Energy futures and civil society in the EU - building a low carbon alliance

Start/Stop Date:
20 Jun 2012
Organiser:
European Economic and Social Committee (EESC)
Venue:
EESC premises 9.30 - 17:00 - rue de Belliard 99, 1040 brussels, Belgium, room JDE62
Focus Areas:
Low carbon energy
Type of Event:
Conference

This conference will explore how the process of guidance towards a future energy mix launched by Energy Roadmap 2050 can focus on the genuine participation of citizens in the debate on a low carbon energy future. Good practices on the dialogue with citizens or among citizens on energy futures will be starting point of discussions on:

  • Debate on energy futures: what is the current state of dialogue at the EU, national, regional and local level?
  • Management of change in European societies: What forms of a structured dialogue are used and which of them do civil society and the authorities find the most effective? Which of them are able to influence the mindsets of citizens about sustainable energy and the need to reduce energy use?
  • Role of media: what is the state of the debate on energy future in the media: is it transparent and informative enough for citizens? What does civil society expects from the media?
  • Coherent debate: What are the interactions between the different levels of the debate on energy futures? What are the gaps?
  • Citizens education and consciousness: Are citizens equipped and willing to understand the challenges linked to energy futures, climate and lifestyle change? Is good information sufficient or are other, more diversified forms of communication needed to respond to deeply held views?

The participation is free of charge and the invitation open to all stakeholders concerned by low carbon energy futures. Among the speakers will be representatives of EU Institutions, national, regional and local authorities, NGOs, research, media and citizens' initiatives.

For further information please contact us at: EnergyFutures2012@eesc.europa.eu

Programme


In the coming days, please check our website for the update of the programme and more information about the event.