Energ’Ethic - Climate Justice and Energy Transition

Join us in this enlightening episode of Energ'Ethic as we welcome Antonia Proka from RESCoop.EU, a visionary in the realm of community-led energy initiatives. Our conversation today is centered on the critical need for inclusivity in energy communities, exploring how changes in culture, structure, and practices can lead to more equitable and effective energy transitions. The Imperative of Inclusive Energy Communities: Antonia underscores the significance of reflecting societal diversity within energy initiatives, emphasizing that inclusivity is key to harnessing collective strength for a sustainable energy future. She delves into REScoop.eu's strategic efforts to diversify memberships and leadership in energy cooperatives, ensuring that these entities truly represent the communities they serve. Cultural Shifts for Inclusive Practices: We discuss the need for a cultural shift in energy communities, moving beyond traditional norms to embrace diverse perspectives and needs. Antonia explains how this shift can lead to more innovative and responsive energy solutions that benefit all members of society.  Structural Changes in Energy Cooperatives: She also sheds light on the structural changes necessary within energy cooperatives to foster inclusivity. This includes rethinking meeting times and providing childcare during general assemblies, enabling broader participation, especially from underrepresented groups. The Gender Power Working Group's Role: Antonia highlights the work of the Gender Power working group in promoting gender equity in the energy sector. She stresses the importance of female role models in energy leadership to inspire and empower more women to participate and lead in this field.  Practical Steps Towards Inclusivity: Additionally, Antonia shares practical advice for energy communities looking to become more inclusive. She emphasizes the need for tailored solutions rather than one-size-fits-all approaches, citing examples of successful practices implemented by various energy communities across Europe. Conclusion: This episode is a deep dive into the transformative potential of inclusive energy communities. Antonia Proka's insights provide a roadmap for energy cooperatives and policymakers to foster environments where diversity is not just welcomed but is a driving force for innovation and sustainability. Listeners will come away with a renewed understanding of the importance of cultural, structural, and practical changes in making the energy transition truly inclusive. Reach out to Marine Cornelis via Twitter @MarineCornelis or LinkedIn Music: I Need You Here - Kamarius Edition: Podcast Media Factory  Support Energ'Ethic on Patreon https://patreon.com/Energethic © Next Energy Consumer, 2024

In this episode, Marine delves into a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of the energy sector: diversity. Our guest, Joshua Atkins, founder of Pride in Energy, shares his insights on the transformative power of diversity in the energy industry. Key Points Discussed: 1. The 4Ds Transforming the Energy Sector: Joshua highlights the significant shifts in the energy sector, emphasizing the often-overlooked aspect of workforce diversification. 2. Bridging the Skills Gap: He discusses the looming skills gap in the energy industry, spanning from strategic roles to field staff, and the importance of aligning company values with the priorities of new generations entering the workforce. 3. Business Case for Diversity: Through practical examples, Joshua illustrates the tangible benefits of investing in diversity. He cites research showing significant returns for businesses that invest in women and other underrepresented groups. 4. Rising Discrimination and the Need for Allyship: The conversation touches on the increase in discrimination, particularly against gender-diverse individuals. Joshua stresses the importance of allyship at all levels, especially in senior positions. 5. Visibility and Representation: The lack of representation at senior levels is a concern, but there is a positive trend in vocal leadership and allyship. Joshua talks about the slow but steady progress in visibility for various groups. 6. Challenges of Pink Washing: Joshua brings attention to the issue of 'pinkwashing', akin to 'greenwashing', where companies superficially endorse LGBTQ+ rights without substantive action. He advocates for genuine commitment and change. 7. Practical Steps for Companies: Joshua advises companies to listen to their employees, especially those in diversity groups, to understand and address specific issues within their organization. 8. Future Initiatives: Teasing some upcoming initiatives for Pride month, Joshua hints at exciting plans to promote visible endorsement of LGBTQ+ individuals in businesses. Conclusion: Joshua Atkins' insights reveal the undeniable link between diversity and the future success of the energy sector. His call for genuine commitment to DEI, beyond mere tokenism, resonates as a powerful message for all industries. Reach out to Marine Cornelis via Twitter @MarineCornelis or LinkedIn. Music: I Need You Here - Kamarius Edition: Podcast Media Factory  Support Energ'Ethic on Patreon https://patreon.com/Energethic © Next Energy Consumer, 2024

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. The IEA’s Transformation: We delve into Jad’s experiences during a pivotal era at the IEA under Dr. Fatih Birol’s leadership. Jad discusses the agency’s ambitious mission to lead the clean energy transition, outlining the strategic shifts and the development of influential scenarios, including the net-zero pathway aligned with the Paris Agreement goals. Mainstreaming Information: Jad emphasizes moving beyond traditional report-centric approaches to disseminate key messages through a vibrant digital ecosystem. He highlights innovative strategies, from revamping the IEA’s website to leveraging partnerships with Google and Wikipedia and even co-creating the engaging ‘Climate Game’ with the Financial Times. Combatting Misinformation: In an era of rampant misinformation, Jad addresses the challenges of maintaining public trust in media and factual information. He provides insights into the IEA’s efforts to offer accessible, transparent data and analysis, fostering informed public discourse on climate and energy. Competing for Attention: Acknowledging the difficulty of keeping the climate crisis in the public eye amidst pressing global issues, Jad underscores the need for consistent, compelling communication to ensure environmental concerns remain a priority. Convincing the Audiences: Jad shares his perspective on the opportunities and challenges in convincing diverse audiences of the urgency of climate action. He stresses the importance of compelling storytelling and public policy support to drive societal change. Trust in Science and Accessibility: With a nod to the robust trust in scientists, Jad discusses the critical role of making scientific messages more accessible to the public, enhancing the impact of scientific findings on society. The Power of Positive News: Jad advocates for sharing progress in the energy transition to inspire action. He reflects on the importance of recognizing achievements while acknowledging the distance, instilling hope and determination in the face of a changing climate. 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. Join us as we explore these themes with Jad Mouawad, seeking to understand who we should listen to and trust in the journey toward a sustainable and just energy future. Resources: IMF: Public Perceptions of Climate Mitigation Policies: Evidence from Cross-Country Surveys Ipsos Earth Day poll (2023) Pew Trust in Scientists poll (2022) Reuters Digital News Report 2023 (about TikTok and other social networks) Rowan Atkinson's (Mr Bean) editorial in the Guardian Rebuttal by Simon Evans IEA’s World Energy Outlook 2023 Reach out to Marine Cornelis via Twitter @MarineCornelis or LinkedIn. Music: I Need You Here - KamariusEdition: Podcast Media Factory  Support Energ’Ethic on Patreon https://patreon.com/Energethic © Next Energy Consumer, 2023

This one is a very special episode of Energ'Ethic! While our podcast is usually conducted in English, today, we have something exceptional in store. We're diving into a thought-provoking discussion that stems from a recent webinar held entirely in Italian, shedding light on a crucial aspect of the energy landscape. In this episode, we unravelled the layers of "Comunità Energetiche ed Energy Sharing: Svelare un Potenziale Sociale Inesplorato," a webinar that took place on 28 September 2023 under the auspices of Rete ASSIST [https://www.reteassist.it/news/comunit%C3%A0-energetiche-ed-energy-sharing:-svelare-un-potenziale-sociale-inesplorato--?utm_campaign=8ac22ee7-3d68-4a98-a3c4-8fdea7760730&utm_source=so&utm_medium=mail&cid=a182e7a0-edc4-42a1-9bb3-57b1cdf695c6], for the PEnTrEn project. The conversation with first-class experts Dr Aurore Dudka (University of Trento) and Emmanuele Petruzziello (CEO of KOALA [https://koalacompany.it/], a start-up dedicated to promoting energy sharing) explored the profound social implications of energy beyond its resource aspect. It's a journey into understanding how energy can be a catalyst for positive social change, with a special focus on Italy. The webinar's core objective was to peer beyond the technical and theoretical ideals of energy communities within the Italian context. While the technical landscape holds promise, and the stakeholders are poised to leap into action upon the awaited ministerial decree, there's a facet that often remains in the shadows – the social and cultural dimensions of energy communities. As revealed during the discussion, these communities frequently lack diversity, with a noticeable absence of women, youth, and individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds among their ranks. This diversity deficit poses a formidable challenge in addressing energy poverty comprehensively. But what becomes abundantly clear from this engaging conversation is that energy, within the framework of an "energy community," is merely the tip of the iceberg. It serves as a pretext for forging social connections, providing training, fostering local initiatives, and creating value – especially for young people and women in underserved areas. In an era when climate change is transitioning into a pressing social challenge, constructing new reference points that firmly place people at the centre is paramount. This, in essence, embodies the spirit of #energyjustice. The video recording of this remarkable webinar is also available on the Rete ASSIST website, allowing you to delve even deeper into the insights shared and watch it with automated subtitles. A heartfelt thanks to Marina Varvesi, Federica Petraroli, and Federica Ragazzo for their unwavering support. Let us know your thoughts on this special episode! Reach out to Marine Cornelis via Twitter @MarineCornelis [https://twitter.com/MarineCornelis] or LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/marinecornelis] Music: I Need You Here - Kamarius Edition: Podcast Media Factory  Support Energ'Ethic on Patreon https://patreon.com/Energethic [https://patreon.com/Energethic] © Next Energy Consumer [https://www.nextenergyconsumer.eu/], 2023

In this poignant episode of Energ'ethic, we delve deep into the journey of Aryanisha Lawes [https://www.aryanisha.com]—a social justice advocate who transitioned from frontline work addressing energy poverty in marginalized communities to becoming a spiritual wellness coach. She believes in "helping the helpers" and equipping them with tools in leadership, power, and wellbeing to instigate more effective social and environmental reforms. Highlights - Aryanisha unpacks the spiritual underpinnings of her work, recounting her ordination as a Buddhist and how it informed her mission. - The episode uncovers Aryanisha's motivation for launching her own business after years of frontline work, pinpointing the systemic issues and personal stressors that frontline workers face. - Aryanisha shares a range of approaches in coaching and training, including character personification techniques that allow individuals to confront their challenges effectively. - The importance of community and human connection to combat feelings of isolation and loneliness in this work is underscored. Key Takeaways 1. The Dialogue between Vision and Reality: Aryanisha discusses how spirituality and practical action feed into each other, especially when you hold the potential for liberation, compassion, and courage for others.    2. The Physical Toll of Social Justice Work: She speaks candidly about the bodily impact of being a 'changemaker', from stress to burnout, emphasizing the need for well-being to accompany power and leadership.    3. Tools for Transformation: Aryanisha shares her unique coaching techniques like personification to help address behavioral patterns, lending valuable insights into the mechanics of the mind.    4. The Power of Community: Aryanisha reveals the transformative impact of realizing that "you are not alone" and how community-building can infuse social work with new energy and power. 5. Simple Yet Transformative Solutions: The episode highlights the importance of basic practices like proper breathing to manage stress. 6. Beyond Self-care: Aryanisha argues that while self-care is critical, social justice work also requires agency and influencing change, which involves difficult conversations and courageous stances.    7. Importance of Honest Communication: Aryanisha concludes by emphasizing the need for honesty and ongoing communication among changemakers, especially about the emotional and physical states they find themselves in while navigating their work. Whether you’re a frontline worker or a policy-maker, tune in for a transformative conversation that addresses not just the how, but the why of making the world a better place. Reach out to Marine Cornelis via Twitter @MarineCornelis [https://twitter.com/MarineCornelis] or LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/marinecornelis] Music: I Need You Here - Kamarius Edition: Podcast Media Factory  Support Energ'Ethic on Patreon https://patreon.com/Energethic [https://patreon.com/Energethic] © Next Energy Consumer [https://www.nextenergyconsumer.eu/], 2023