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26
Oct
2022
 
12:00 pm - 2:00 pm

Europe’s insatiable demand for energy is fuelling a global climate emergency. Amid war and a costofliving crisis, it is having a significant impact on the day-to-day lives of many Europeans as well, prompting governments to take drastic measures. But what about the longerterm horizon? Join us for a frank discussion on sufficiency policies and sobriety. 

About the event

Soaring energy prices are pushing European states to urgently implement energy saving measures in all sectors, as well as financial supports for the most exposed households and businesses. In France, President Macron did not hesitate to speak of “the end of abundance” and the implementation of a “great sobriety plan”. In Germany, particularly exposed to the closing of the Russian gas tap, the Federal State has implemented a series of energy saving measures. Among other things, large gas consumers are required to register and make themselves available in case of a shortage. In Belgium, the government has been refining its energy emergency plan for several months with data from large consumers and is considering ways to help the most vulnerable to pay their bills. 

Are European states ready for the advent of a post-growth society? Can the ecological project of a sober society now inspire public policies? Concretely, what does a post-growth economic policy look like? What indicators exist to assess these policies? These questions and more will be tackled in this cross-country dialogue. 

Context

This event is part of the GEF transnational project Climate Emergency Economy: Rethinking Demand. Building on several years of work exploring what it means to create an economy fit for the climate emergency, GEF and its partners are this year focusing on the crucial question of how to reduce demand for energy and materials. With the support of Green House Think Tank, Etopia, and Green Foundation Ireland, we are exploring how to frame rethinking demand politically, and articulate clear plans for demand reduction so green narratives are better grounded in reality and a shared vision of hope. 

Speakers

To discuss this pressing topic, we will be joined by a fantastic panel of experts: 

  • Yves Marignac – Négawatt, France 
  • Philippe Roman – ICHEC, Belgium 
  • Marula Tsagkari – TU Delft / R&D, Greece 
  • Lasse Thiele – Konzeptwerk, Germany 
  • Nadine Storey – Green House think tank, UK 
  • Leon Leuser – Wachstumswende, Germany 

The session will begin with a brief presentation of our Rethinking Energy Demand report, by co-author Nadine Storey (Green House think tank), followed by discussion with all our panelists.   

Practicalities

Date & Time: Wednesday, October 26th (12:00-14:00 CET) 

Location: Online, via Zoom. Please register in advance via this link 

Audience: Open to all registered participants. The event will be in English. 

 To continue the conversation on this topic, join us later that same day in Dublin or online at Rethinking Demand: Reality and Opportunities. Make sure to register, as particularly in person spots are limited! 

 


This event is organised by the Green European Foundation with the support of Etopia and the financial support of the European Parliament to the Green European Foundation. 

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