Difference between revisions of "Creating a Sustainable Energy System: a Citizen-Driven Transformation"
Sophia McRae (talk | contribs) |
|||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
This scenario has been developed on the basis of a [[Citizens share in Berlin Energy Grid for sustainable energy |real-world case]]. | This scenario has been developed on the basis of a [[Citizens share in Berlin Energy Grid for sustainable energy |real-world case]]. | ||
'''Imagine your city where a group of highly motivated | '''Imagine your city where a group of highly motivated citizens with diverse expertise come together as a cooperative to flag their concerns about unsustainable practices in a metropolitan energy system.''' | ||
'''Can such a citizen-led cooperative challenge the neoliberal growth paradigm in the energy market?''' | '''Can such a citizen-led cooperative challenge the neoliberal growth paradigm in the energy market?''' | ||
The present energy system has various social and ecological disadvantages that are inflicted by the profit-oriented, monopolized private energy market. This can spur the engagement of citizens who are increasingly aware of their needs, capabilities, and political landscapes. Can they govern local energy systems themselves in ways that are inclusive, accessible, and sustainable in the long run? (Q9). | |||
'''How financial and human resources | '''How can financial and human resources be generated for executing a citizen-based initiative?''' | ||
Such citizen-led cooperatives can | Such citizen-led cooperatives can be extended and strengthened by acquiring financial and in-kind support from businesses, research institutes, NGOs, students and media (Q12). Cooperatives can also profit from inviting experts with experience in establishing similar interventions for guidance, which may be especially important at the early stages of the process (Q13). Furthermore, awareness campaigns with the help of the media can sensitize the general public and help to earn trust and support from political leaders (Q32). | ||
'''What major policies and management approaches can keep an intervention relevant and alive?''' | '''What major policies and management approaches can keep an intervention relevant and alive?''' | ||
Supportive EU directives such as the EU Renewable Energy Directive | Supportive EU directives such as the EU Renewable Energy Directive and national policies and constitutional rights (for example right to hold plebiscites, right to assembly, and right to form cooperatives) can provide an enabling environment for such interventions (Q19). Moreover, a flexible project management approach (changing with on-the-ground circumstances) without compromising on the fundamental vision and goal of an intervention can keep the intervention relevant and alive. | ||
'''What actor constellations can be crucial for effective participation and good governance and decision-making?''' | '''What actor constellations can be crucial for effective participation and good governance and decision-making?''' | ||
| Line 19: | Line 19: | ||
Governing energy systems as a cooperative could allow for wide participation among the membership. It can have volunteers and cooperative members working in different capacities. General assemblies of the cooperative can allow for the participation of all members at different levels of the decision-making process. However, to ensure accountability, a supervisory board consisting of founders and highly engaged individuals could develop strategic plans and take actions (Q15). | Governing energy systems as a cooperative could allow for wide participation among the membership. It can have volunteers and cooperative members working in different capacities. General assemblies of the cooperative can allow for the participation of all members at different levels of the decision-making process. However, to ensure accountability, a supervisory board consisting of founders and highly engaged individuals could develop strategic plans and take actions (Q15). | ||
'''How a citizen-based initiative can cope with potential governance, financial and political challenges?''' | '''How a citizen-based initiative can cope with potential governance, financial, and political challenges?''' | ||
The intervention may confront various challenges especially | The intervention may confront various challenges, especially in relation to financial arrangements, political culture, and regulatory procedures. Financial challenges could be tackled partly with shareholder/membership fees and partly by attracting donors and sponsors. Political and general public’s opinion can be influenced by running awareness campaigns, engaging with the media and reaching out to individuals (Q23). | ||
Introducing a citizen-driven management partner in the arena of public vs. private management could be highly challenging. However, different paths and approaches can be adopted to realize the overarching goals of an intervention while carefully aligning various stakeholders and securing wide public support (Q32). | Introducing a citizen-driven management partner in the arena of public vs. private management could be highly challenging. However, different paths and approaches can be adopted to realize the overarching goals of an intervention while carefully aligning various stakeholders and securing wide public support (Q32). | ||
Revision as of 16:03, 23 December 2020
This scenario has been developed on the basis of a real-world case.
Imagine your city where a group of highly motivated citizens with diverse expertise come together as a cooperative to flag their concerns about unsustainable practices in a metropolitan energy system.
Can such a citizen-led cooperative challenge the neoliberal growth paradigm in the energy market?
The present energy system has various social and ecological disadvantages that are inflicted by the profit-oriented, monopolized private energy market. This can spur the engagement of citizens who are increasingly aware of their needs, capabilities, and political landscapes. Can they govern local energy systems themselves in ways that are inclusive, accessible, and sustainable in the long run? (Q9).
How can financial and human resources be generated for executing a citizen-based initiative?
Such citizen-led cooperatives can be extended and strengthened by acquiring financial and in-kind support from businesses, research institutes, NGOs, students and media (Q12). Cooperatives can also profit from inviting experts with experience in establishing similar interventions for guidance, which may be especially important at the early stages of the process (Q13). Furthermore, awareness campaigns with the help of the media can sensitize the general public and help to earn trust and support from political leaders (Q32).
What major policies and management approaches can keep an intervention relevant and alive?
Supportive EU directives such as the EU Renewable Energy Directive and national policies and constitutional rights (for example right to hold plebiscites, right to assembly, and right to form cooperatives) can provide an enabling environment for such interventions (Q19). Moreover, a flexible project management approach (changing with on-the-ground circumstances) without compromising on the fundamental vision and goal of an intervention can keep the intervention relevant and alive.
What actor constellations can be crucial for effective participation and good governance and decision-making?
Governing energy systems as a cooperative could allow for wide participation among the membership. It can have volunteers and cooperative members working in different capacities. General assemblies of the cooperative can allow for the participation of all members at different levels of the decision-making process. However, to ensure accountability, a supervisory board consisting of founders and highly engaged individuals could develop strategic plans and take actions (Q15).
How a citizen-based initiative can cope with potential governance, financial, and political challenges?
The intervention may confront various challenges, especially in relation to financial arrangements, political culture, and regulatory procedures. Financial challenges could be tackled partly with shareholder/membership fees and partly by attracting donors and sponsors. Political and general public’s opinion can be influenced by running awareness campaigns, engaging with the media and reaching out to individuals (Q23). Introducing a citizen-driven management partner in the arena of public vs. private management could be highly challenging. However, different paths and approaches can be adopted to realize the overarching goals of an intervention while carefully aligning various stakeholders and securing wide public support (Q32).
How could this reality be created in your city? What obstacles would have to be overcome?
Do you want to learn more about this scenario?
Take a look at the detailed description of Citizens share in Berlin Energy Grid for sustainable energy that has inspired this scenario.
This scenario fits under the approaches:
- Civil disobedience. This approach refers to a public, non-violent and conscientious breach of law undertaken with the aim of bringing about a change in laws or government policies.
- Energy and Mobility solutions. This approach cluster addresses technological interventions that can support the transition to a low-carbon society.
It addresses a driver of injustice:
- Unquestioned Neoliberal growth and austerity urbanism. This driver refers to processes of privatization, commercialization, budget cuts and state withdrawal from various sectors and how they can undermine urban sustainability, guided by an ideology of unfettered economic growth which often aligns with austerity policies.
What do you think about this scenario? Was it helpful to you? Do you find our approach problematic? Send us an email to Philipp Spaeth.