Building a Greener and Fairer Future

Read Devesh Mishra Reflections from European Sustainable Energy Week 2024

Attending the European Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW) 2024 in Brussels as a Youth Energy Ambassador was both an honour and an eye-opening experience. This event, a gathering of some of the brightest minds in sustainability, was an invaluable opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue and form connections that will shape the future of energy transition in Europe and beyond. 

A Transformative Experience 

Participating in the Peer Parliament Discussion on ‘Making Energy Green and Fair,’ organised by the European Climate Pact Secretariat and The Earth Society, was the highlight of the week. The discussions were both rich and thought-provoking, pushing us to think critically about the intersection of energy, environment, and equity. 

Education is the foundation upon which the future of energy will be built, and it must be prioritised if we are to achieve meaningful change. 

The key takeaway for me was the urgent need to integrate clean energy transitions into every level of education. By educating various classes, groups, and professionals about the importance of clean energy, we can foster a generation that not only understands but also values sustainable practices. Education is the foundation upon which the future of energy will be built, and it must be prioritised if we are to achieve meaningful change. 

Inclusive and Innovative Solutions 

Equally important is the need for inclusive participation in the energy transition. Too often, discussions around clean energy focus solely on commercialization, overlooking the voices and concerns of ordinary people. Energy transition should not just be about profits; it must involve the active participation of communities, ensuring that everyone has a stake in a sustainable future. After all, a green transition that is not fair and inclusive will ultimately be unsustainable. 

A green transition that is not fair and inclusive will ultimately be unsustainable. 

The potential for innovative solutions was another inspiring aspect of the discussions. For instance, exploring the use of waste materials to produce renewable energy equipment is a concept that holds significant promise. It not only addresses the issue of waste management but also contributes to the circular economy, turning what was once considered waste into valuable resources. 

EUSEW: Challenges and Overlooked Topics 

While EUSEW 2024 covered many critical topics, it also highlighted areas that require further attention. For instance, the economic narrative often dominates the conversation, sidelining environmental sustainability. Yet, as I reflected during the week, nature itself is an economy—if we lose it, we lose everything. 

A Call to Action 

For renewable energy to be genuinely sustainable, these environmental concerns and many others must be addressed proactively. As a Youth Energy Ambassador, I believe it is our responsibility to champion not just economic growth but also the preservation of nature’s economy. The future we are building should not come at the expense of the very environment we seek to protect. 

The future we are building should not come at the expense of the very environment we seek to protect. 

I urge my fellow youth ambassadors, policymakers, and stakeholders worldwide to engage more deeply in these critical issues. Together, we can forge a path toward a greener, fairer, and truly sustainable future. 

Let us not be content with merely transitioning to clean energy; let us aim to do so in a way that respects and preserves the natural world upon which all life depends. 

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