S3 Episode 20 - The Energy Crisis

Soundcloud Google Apple Spotify

What is the impact of the energy crisis on our daily lives? Since Russia has invaded Ukraine, there is a new political reality on the continent. Up to 1 in 4 households in the EU cannot afford to adequately heat, cool or light their homes, and prices continue to rise. Where do we go from here and what does it all mean in particular for the poorest in society? This is what we talk about in this episode of The Grassroots View.

Alena Mastantuono, EESC Member representing the Czech Chamber of Commerce, explains how energy is being used as a weapon. She also mentions REPowerEU and shows how the Commission's plan can be improved. Mastantuono finally gives the EESC's short-term priorities and provides us with a few thoughts on the future European energy landscape.

Thomas Dorget is Managing Director of Confrontations Europe, a Paris-based think tank. He characterises the energy crisis as an ascending trend that started before the COVID-19 pandemic. Taking a historical approach, he explains how, at an individual level as well, we will eventually have to change the way we use resources.

Sabrina Iannazzone, analyst at the European Anti-Poverty Network, tackles the question of what the energy crisis means for those with the lowest income. She also talks about the importance of climate activism and describes two levels of short-term policy priorities.

Sonja van Renssen is Editor in Chief at Energy Monitor. She explains how climate and energy have been for a long time considered as separate tracks. As a journalist, she also gives her views on the impact of the energy crisis on common people. Van Renssen ends up painting a possible picture of the energy landscape in ten years' time.