across the European Union’s 27 member states. He details how Climatize overcame these hurdles to establish a scalable operation in the U.S.

   • The discussion also touches on the transformative impact of the Inflation Reduction Act in the U.S., which has significantly boosted the renewable sector by extending tax credits and making them transferable.

4. The Impact of Climate Finance:

   • Learn how Climatize is enabling investments in solar energy and empowering communities. Projects funded through the platform contribute to clean energy production while providing economic benefits to local communities.

   • Will discusses the diverse profiles of their investors and how the platform cultivates trust and engagement among individuals eager to make a tangible impact on the climate crisis.

5. Future Goals and Global Ambitions:

   • With an ambitious goal to fund $1 billion in renewable energy projects annually within the next five years, Will outlines the steps Climatize is taking to scale its impact.

   • The conversation also explores the potential for replicating Climatize’s model in developing countries, emphasizing the importance of accessible and decentralized financing for global electrification.

Key Takeaways:

• Accessible Investment: Climatize enables individuals to invest small amounts in large-scale renewable projects, democratizing climate finance.

• Community Impact: Beyond financial returns, Climatize projects deliver social and environmental benefits to underrepresented communities.

• Scalable Solutions: Will highlights the importance of overcoming regulatory barriers and leveraging policy changes to scale renewable energy investments.

Tune in to hear Will’s inspiring story and learn how Climatize is turning climate finance into a tool for empowerment and action. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or new to the world of renewable energy, this episode provides valuable insights into how we can all contribute to the energy transition.

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Reach out to Marine Cornelis via Twitter @MarineCornelis or LinkedIn.
Music: I Need You Here - Kamarius
Edition: Podcast Media Factory 

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© Next Energy Consumer, 2024

We have a Green Deal, we had elections: now, what?

Last week, I attended the European Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW), a flagship event driving the future of sustainable energy in Europe.

I decided to record a special episode of the Energ'ethic podcast right from the event.

It’s a great moment to take the temperature in Brussels and ask a few people about European’s energy and climate priorities for the years to come.

Right after the European elections, I’ve been feeling that the EU is like the dog who has just caught the bus.

Does it know where it is going now?

What is the next step?

Can Europe keep on being the climate leader?

And how?

So I asked two questions:

• what should be the energy and climate policy priorities in the years to come?

• And

• Do you think discussions at EUSEW are reflecting these priorities?

🗣 I spoke with some brilliant minds, including: Jaume Loffredo from Smarten, Julie Kjestrup from Velux, Anna Gumbau, Marco Gervasi from Eyen, Professor Lucia Ruggeri, Jad Mouawad, Lorraine Claffey from Energy Traders Europe, Max Joel from NYSEDA, Johannes Volmer from the European Renewable Energy Federation

🎙 What did they say?

1. We need to ploy more renewables quickly, and "Harnessing flexibility is fundamental if we want to achieve our climate targets," Said Jaume Loffredo

1. Improving our electricity grids to handle increased renewable energy is critical. Marco noted, "We need to invest more money and deliver in the next five years."

1. Julie Kjestrup underscored the need for action. "Implementation is key – it’s about delivery, not just planning."

1. Anna Gumbau discussed the importance of unlocking funds for the energy transition. "We need to find the right balance between public finance and unlocking investor certainty," she said.

2. But as Lucia Ruggeri urged, "Social justice must be at the heart of the green transition."

🛠 In short:

• Inclusiveness and equity must be central to energy policies.

• Public participation is crucial.

• Now is time for effective implementation of the bold Green Deal policies - and go further!

We’re watching - and listening.

It’s been a delight to record such meaningful conversations. Let's continue to push for a just and inclusive energy transition. Together, we can make a difference! 🌿

Keep up to date with new episodes straight from your inbox: https://podcast.ausha.co/energ-ethic-climate-justice-and-energy-transition?s=1

Reach out to Marine Cornelis via Twitter @MarineCornelis or LinkedIn
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In this episode Marine Cornelis, sits down with Areti Ntaradimou, a seasoned journalist and expert in the European energy sector, to delve into the intersection of ethics, diversity, and innovation in the energy field.

Areti brings over two decades of journalism experience and academic credentials in philosophy and applied ethics, offering a unique perspective on the importance of ethical considerations in the energy transition. She emphasizes the need to go beyond traditional engineering and economic approaches to include ethical thinking in tackling future energy challenges. As Areti puts it, “If we don’t solve our energy issues, then we will have huge problems in the future, not only for us but for future generations.”

The conversation explores the evolving role of diversity in the energy sector. Areti and Marine discuss bringing various backgrounds and perspectives into energy discussions. “It’s not only about the technical side...we also need people who can understand the intricacies and what it implies for the people,” Marine notes, highlighting how a multifaceted approach can lead to more comprehensive and effective solutions.

Trust emerges as a central theme. Areti talks passionately about how fostering trust between stakeholders, from policymakers to consumers, is crucial for a successful energy transition. She shares insights from her work at Enlit Europe’s EU Project Zone, where they aim to “give a forum to everybody to discuss the energy transition,” ensuring that diverse voices are heard and respected. This inclusive approach helps build the trust for collaborative and sustainable energy initiatives.

Areti and Marine discuss gender balance. Areti reflects on the progress made, noting that at Enlit events, they strive for gender balance in panels and discussions. She proudly shares, “Last year in our advisory committee meeting, the impact circle, my table was all women and one man. I was so proud of it.”

Areti also provides a glimpse into the innovative projects supported by the EU Project Zone. She describes the transition from a small initiative with just a few projects to a major platform showcasing over 80 projects. This growth illustrates the increasing recognition of the importance of ethical and sustainable practices in energy. The platform not only facilitates the sharing of knowledge but also helps in creating meaningful connections. Areti shares her excitement for their new matchmaking sessions, designed to foster collaboration and innovation.

Sustainability practices at Enlit events are also highlighted, including their decision to eliminate carpets to reduce environmental impact. Although this choice faced some backlash, it underscores their commitment to sustainability. Areti explains, “We wanted to care about sustainability, about energy footprint. You have no idea...how much it costs as energy and garbage...This is something that you destroy right after you use it.”

Looking ahead, Areti expresses her enthusiasm for the upcoming European Sustainable Energy Week and the next Enlit Europe event in Milan. These events promise to showcase groundbreaking conversations and projects, furthering the mission of a fair and sustainable energy transition.

Join Marine and Areti in this thought-provoking episode as they navigate the intersection of ethics, diversity, and innovation in the energy sector.

Links:

• First Part of the Conversation on Enlit

• European Sustainable Energy Week

• Enlit Europe Event in Milan: 22-24 October 2024

Keep up to date with new episodes straight from your inbox: https://podcast.ausha.co/energ-ethic-climate-justice-and-energy-transition?s=1

Reach out to Marine Cornelis via Twitter @MarineCornelis or LinkedIn
Music: I Need You Here - Kamarius
Edition: Podcast Media Factory 

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© Next Energy Consumer, 2024

In our final episode of the series on Energy Citizenship with the EnergyPROSPECTS project, we're diving deep into the essence of trust and its pivotal role in the energy transition. Join Marine Cornelis as she welcomes Karin Thalberg, a dedicated research fellow in European Energy Policy at the Jacques Delors Institute. Together, they explore how citizen involvement and trust form the backbone of sustainable energy systems across Europe.

Karin opens the discussion by reflecting on her journey through various cultural and professional landscapes—from Sweden to India and now Paris—highlighting how these experiences have shaped her understanding of local participatory sustainable development. "Sometimes you just have those moments where a lot of different paths align perfectly," Karin shares, emphasizing the serendipity that led her to her current role, which marries her background in international development with her commitment to energy policy.

Marine and Karin discuss the complexities of building trust, particularly in diverse communities where mistrust can be a significant barrier to engagement. Karin notes, "Trust is constantly one of the key barriers for people to actually engage in the energy transition." They delve into the nuances of this challenge, exploring how social inequalities and policy incoherence often contribute to deep-seated scepticism about energy initiatives. Karin stresses the importance of addressing these issues head-on, ensuring that energy transition policies are both inclusive and transparent.

One of the episode's highlights is Karin's insight into the practical aspects of fostering trust through local projects. She recounts examples from the EnergyPROSPECTS project, where partnerships between citizen organizations, municipalities, and private actors have led to successful local energy transitions. "If you have a renewable energy project at the local level, bringing in the municipality creates more legitimacy for what they're doing," Karin explains. She praises the dynamism of grassroots movements and their ability to integrate local voices into broader sustainability initiatives, ensuring that all community members can have their say and share in the benefits.

The speakers emphasize the transformative power of these collaborations, pointing out how local networks, including small and medium-sized enterprises, play a crucial role in the fabric of local economies and the broader energy landscape. They invite listeners to consider how integrating the concept of trust into everyday discussions about energy can lead to more resilient and engaged communities.

As they wrap up the series, Marine and Karin encourage everyone to think critically about how trust—or the lack thereof—shapes their perceptions and actions regarding energy consumption and sustainability.

This episode is brought to you with the generous support of the EnergyPROSPECTS project (EU Horizon 2020 Grant agreement 101022492)

Keep up to date with new episodes straight from your inbox: https://podcast.ausha.co/energ-ethic-climate-justice-and-energy-transition?s=1

Reach out to Marine Cornelis via Twitter @MarineCornelis or LinkedIn
Music: I Need You Here - Kamarius
Edition: Podcast Media Factory 

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