My Energy 2050

ISSN: 2768-6817

Author: Michael LaBelle

#76 Landscape Shocks: Reframing the Energy Transition — Paula Kivimaa

Research Professor of Climate and Society at the Finnish Environment Institute. She holds a long research record, but one of her current projects is focused on national defense and the low-carbon energy transition. This is a starting off point to understand the changes Finland is experiencing in its shift away from Russia and how energy security is reframed.

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#75 Theatre of Energy Activism — David Schwartz

This week we have a special guest with David Schwartz. How does the theater fit within the energy transition? As policymakers are discovering society matters. Unfortunately, this is more true in some countries than others. David’s focus on Romania deals with economic transitions experienced by the people. His productions highlight the plight of people unable to afford the bare essentials to exist in modern society.

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#71: Taking action in Romania’s energy transition — Alin Tanase

You may ask why Romania? If the energy transition is going to happen – and be a success, it has face the reality of a country like Romania. From the EU perspective, Romania is receiving funds from the EU’s Just Transition Mechanism. From the US side, it appears a good country to foster new small scale nuclear power reactors. And for Europe’s gas security, there are offshore deposits in the Black Sea that still can be tapped. In addition, it has Europe’s largest onshore wind farm with even more renewable energy potential still to be harvested. It short, it is a microcosm of energy complexity that other countries face. Nonetheless, the energy transition is stagnating.

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Prosecuting modernity: The end of cheap energy — Tere Vadén, Ep. 69

we delve into a more philosophical discussion about how energy is not just the outcome of processing raw material, but rather a source of power and control – over both society and nature. That is, we discuss common understandings of how power can be seen through government actions, but we also get into how nature holds power over humanity – and this is one of the key lessons society has forgotten.

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The Influence of the Long 1970s Energy Crisis — Rüdiger Graf, ep. 67

What is the influence of the 1970s on our current energy system? The importance of energy sits within our daily lives. As Rudiger states, any supply shortages or price increases are immediately noticed making energy a key political issue. The failure to secure supplies demonstrates weak leadership. Inversely, effective energy crisis management can display strong leadership skills. I think this can be one of our broad take-aways from looking at lessons learned from the 1970s energy crisis.

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