Energy in Europe

My name is Christopher, and I work in macroeconomics. Many believe that new technology will provide the solution to man-made climate change. Though technology plays a vital role in solving the problem, it isn't the only solution. Think of the car. New, fuel efficient engines consume less, but the money that we save will likely be spent elsewhere; driving further, buying a bigger home, filling our lives with electronics. Even though we save money with a fuel efficient vehicle, we will consume more in another way. We cannot escape the logic of consumption. We must ask ourselves: Is the idea of consuming less compatible with the Western model of economic growth? Are we willing to find a balance between quality of life and environmental impact? Can we commit to a cultural change, not just a technical one?

My name is Anna, and I am a young architect. When I started studying architecture, I dreamt of creating beautiful spaces that were functional and affordable. In addition to design and aesthetics, I have studied energy efficiency, and how to build homes that consume minimal resources while producing minimal waste. These solutions are real and available, but at a price that deters most contractors. With the price also comes the fear that the house will not sell at a higher than average price, even though it is of higher quality. I often find myself having to justify the costs of building a healthy, sustainable energy efficient home. Even though I work in the field, I will need to save and plan to be able to afford such a home in the future. We are entering a new era of engineering and architecture, and all contractors should be investing in new "green" ideas.

I'm Zachary. Our planet has reached a critical tipping point, and I think that being aware of this fact is the first step toward global change. I realize that change will be slow, but there needs to be effort on everyone's part. We need to target society, especially the younger generation. We have to talk to people, communicate face to face until there is widespread understanding. In addition to educating, we must act. We need clean energy! Wind, water and solar energy, better waste disposal and intelligent resource management. This must be the absolute priority. If it's at the expense of the comfort of some, so be it. Let's face it, our consumption rates are out of control. We have no choice. This is the future, and we have to decide what we want to leave for our children.

My name is Lori, and I'm a real estate agent. My clients value lifestyle, but more and more are telling me that it is important to live in a home that is ecologically sustainable. The government has put emphasis on "green" homes, even offering rebates to anyone that wishes to upgrade (or build) homes to be environmentally friendly. Homes and businesses can be certified according to predetermined benchmarks. In the current real estate market, homes that have been built (or renovated) to be more environmentally efficient (Energy Performance Certificate rating A or B) sell at prices up to 5.6% higher than homes rated F or G. For the first time I'm seeing that buyers are willing to pay the upfront cost, with the understanding that it will be offset by savings in energy costs down the road. Buying an energy efficient home is like an investment. As energy costs rise, the demand for "eco-homes" will too.

My name is Adam, and I'm an engineer. I see renewable energy as an opportunity to protect the environment, and also an opportunity to create jobs. I recently worked on a project to establish a wind farm on a remote mountain. If it had been approved, 13 wind turbines would have been built and 58 million euros would have been invested. The wind farm would have created jobs and produced power for more than 21.000 households. However, there was some opposition from locals who think that wind turbines disfigure the alpine landscape. Unfortunately, after an environmental assessment, it was discovered that the areas of high wind were also habitat to an endangered species. The project was stopped. What ranks one environmental initiative above another?

I’m Alison, a single mother of three. I barely get by on social assistance. Despite my economic status, I value the environment, and teach my children as much as I can about it. We live in an apartment in a downtown area, and do our best to conserve energy. I use energy efficient light bulbs, use a clothesline on our balcony to avoid using the dryer, and walk to a local market to buy food from local farmers. We spend our weekends at the park exploring; learning about trees and animals. I have pressured my landlord to put better windows in our apartment building to raise energy efficiency, as well as replace the old appliances with newer, greener models. I have encouraged other tenants to make green choices when they can. Even though I've tried endlessly, I feel like my words are falling on deaf ears. My landlord could care less about the sustainability of the building. My neighbours are too concerned making ends meet to worry about what time they are doing their laundry. Environmental ignorance is not just a problem for those that can afford to consume more.

My name is Marc. I'm an accountant. I agree that we should be doing some things to help the environment, but we can't do it at the expense of local business. Many people focus on having a "walkable" downtown area, blocked to traffic. This is great for the very small percentage of people that don't own vehicles. The rest of them will drive to the larger stores with large parking lots. Why would I have any reason to shop locally in a "walkable" downtown if I can just save the hassle and drive somewhere else? If I can't drive my vehicle to a store, then I want the products there to be higher quality and less expensive. Likewise, if we're parking our trucks and SUVs at a mall, in a giant parking lot, we should be paying for it with a meter at every space.

My name is Laura, and I've been practicing environmental law for two years. Europe is always evolving new legislation that supports and promotes renewable energy and technology. Unfortunately, we are severely outdated when it comes to pressing legislation on the industries that are creating the mess in the first place. There is so much money tied in "dirty" energy and industry, we have to be very cautious when environmental violations are discovered. Most get away with a slap on the wrist. Very difficult to understand, considering the average working European can be heavily fined for committing an environmental offence that is much less severe.

My name is Maya, and I am an organic farmer. I have dedicated my life to sustainable agriculture and providing people with healthy, locally grown food. However, the challenges we face in the food system are immense. Large-scale industrial agriculture dominates the market, relying heavily on chemical pesticides and fertilizers that harm the environment. This not only pollutes our waterways and soil but also degrades biodiversity and contributes to climate change. Moreover, the demand for cheap and convenient food often leads to the exploitation of both workers and animals. As an organic farmer, I strive to educate people about the importance of supporting local, organic food systems. By choosing to buy from small farmers like me, consumers can help protect the environment, preserve biodiversity, and ensure the well-being of farmworkers and animals. We need to rethink our food choices, prioritize sustainable farming practices, and support local food systems to create a healthier and more environmentally conscious society.

I'm Ethan, and I'm a waste management specialist. Every day, our society generates an enormous amount of waste, from single-use plastics to electronic waste. It's a pressing issue that requires immediate attention. We can no longer afford to adopt a throwaway culture. Recycling is a good start, but it's not enough. We need to focus on reducing our consumption and reusing materials whenever possible. By embracing a circular economy, we can minimize waste and maximize resource efficiency. It's about changing our mindset and finding creative solutions to repurpose and upcycle products, rather than sending them to the landfill. Education plays a crucial role in this transition. We must teach young people about the impacts of waste on the environment and empower them to make conscious choices. By reducing waste and embracing sustainable practices, we can build a future where our resources are preserved, and our planet thrives.

My name is Jennifer, and I am a high school student. Human-made climate change is real and I believe that we’re the last generation who is able to avert the gravest consequences of it. We’re also the generation that will have to endure all the consequences of climate change. Unfortunately, we’re involuntary passengers in this journey – politicians and industry leaders just won’t take their feet off the gas pedal. The climate crisis will affect all aspects of life. Politicians need to treat the climate crisis with the effective measures it deserves. We need to rapidly curb carbon dioxide emissions in order to meet the 2030 goals set in the Paris Agreement and restrict global warming to 1.5°C. Our energy supply needs to be 100% renewable by 2035. All greenhouse gas emissions need to be taxed. Subsidies for fossile fuels need to be eliminated. It is necessary that out generation takes to the streets to make their voices heard.