WEBVTT 1 00:00:03.912 --> 00:00:04.133 Hello! 2 00:00:04.754 --> 00:00:06.137 Passionate about sustainability, 3 00:00:06.278 --> 00:00:07.701 energy and climate? 4 00:00:07.701 --> 00:00:08.603 You're in the right place. 5 00:00:08.984 --> 00:00:09.988 Welcome to Energetic. 6 00:00:10.570 --> 00:00:11.454 I'm Marine Cornelis, 7 00:00:11.775 --> 00:00:18.501 and together we will engage with people who dedicate their lives to climate justice and making a just energy transition happen. 8 00:00:18.561 --> 00:00:20.388 They may be activists, 9 00:00:20.609 --> 00:00:21.211 scientists, 10 00:00:21.592 --> 00:00:24.784 policy makers or other enthusiasts just like you. 11 00:00:25.507 --> 00:00:31.444 Let the life stories and insights inspire you to build a better future for people and the planet. 12 00:00:35.693 --> 00:00:37.117 Today is episode 50, 13 00:00:37.619 --> 00:00:40.888 and today's episode is brought to you by our generous sponsor, 14 00:00:41.008 --> 00:00:42.352 the Energy Prospects Project. 15 00:00:43.032 --> 00:00:48.989 And we will be focusing this series of three episodes on a concept that's redefining the urban energy landscape, 16 00:00:49.370 --> 00:00:50.232 energy citizenship. 17 00:00:51.052 --> 00:00:54.444 Energy Communities is indeed a recurring theme in Energetic, 18 00:00:54.765 --> 00:00:56.752 but Energy Prospects has a specific lens. 19 00:00:57.516 --> 00:01:02.832 This EU-funded project examines the multi-layered involvement of citizens in the energy transition, 20 00:01:03.312 --> 00:01:05.952 advocating for a more inclusive and democratic approach. 21 00:01:06.592 --> 00:01:13.912 Join us as we explore how this project empowers individuals and communities to contribute actively to Europe's climate goals. 22 00:01:14.934 --> 00:01:18.012 Our first guest in this series features Edna Wadowicz, 23 00:01:18.615 --> 00:01:22.252 an extremely inspiring expert in sustainable lifestyles. 24 00:01:22.850 --> 00:01:28.699 As the Director of Research at Green Dependent Institute and President of the Green Dependent Association, 25 00:01:29.220 --> 00:01:34.708 Edina excels in bridging the gap between research and practical applications in sustainability. 26 00:01:35.709 --> 00:01:50.548 Her dual role in both academic and applied spheres and her leadership in European projects such as 1.2 degree lifestyle and of course energy prospects demonstrate her commitment to integrating environmental and social aspects of sustainability. 27 00:01:51.596 --> 00:01:57.776 Edina's work is deeply rooted in fostering discussion and feedback cycles between research and community action. 28 00:01:58.357 --> 00:02:00.249 Join us today in episode 50. 29 00:02:00.510 --> 00:02:01.336 I'm so excited. 30 00:02:02.196 --> 00:02:07.336 Edina will share insights on creating impactful environmental change through collaborative efforts. 31 00:02:07.758 --> 00:02:08.041 Edina, 32 00:02:08.264 --> 00:02:09.175 welcome to Energetic. 33 00:02:09.979 --> 00:02:10.460 Thank you. 34 00:02:10.661 --> 00:02:12.887 Thank you for the very nice introduction. 35 00:02:13.409 --> 00:02:15.736 I hope I can play up to it. 36 00:02:17.657 --> 00:02:18.498 Of course you will. 37 00:02:18.919 --> 00:02:19.620 So Edina, 38 00:02:19.920 --> 00:02:22.524 let's start with the roots of your engagement. 39 00:02:22.764 --> 00:02:26.970 You were born in a family that championed active citizenship during your time in Hungary, 40 00:02:27.591 --> 00:02:30.936 when such values were quite often suppressed. 41 00:02:33.146 --> 00:02:40.423 Has this background shaped your approach to sustainability and your commitment to fostering active citizenship in your work today? 42 00:02:41.526 --> 00:02:41.687 Yeah, 43 00:02:41.767 --> 00:02:43.054 thank you for this question. 44 00:02:43.798 --> 00:02:44.843 It's really interesting, 45 00:02:44.863 --> 00:02:45.064 really. 46 00:02:45.244 --> 00:02:45.404 And 47 00:02:46.226 --> 00:02:58.084 I have only recently realized how important my childhood was for me because my parents belonged to this small group-based movement. 48 00:02:58.084 --> 00:02:58.579 And I think that's what this 49 00:02:59.318 --> 00:03:02.023 At a time when this really wasn't encouraged, 50 00:03:02.363 --> 00:03:09.796 it was the communist or socialist period in Hungary where groups were okay if they were part of the regime. 51 00:03:10.477 --> 00:03:12.060 If they were not part of it, 52 00:03:12.100 --> 00:03:17.291 they were very much discouraged because it's giving birth to dissent, 53 00:03:17.712 --> 00:03:19.516 it's making people think too much. 54 00:03:19.777 --> 00:03:22.396 But my parents belonged to this movement. 55 00:03:23.529 --> 00:03:23.831 which was, 56 00:03:23.892 --> 00:03:24.335 by the way, 57 00:03:24.396 --> 00:03:24.940 nonviolent. 58 00:03:25.700 --> 00:03:26.784 And so it wasn't, 59 00:03:27.586 --> 00:03:32.080 its aim wasn't to encourage any violent or any such action, 60 00:03:32.320 --> 00:03:34.874 but to create peaceful involvement, 61 00:03:34.935 --> 00:03:35.900 peaceful discussion, 62 00:03:36.541 --> 00:03:39.980 and to discuss ways in which the regime could be changed. 63 00:03:40.060 --> 00:03:41.860 So I grew up in this context. 64 00:03:42.361 --> 00:03:49.740 So I kind of only just realizing that I have acquired the skills for active citizenship quite early, 65 00:03:50.002 --> 00:03:51.415 and I'm here, 66 00:03:51.435 --> 00:03:51.939 I can now. 67 00:03:52.415 --> 00:03:57.432 question things which can be tiring and difficult at times, 68 00:03:57.953 --> 00:04:00.462 but I also know how to get active, 69 00:04:00.502 --> 00:04:02.128 how to involve people, 70 00:04:02.148 --> 00:04:03.412 how to talk to people. 71 00:04:04.110 --> 00:04:05.673 How you organize groups. 72 00:04:05.814 --> 00:04:06.495 I'm not saying 73 00:04:06.856 --> 00:04:07.417 I'm the best. 74 00:04:07.838 --> 00:04:13.048 It's like a continuous learning process and I always learn about new things. 75 00:04:13.568 --> 00:04:16.398 Lots of inspiring examples of citizenship, 76 00:04:16.479 --> 00:04:19.088 especially in the Energy Prospects project. 77 00:04:19.589 --> 00:04:21.373 I really learned about some things that 78 00:04:21.815 --> 00:04:23.318 I now want to bring to Hungary. 79 00:04:23.980 --> 00:04:25.463 But my childhood, 80 00:04:25.584 --> 00:04:25.764 yeah, 81 00:04:26.265 --> 00:04:27.368 it gave me a good start. 82 00:04:28.595 --> 00:04:29.228 That's amazing. 83 00:04:29.448 --> 00:04:31.187 And thank you for sharing it. 84 00:04:31.788 --> 00:04:32.029 Because, 85 00:04:32.169 --> 00:04:33.011 of course, 86 00:04:34.154 --> 00:04:39.488 it always comes later in life that we realize how much our childhood and our parents have influenced us. 87 00:04:39.908 --> 00:04:40.089 I mean, 88 00:04:40.109 --> 00:04:44.888 there are also years between maybe 15 and 25 where we don't want to have anything to do with our parents. 89 00:04:45.048 --> 00:04:52.168 But they plant some seeds and they plant some seeds of certain values and certain ways of seeing the world. 90 00:04:52.249 --> 00:04:53.248 And they have. 91 00:04:53.468 --> 00:05:03.408 It certainly provided you with a great skill set of really championing alternative perspective and really questioning the status quo and for energy citizenship. 92 00:05:03.930 --> 00:05:05.188 It's indeed really central. 93 00:05:05.368 --> 00:05:12.208 It's now that you are advocating for actively or more actively participating in some. 94 00:05:12.868 --> 00:05:16.904 changes of lifestyle that we need to address climate change. 95 00:05:17.484 --> 00:05:21.282 So could you kind of elaborate on how you, 96 00:05:21.503 --> 00:05:21.784 yourself, 97 00:05:22.324 --> 00:05:23.537 because it's not only about your work, 98 00:05:23.557 --> 00:05:24.224 it's about yourself, 99 00:05:24.786 --> 00:05:33.724 how you embody the role of an energy citizen in your daily life and where you are facing some of the challenges. 100 00:05:35.201 --> 00:05:35.522 Yes, 101 00:05:35.642 --> 00:05:38.996 this is also a kind of continuous learning process. 102 00:05:40.659 --> 00:05:43.628 And as we go on with my husband, 103 00:05:43.628 --> 00:05:46.316 we are always learning more things. 104 00:05:47.436 --> 00:05:48.942 But for us, 105 00:05:49.946 --> 00:05:51.371 choosing where we live... 106 00:05:52.299 --> 00:05:56.129 I realized also a little bit in looking back, 107 00:05:56.229 --> 00:05:58.756 but also it was important at the time as well, 108 00:05:58.897 --> 00:06:01.556 but I didn't quite realize its full importance. 109 00:06:01.917 --> 00:06:07.336 But choosing where you live is really important because for energy citizenship, 110 00:06:07.616 --> 00:06:07.999 of course, 111 00:06:08.039 --> 00:06:10.456 I want to live in a home that is energy efficient. 112 00:06:10.916 --> 00:06:16.816 It's using as little energy as possible and is also a home that enables me. 113 00:06:17.831 --> 00:06:18.714 to save energy, 114 00:06:18.954 --> 00:06:21.160 to act in an energy-saving, 115 00:06:21.240 --> 00:06:22.423 energy-conscious, 116 00:06:23.145 --> 00:06:24.128 carbon-aware way. 117 00:06:24.708 --> 00:06:34.168 So it was very important to select a home in a place that is connected to public transport systems so that I don't always need to use a car. 118 00:06:34.489 --> 00:06:41.468 We have a car because car sharing and carpooling are not so widespread in Hungary just yet. 119 00:06:41.931 --> 00:06:42.827 So we have a car. 120 00:06:43.792 --> 00:06:48.288 But we live in a place where we don't have to use it all the time. 121 00:06:48.630 --> 00:06:49.493 We can cycle, 122 00:06:49.533 --> 00:06:50.960 we can use public transport, 123 00:06:51.020 --> 00:06:52.085 we can walk. 124 00:06:52.848 --> 00:06:54.047 And this is really important. 125 00:06:54.128 --> 00:06:56.195 So when you choose your place of living, 126 00:06:56.557 --> 00:06:59.307 these are important things to pay attention to. 127 00:06:59.688 --> 00:07:03.500 Also whether there is a community that is already in place, 128 00:07:03.540 --> 00:07:10.227 kind of an active or at least a little bit active community or the seeds of activism. 129 00:07:11.227 --> 00:07:12.396 and change others. 130 00:07:12.616 --> 00:07:24.544 So we chose a small town where there is an organic vegetable box scheme so that we can be energy or sustainability citizens this way as well, 131 00:07:24.745 --> 00:07:26.716 joining a local food network. 132 00:07:27.099 --> 00:07:29.496 And there are all kinds of local cultural, 133 00:07:29.756 --> 00:07:30.139 actually, 134 00:07:30.501 --> 00:07:32.936 community initiatives as well. 135 00:07:33.116 --> 00:07:35.716 So this was important for us to at least... 136 00:07:36.806 --> 00:07:46.024 Be able to find people that we live close to and can help us become active citizens in other ways than energy. 137 00:07:47.062 --> 00:07:47.182 So 138 00:07:47.522 --> 00:08:00.300 I mentioned about mobility and also we wanted to find a place where we can maybe find a job as well so that we don't have to travel a lot and potentially drive a lot every day. 139 00:08:00.920 --> 00:08:06.609 This is about reducing your mobility related carbon impact, 140 00:08:06.909 --> 00:08:10.455 but also saving time and spending more time with the family, 141 00:08:10.555 --> 00:08:11.616 the community or, 142 00:08:11.857 --> 00:08:12.137 you know, 143 00:08:12.257 --> 00:08:14.020 in your garden or reading or whatever. 144 00:08:14.995 --> 00:08:15.137 So. 145 00:08:15.972 --> 00:08:16.655 At the beginning, 146 00:08:16.715 --> 00:08:18.080 I wasn't able to do this. 147 00:08:18.181 --> 00:08:20.088 I had to still commute. 148 00:08:21.068 --> 00:08:22.331 But by now, 149 00:08:22.631 --> 00:08:24.215 our own organization, 150 00:08:24.275 --> 00:08:25.076 Green Dependent, 151 00:08:25.137 --> 00:08:28.283 has its office in our own town, 152 00:08:28.363 --> 00:08:30.608 so I can walk or cycle to work. 153 00:08:31.268 --> 00:08:37.063 There are some challenges related to finding colleagues because we are not in Budapest, 154 00:08:37.063 --> 00:08:38.788 the capital where everyone is. 155 00:08:40.117 --> 00:08:41.383 but in a smaller town, 156 00:08:41.905 --> 00:08:43.110 not far from Budapest, 157 00:08:43.171 --> 00:08:43.472 actually. 158 00:08:44.253 --> 00:08:47.312 But there are always advantages and disadvantages. 159 00:08:47.613 --> 00:08:57.092 So this is another part to bring your job closer to you or to move closer to your job and find a job that is in line with your values. 160 00:08:57.372 --> 00:08:59.011 So that was really important for me. 161 00:08:59.394 --> 00:09:01.952 Even before having our own organization, 162 00:09:02.793 --> 00:09:06.672 I tried to find jobs that helped me do what I believe in. 163 00:09:07.198 --> 00:09:07.704 And I was... 164 00:09:08.340 --> 00:09:11.300 I'm really reluctant to do things that are not in line with that. 165 00:09:11.460 --> 00:09:11.861 And again, 166 00:09:12.524 --> 00:09:16.760 I realize this is a challenge and not everyone can always afford to do this. 167 00:09:17.540 --> 00:09:20.640 But that's part of my citizenship efforts. 168 00:09:20.800 --> 00:09:21.865 Maybe I earn less, 169 00:09:21.985 --> 00:09:23.753 but I work for things that 170 00:09:24.275 --> 00:09:25.280 I believe in. 171 00:09:26.195 --> 00:09:32.032 Having a garden was also important for us so that we can at least have some greenery around us. 172 00:09:32.834 --> 00:09:41.032 Also to preserve diversity or create diversity for birds and insects and all kinds of animals, 173 00:09:41.574 --> 00:09:43.922 but try to grow our food as well. 174 00:09:44.203 --> 00:09:47.032 We used to grow quite a lot of our own food. 175 00:09:48.271 --> 00:09:56.909 Now a bit less because we have a snail invasion and actually partly related to biodiversity and climate change. 176 00:09:56.929 --> 00:09:59.645 We have a new type of actually not a snail, 177 00:09:59.686 --> 00:10:00.209 but a slug. 178 00:10:00.749 --> 00:10:07.445 So we are currently in a challenging situation to preserve our vegetables, 179 00:10:07.966 --> 00:10:09.089 to be able to grow them. 180 00:10:09.409 --> 00:10:10.036 But yeah, 181 00:10:10.036 --> 00:10:11.088 we are not giving up. 182 00:10:11.381 --> 00:10:12.646 Just changing our strategy. 183 00:10:12.746 --> 00:10:15.557 So we are trying to be active citizens in all ways. 184 00:10:16.157 --> 00:10:16.459 Also, 185 00:10:16.560 --> 00:10:19.437 we started a local climate club. 186 00:10:20.458 --> 00:10:29.897 This was actually part of a research project and we wanted to run it only for like half a year or something to try out to pilot some methodology. 187 00:10:30.656 --> 00:10:36.793 for a group-based method to save energy and to reduce your carbon footprint. 188 00:10:37.073 --> 00:10:40.973 But the pilot went so well and people wanted to keep going. 189 00:10:41.154 --> 00:10:42.882 So we actually had it for 10 years and 190 00:10:43.243 --> 00:10:47.380 COVID killed it a little bit because the type of community we had, 191 00:10:48.103 --> 00:10:52.472 people weren't really ready to go online and continue online. 192 00:10:52.713 --> 00:10:54.564 And since we weren't allowed to meet, 193 00:10:55.228 --> 00:10:55.953 this kind of... 194 00:10:57.223 --> 00:10:58.273 killed it a little bit. 195 00:10:58.353 --> 00:11:00.953 We are now looking at ways of maybe reviving it. 196 00:11:01.033 --> 00:11:02.993 But it was active for 10 years. 197 00:11:03.633 --> 00:11:04.297 We still, 198 00:11:04.317 --> 00:11:06.007 you know, 199 00:11:06.067 --> 00:11:08.080 recognize the people and greet each other, 200 00:11:08.201 --> 00:11:09.913 have conversations locally. 201 00:11:11.341 --> 00:11:11.462 So, 202 00:11:11.562 --> 00:11:11.844 yes, 203 00:11:11.925 --> 00:11:16.813 all kinds of different ways we are trying to be active energy citizens. 204 00:11:17.093 --> 00:11:18.100 And I have to say, 205 00:11:18.140 --> 00:11:20.033 I couldn't do it without my husband. 206 00:11:21.231 --> 00:11:23.145 it's always easier to do it together. 207 00:11:23.505 --> 00:11:23.889 And yeah, 208 00:11:23.889 --> 00:11:24.312 of course, 209 00:11:24.312 --> 00:11:25.765 the community is important, 210 00:11:25.965 --> 00:11:27.725 but your immediate family. 211 00:11:28.045 --> 00:11:31.684 And I also recognize that this can be a challenge for some people. 212 00:11:32.165 --> 00:11:37.385 We have been running projects that encourage families to do things together, 213 00:11:38.249 --> 00:11:40.865 as well as in small local communities. 214 00:11:41.325 --> 00:11:44.245 And I know that in some households and families, 215 00:11:44.828 --> 00:11:45.685 it is a challenge. 216 00:11:46.466 --> 00:11:50.464 That's so inspiring to hear you share your experiences, 217 00:11:50.675 --> 00:11:53.449 your journey that is really based on these values, 218 00:11:53.689 --> 00:11:57.549 the one that you mentioned with my first questions on your bringing. 219 00:11:58.053 --> 00:11:59.308 And that's really super fascinating. 220 00:11:59.770 --> 00:12:01.462 And also to hear your struggle, 221 00:12:01.482 --> 00:12:02.429 because you are an expert. 222 00:12:02.609 --> 00:12:04.309 You have this kind of scientific background. 223 00:12:04.469 --> 00:12:05.504 You have all the knowledge, 224 00:12:05.504 --> 00:12:05.809 et cetera. 225 00:12:05.970 --> 00:12:11.189 But you are also a human being who's faced with the reality of things, 226 00:12:11.329 --> 00:12:13.409 the reality being that you have... 227 00:12:14.021 --> 00:12:17.697 snails in your garden and you don't have a hedgehog to eat them all. 228 00:12:18.197 --> 00:12:22.057 You have colleagues who may not want to move to a little town. 229 00:12:23.942 --> 00:12:29.457 You are faced with global challenges such as COVID that ends some conversations somehow, 230 00:12:29.597 --> 00:12:33.857 but also redefine other people's and your priority as well. 231 00:12:34.138 --> 00:12:35.035 And that's really... 232 00:12:35.594 --> 00:12:35.875 Actually, 233 00:12:35.916 --> 00:12:42.827 what I really love about this podcast is that everybody is on a sustainability journey and everybody is bringing their own perspective, 234 00:12:42.847 --> 00:12:44.013 their own viewpoint. 235 00:12:44.594 --> 00:12:46.429 It's about getting inspired by other people, 236 00:12:46.691 --> 00:12:46.853 right? 237 00:12:47.034 --> 00:12:50.573 It's about understanding that alone we make only baby steps, 238 00:12:51.013 --> 00:12:53.408 whereas with other people we can go much, 239 00:12:53.650 --> 00:12:54.073 much further. 240 00:12:54.656 --> 00:12:55.853 And that's really super inspiring. 241 00:12:55.953 --> 00:12:58.493 But let's go back to the Energy Prospect project. 242 00:12:59.235 --> 00:13:00.953 So it's a project that has been funded. 243 00:13:01.325 --> 00:13:02.810 ...under Horizon 2020, 244 00:13:02.950 --> 00:13:06.021 which is the European research and development program. 245 00:13:06.721 --> 00:13:08.244 And what I understand from the 246 00:13:08.664 --> 00:13:16.378 Hungarian context is that pivotal in examining how energy citizenship can contribute to sustainable and democratic energy system, 247 00:13:16.678 --> 00:13:18.121 but not only about energy. 248 00:13:18.261 --> 00:13:18.563 And I mean, 249 00:13:18.965 --> 00:13:22.641 it's not the first time we have conversation about energy communities here in Energetic. 250 00:13:23.222 --> 00:13:27.621 We have also seen that energy community is only part of a broader conversation. 251 00:13:28.163 --> 00:13:30.557 of making sure that people actually talk to each other, 252 00:13:30.677 --> 00:13:32.297 that they build some form of communities. 253 00:13:32.417 --> 00:13:33.356 I see you not now. 254 00:13:34.366 --> 00:13:40.314 So can you share really your perspective and maybe your tips on how, 255 00:13:41.055 --> 00:13:42.176 from your perspective, 256 00:13:42.657 --> 00:13:48.023 some ways that have been effective in bringing people together in the energy transition, 257 00:13:48.043 --> 00:13:49.385 in the sustainability transition? 258 00:13:49.946 --> 00:14:01.145 Maybe also giving us some context about what is at stake right now in Hungary and why this was maybe a particularly challenging context. 259 00:14:02.513 --> 00:14:02.934 Yes, 260 00:14:03.975 --> 00:14:05.157 in energy prospects, 261 00:14:05.237 --> 00:14:15.273 I was lucky to lead the work related to collecting cases of energy citizenship from all over Europe and studying them. 262 00:14:15.894 --> 00:14:16.495 We actually, 263 00:14:16.955 --> 00:14:18.477 if anyone is interested, 264 00:14:18.497 --> 00:14:24.706 we have a database of about 600 cases really from many European countries, 265 00:14:25.086 --> 00:14:26.649 not just the European Union, 266 00:14:26.709 --> 00:14:29.833 but associated and aspiring countries as well. 267 00:14:29.933 --> 00:14:32.132 So it's quite an interesting database in my view. 268 00:14:33.003 --> 00:14:35.417 And then we also looked at 40 cases. 269 00:14:35.737 --> 00:14:36.760 These are only 270 00:14:37.422 --> 00:14:42.197 European Union cases in more detail to learn about energy citizenship. 271 00:14:43.340 --> 00:14:46.086 And we intentionally... 272 00:14:46.547 --> 00:14:51.151 We took a wide definition of energy citizenship, 273 00:14:51.251 --> 00:14:55.874 so we didn't only focus on energy communities or community energy, 274 00:14:56.375 --> 00:15:10.826 but all kinds of ways citizens are getting involved because we wanted to see how people find context-specific solutions or find solutions to their energy-related issues. 275 00:15:12.415 --> 00:15:13.378 energy governance, 276 00:15:13.398 --> 00:15:13.940 production, 277 00:15:14.021 --> 00:15:14.583 consumption, 278 00:15:15.004 --> 00:15:16.590 so lots of very different cases. 279 00:15:17.051 --> 00:15:19.559 And we also looked at individual cases, 280 00:15:19.800 --> 00:15:20.723 because many people, 281 00:15:21.144 --> 00:15:27.310 they don't want to do it in communities or they cannot do it in communities or not yet ready to do it in communities, 282 00:15:27.752 --> 00:15:30.648 but they are still very passionate about it. 283 00:15:31.855 --> 00:15:32.537 changing, 284 00:15:32.718 --> 00:15:34.062 making the energy system, 285 00:15:34.162 --> 00:15:36.550 or at least their own consumption more sustainable. 286 00:15:37.111 --> 00:15:40.498 So we also looked at these kind of people, 287 00:15:40.578 --> 00:15:41.240 influencers, 288 00:15:41.320 --> 00:15:46.290 as well as kind of quiet energy citizens. 289 00:15:46.812 --> 00:15:47.429 Influencers. 290 00:15:48.783 --> 00:15:48.964 Yeah, 291 00:15:49.064 --> 00:15:52.358 even there are some influencers in this regard as well. 292 00:15:52.578 --> 00:15:57.598 There is a Latvian case in our database about a guy called Edgar. 293 00:15:58.418 --> 00:16:02.507 And he's going out to talk to people about, 294 00:16:03.348 --> 00:16:05.793 he started with talking about how he does it, 295 00:16:06.896 --> 00:16:08.098 how he's cycling. 296 00:16:08.539 --> 00:16:08.920 Actually, 297 00:16:09.563 --> 00:16:11.652 in cities where there are no bike lanes yet, 298 00:16:11.732 --> 00:16:12.215 but yes, 299 00:16:12.255 --> 00:16:13.018 you can cycle. 300 00:16:13.161 --> 00:16:13.978 You have to start. 301 00:16:15.189 --> 00:16:18.716 And he was telling people about his experience, 302 00:16:18.776 --> 00:16:19.578 his struggles, 303 00:16:19.618 --> 00:16:23.506 but also his success stories and encouraging them to change. 304 00:16:23.566 --> 00:16:26.131 And now he's moderating groups, 305 00:16:26.151 --> 00:16:31.462 he's talking to all kinds of groups of students to help them change, 306 00:16:31.843 --> 00:16:33.246 to inspire them to change. 307 00:16:33.908 --> 00:16:37.166 But we also have cases of people who build. 308 00:16:37.890 --> 00:16:39.597 an energy efficient house, 309 00:16:39.798 --> 00:16:39.978 well, 310 00:16:40.039 --> 00:16:41.183 or maybe not even build, 311 00:16:41.223 --> 00:16:41.946 but renovate, 312 00:16:42.046 --> 00:16:47.106 because it's also important to make our existing housing stock more energy efficient. 313 00:16:47.487 --> 00:16:48.169 And she is, 314 00:16:49.112 --> 00:16:51.500 this person is actually an architect, 315 00:16:51.560 --> 00:16:53.266 so she knows how to do it. 316 00:16:53.566 --> 00:16:56.193 But she's also inviting, 317 00:16:56.514 --> 00:17:01.006 organizing visits to her home to show people how this can be done, 318 00:17:01.166 --> 00:17:02.317 how you can renovate, 319 00:17:02.337 --> 00:17:03.246 how you can use. 320 00:17:03.905 --> 00:17:04.888 solar energy, 321 00:17:05.049 --> 00:17:07.375 how you can use a composting toilet, 322 00:17:07.435 --> 00:17:12.591 how you can actually run a guest house independent of the system off-grid. 323 00:17:12.933 --> 00:17:17.996 So these kind of people we always also included in our database, 324 00:17:17.996 --> 00:17:18.881 but also community. 325 00:17:19.605 --> 00:17:26.382 Cases like municipalities encouraging citizens and helping citizens to change, 326 00:17:26.722 --> 00:17:31.154 or people organising and starting carbon or climate clubs like the one 327 00:17:31.494 --> 00:17:34.482 I mentioned that we ran in our town, 328 00:17:35.304 --> 00:17:41.542 or mobility related cases as well which help people bike but also build. 329 00:17:42.602 --> 00:17:47.278 cargo bikes and use them for local transportation instead of cars. 330 00:17:47.678 --> 00:17:50.391 So really a diverse set of cases, 331 00:17:50.492 --> 00:17:51.778 also consultations. 332 00:17:52.879 --> 00:17:53.862 So there are many, 333 00:17:53.943 --> 00:17:58.578 many different ways you can get engaged in the energy transition. 334 00:17:59.303 --> 00:18:01.458 And you can do it on your own with others. 335 00:18:01.738 --> 00:18:07.558 You can just go and participate in a consultation or really go and lead the change. 336 00:18:08.597 --> 00:18:14.631 And I think this is really important that there are many different ways to get involved, 337 00:18:14.912 --> 00:18:15.854 to get activated. 338 00:18:15.994 --> 00:18:18.863 You don't have to be super active to begin with, 339 00:18:18.904 --> 00:18:22.194 but you can start this process slowly. 340 00:18:23.354 --> 00:18:24.420 And this is important. 341 00:18:24.420 --> 00:18:27.414 You asked me about how people can get engaged. 342 00:18:27.514 --> 00:18:28.617 We had a project in 343 00:18:29.018 --> 00:18:34.593 Hungary, actually inspired by a program in Belgium called Energy Neighborhoods. 344 00:18:34.894 --> 00:18:35.663 And at the beginning, 345 00:18:35.784 --> 00:18:36.614 first two years. 346 00:18:37.032 --> 00:18:39.002 We had European Union funding for it, 347 00:18:39.022 --> 00:18:39.886 so it was really good. 348 00:18:39.986 --> 00:18:41.533 And we ran it in 16 countries, 349 00:18:41.774 --> 00:18:44.165 so it can be done in many different countries. 350 00:18:45.406 --> 00:18:45.668 Well, 351 00:18:46.092 --> 00:18:47.886 we weren't leading the project. 352 00:18:48.267 --> 00:18:52.006 It was the Belgians and some German partners leading the project. 353 00:18:52.586 --> 00:18:56.206 But we were lucky to be invited to participate from Hungary. 354 00:18:56.327 --> 00:18:57.074 And it was called 355 00:18:57.499 --> 00:18:58.226 Energy Neighborhoods. 356 00:18:59.618 --> 00:19:05.894 And it is about enabling and empowering people to organize local groups. 357 00:19:06.797 --> 00:19:07.399 These people, 358 00:19:07.459 --> 00:19:08.302 these volunteers, 359 00:19:08.342 --> 00:19:11.754 they don't have to have prior energy-related knowledge. 360 00:19:11.914 --> 00:19:20.834 They can just be people who want to work for positive change or even learn something new and are ready to involve their... 361 00:19:21.202 --> 00:19:25.958 friends or colleagues or religious group or sport group or whatever, 362 00:19:26.339 --> 00:19:33.998 and start this energy neighborhood or energy community and just start saving energy. 363 00:19:34.640 --> 00:19:38.798 We as experts gave them a training and also gave them tips. 364 00:19:39.994 --> 00:19:48.744 regularly throughout the program and people started making change in their homes but regularly meeting in their local small groups. 365 00:19:49.625 --> 00:19:52.844 These small groups are important so that you get extra tips, 366 00:19:52.964 --> 00:19:56.904 you get encouragement because this is not the mainstream living just yet. 367 00:19:57.044 --> 00:19:57.964 Hopefully it will be. 368 00:19:58.444 --> 00:20:00.264 So you often need encouragement. 369 00:20:01.007 --> 00:20:05.784 You need to see that others are also doing it so it's not just you trying to do something. 370 00:20:06.579 --> 00:20:26.018 crazy to save energy to to reduce your indoor temperature yes it was also important that this program targeted behavior change based things that you can do so you don't need to invest you didn't need to have a lot of money you don't need to completely change your the way you live you 371 00:20:26.058 --> 00:20:33.236 just have to think about your everyday things how yeah so so what kind of tips would you like if somebody 372 00:20:34.124 --> 00:20:35.709 would like to start something, 373 00:20:35.789 --> 00:20:36.713 what kind of tips, 374 00:20:36.773 --> 00:20:38.960 really practical tips would you like to share with them? 375 00:20:39.822 --> 00:20:40.004 Yeah, 376 00:20:40.025 --> 00:20:40.980 we encourage them. 377 00:20:41.260 --> 00:20:44.831 We created like a questionnaire or something, 378 00:20:44.831 --> 00:20:47.1000 a survey that they could easily do and go through their house. 379 00:20:49.453 --> 00:20:53.048 how hot is it or how warm is it in your home? 380 00:20:53.429 --> 00:20:53.966 Measure it. 381 00:20:54.548 --> 00:20:58.028 Change your or check your thermostat settings. 382 00:20:58.990 --> 00:20:59.687 Is it set? 383 00:21:00.451 --> 00:21:02.108 What kind of temperature does it set to? 384 00:21:02.168 --> 00:21:04.147 Do you change the setting for the night? 385 00:21:04.510 --> 00:21:07.388 Because you don't need so warm a temperature at night. 386 00:21:07.748 --> 00:21:09.588 And then how do you wash? 387 00:21:09.868 --> 00:21:11.048 How often do you wash? 388 00:21:11.168 --> 00:21:13.608 Do you really feel the washing machine? 389 00:21:13.980 --> 00:21:34.245 or you just put in some clothes because you need them you and what kind of temperature do you wash it or with your fridge what what is the temperature setting and and do you clean it do you make sure that you arrange the thing so that the air can flow around so these kind of really easy things that most people would think that oh 390 00:21:34.345 --> 00:21:41.256 yeah it's not not a you know it's not a big innovation or whatever but most people are not doing these things and they don't realize 391 00:21:42.287 --> 00:21:44.040 how much energy you could save. 392 00:21:44.100 --> 00:21:46.499 You can easily save 10%, 393 00:21:47.226 --> 00:21:48.800 but if you really pay attention, 394 00:21:49.461 --> 00:21:55.163 in Hungary we had people saving 25-30% of energy and, 395 00:21:55.445 --> 00:21:55.970 of course, 396 00:21:56.192 --> 00:21:57.059 money as well. 397 00:21:57.582 --> 00:21:58.445 Yeah, 398 00:21:58.545 --> 00:22:04.439 and without totally uprooting or changing your life size. 399 00:22:04.802 --> 00:22:05.387 Of course, 400 00:22:05.428 --> 00:22:09.539 you have to change things and I don't want to say that it's very easy. 401 00:22:10.262 --> 00:22:14.696 because some of the things are kind of automatic and we don't even think about them, 402 00:22:14.856 --> 00:22:17.156 like what kind of washing program we start. 403 00:22:18.317 --> 00:22:20.436 But if you start paying attention to, 404 00:22:20.737 --> 00:22:22.836 and these kind of programs really help you do that, 405 00:22:23.198 --> 00:22:23.655 you learn. 406 00:22:25.684 --> 00:22:27.256 And in energy neighborhoods, 407 00:22:27.396 --> 00:22:32.735 the good thing was that you could first just join as a local member of a group. 408 00:22:33.298 --> 00:22:34.496 But then if you realize that, 409 00:22:34.656 --> 00:22:34.778 oh, 410 00:22:34.798 --> 00:22:36.616 I could actually organize my own group, 411 00:22:37.421 --> 00:22:47.520 You could join again next year with your own group and be activated and become more active energy citizens. 412 00:22:48.200 --> 00:22:50.170 And then the next year you could say, 413 00:22:50.291 --> 00:22:50.411 OK, 414 00:22:50.713 --> 00:22:52.180 I've done it now with my colleagues. 415 00:22:52.842 --> 00:22:54.670 I want to do it now with my, 416 00:22:54.771 --> 00:22:55.092 you know, 417 00:22:55.936 --> 00:22:56.780 hiking friends. 418 00:22:57.221 --> 00:23:04.040 So I will do it with them again because we were lucky to run this program for 10 years after the European Union funding. 419 00:23:04.503 --> 00:23:06.720 And Energy Utility actually funded us. 420 00:23:07.369 --> 00:23:07.915 to go on. 421 00:23:08.798 --> 00:23:16.656 And this is important to let people join at their own level to be able to do what is relevant to them. 422 00:23:17.116 --> 00:23:24.416 And this program was particularly good about that because you did your own survey and you chose what was relevant for you to change. 423 00:23:24.759 --> 00:23:25.968 So in some households, 424 00:23:26.009 --> 00:23:26.896 it will be heating. 425 00:23:27.196 --> 00:23:28.106 In other households, 426 00:23:28.166 --> 00:23:29.096 it will be washing. 427 00:23:29.816 --> 00:23:31.066 Still other households, 428 00:23:31.106 --> 00:23:32.336 it is maybe mobility. 429 00:23:32.936 --> 00:23:34.395 And you have to be able to... 430 00:23:34.966 --> 00:23:37.600 participate in a program that allows you to do this. 431 00:23:38.000 --> 00:23:40.860 And then it also allowed learning together, 432 00:23:41.120 --> 00:23:42.940 which was really good for people, 433 00:23:43.100 --> 00:23:50.700 and also to progress as an energy citizen from like a basic level participant to someone who is leading groups. 434 00:23:50.860 --> 00:23:51.243 And maybe, 435 00:23:51.525 --> 00:23:51.928 you know, 436 00:23:51.968 --> 00:23:56.380 even there were groups that stayed together and became associations. 437 00:23:56.862 --> 00:23:57.705 And after energy, 438 00:23:57.886 --> 00:24:01.260 they started focusing on waste and mobility. 439 00:24:01.525 --> 00:24:01.648 So... 440 00:24:02.357 --> 00:24:03.778 It really started to change. 441 00:24:03.858 --> 00:24:08.443 But there are other kind of programs that allow you to do this. 442 00:24:09.244 --> 00:24:09.784 For example, 443 00:24:09.844 --> 00:24:10.485 from this day, 444 00:24:10.485 --> 00:24:19.474 they allow you to progress to putting on solar panels or even this energy neighborhood can turn into an energy community, 445 00:24:19.854 --> 00:24:21.436 a renewable energy community. 446 00:24:22.037 --> 00:24:28.173 And this is important to allow this kind of change so that people can improve, 447 00:24:28.213 --> 00:24:29.476 they can stay engaged. 448 00:24:31.760 --> 00:24:32.064 Really? 449 00:24:33.137 --> 00:24:47.657 have this in some context yes we do but uh yeah energy communities are in a tough position renewable energy communities i mean because at the moment the technological and the regulatory 450 00:24:47.737 --> 00:24:55.592 context are not completely friendly to them yes that's that's that is really super inspiring because uh 451 00:24:55.963 --> 00:24:57.970 Very often people will say, 452 00:24:58.031 --> 00:24:58.292 okay, 453 00:24:58.673 --> 00:24:58.954 first, 454 00:24:58.974 --> 00:24:59.938 I don't know where to start. 455 00:25:00.138 --> 00:25:02.858 I don't know where to start to make my lifestyle more sustainable. 456 00:25:03.659 --> 00:25:10.444 And I don't know if making my lifestyle more sustainable will actually have an impact when I see that my government, 457 00:25:11.046 --> 00:25:11.849 my municipality, 458 00:25:12.592 --> 00:25:14.298 my utility is not doing anything. 459 00:25:14.579 --> 00:25:15.338 Why should I care? 460 00:25:16.179 --> 00:25:17.367 But what you are sharing, 461 00:25:17.407 --> 00:25:19.018 these kind of examples that you're sharing, 462 00:25:19.440 --> 00:25:20.828 we can see that first, 463 00:25:21.712 --> 00:25:22.738 they are actually good. 464 00:25:23.615 --> 00:25:24.422 for the wallet. 465 00:25:24.562 --> 00:25:25.431 So they make sense, 466 00:25:25.471 --> 00:25:26.502 like economically speaking, 467 00:25:26.883 --> 00:25:28.002 which is something that matters. 468 00:25:28.182 --> 00:25:28.343 I mean, 469 00:25:28.363 --> 00:25:30.682 we are still in the middle of a cost of living crisis. 470 00:25:32.133 --> 00:25:33.082 We still have inflation. 471 00:25:33.924 --> 00:25:35.162 Things are still very tough. 472 00:25:35.262 --> 00:25:38.682 We still have like 50 million people affected by energy poverty in Europe. 473 00:25:38.722 --> 00:25:39.023 I mean, 474 00:25:39.124 --> 00:25:40.148 those numbers, 475 00:25:40.549 --> 00:25:41.031 what you said, 476 00:25:41.051 --> 00:25:43.119 between 10 and 25%, 477 00:25:43.119 --> 00:25:43.782 it's huge. 478 00:25:44.483 --> 00:25:46.482 So that actually makes a difference. 479 00:25:46.602 --> 00:25:47.373 Like getting engaged, 480 00:25:47.433 --> 00:25:48.042 getting informed, 481 00:25:48.322 --> 00:25:51.402 actually making some proactive choices make a difference. 482 00:25:52.023 --> 00:25:52.404 Second, 483 00:25:52.644 --> 00:25:58.910 the approach you shared is also good for social purpose because you connect to your neighbors, 484 00:25:58.970 --> 00:26:06.518 you connect a little bit further or deeper with people that actually may only be acquaintances at first, 485 00:26:06.798 --> 00:26:10.282 but then you engage in something like a common goal. 486 00:26:10.463 --> 00:26:13.042 So it builds some meaning somehow. 487 00:26:13.939 --> 00:26:17.434 And that's also extremely powerful for human beings. 488 00:26:17.854 --> 00:26:20.934 We actually need to have common goals to get somewhere. 489 00:26:21.454 --> 00:26:25.814 And then you said that the policy context in Hungary is tough. 490 00:26:26.354 --> 00:26:37.214 We all know who is governing your country at the moment and how skeptical they are with the overall climate conversation. 491 00:26:38.481 --> 00:26:53.133 conservative or ultra conservative governments are actually not understanding that there are so much benefit in in addressing climate change it's so much better for the planet for the economy for the people and so on so what you are showing is saying okay we 492 00:26:53.213 --> 00:27:01.382 can do things at our own level we can be somehow rebels but uh we can be somehow flower powers rebels right you 493 00:27:01.987 --> 00:27:02.650 Yeah, 494 00:27:03.212 --> 00:27:05.502 we can be rebels in many different ways. 495 00:27:05.562 --> 00:27:12.162 And I think this was really nice in energy prospects that we could recognize it, 496 00:27:12.202 --> 00:27:15.142 that there are many different ways we can be rebels. 497 00:27:15.422 --> 00:27:20.922 And sometimes we have to be really rebels at the political level as well, 498 00:27:21.022 --> 00:27:22.402 like Extinction Rebellion. 499 00:27:22.562 --> 00:27:27.080 We really have to take people out to the street or Fridays for Future, 500 00:27:27.120 --> 00:27:27.422 which is... 501 00:27:28.203 --> 00:27:31.478 which we learned is present in many of the countries. 502 00:27:32.160 --> 00:27:35.138 But if we don't want this kind of rebel-ness, 503 00:27:35.799 --> 00:27:38.418 then we can be rebels in our own life as well. 504 00:27:38.478 --> 00:27:42.878 And these ways of becoming rebels is really important as well. 505 00:27:43.278 --> 00:27:46.193 And also financial reasons are very important, 506 00:27:46.233 --> 00:27:46.736 but we did... 507 00:27:48.097 --> 00:27:54.751 surveys with our participants and being part of a positive change, 508 00:27:54.771 --> 00:28:00.529 a positive community level movement is also very important for people and learning, 509 00:28:00.750 --> 00:28:10.078 learning new things because many people reported that they joined an energy citizenship related program because they wanted to learn something new. 510 00:28:11.021 --> 00:28:15.354 They might be working in a post office or driving a bus or whatever. 511 00:28:15.994 --> 00:28:33.888 and this is okay they like doing it but they they like learning new things and this this is also an opportunity to learn learn how to live sustainably learn how to work with people learn how to organize yourself so they're very different kind of skills that in energy citizenship 512 00:28:33.968 --> 00:28:43.974 initiatives you learn and are needed so that's another thing all kinds of people are needed as well and yeah another thing for ourselves you 513 00:28:44.816 --> 00:28:47.570 these ways of being energy citizens, 514 00:28:47.791 --> 00:28:51.550 they help us adapt because we know climate change is here. 515 00:28:51.810 --> 00:28:57.290 The climate is changing and we do need to adapt this snail and slug situation. 516 00:28:57.490 --> 00:28:58.850 I mentioned that's part of it. 517 00:28:59.732 --> 00:29:01.150 And before the podcast, 518 00:29:01.290 --> 00:29:05.010 we talked about the weather and how hot it was in April. 519 00:29:05.332 --> 00:29:06.330 So it is changing. 520 00:29:06.751 --> 00:29:10.770 We haven't had such a hot April in 130 years in Hungary. 521 00:29:10.950 --> 00:29:12.145 So it's like quite... 522 00:29:12.776 --> 00:29:13.718 Quite a big change. 523 00:29:13.879 --> 00:29:21.254 And energy citizenship initiatives also help us adapt to this change and find solutions together. 524 00:29:21.795 --> 00:29:24.827 Because very often our politicians don't do it for us. 525 00:29:24.888 --> 00:29:26.454 They don't want to do it for us. 526 00:29:27.175 --> 00:29:30.814 They feel threatened if they want to do it for us. 527 00:29:31.054 --> 00:29:33.721 But we actually have to learn to live differently, 528 00:29:34.704 --> 00:29:36.228 use energy differently, 529 00:29:36.730 --> 00:29:38.354 exist together differently. 530 00:29:38.614 --> 00:29:41.274 So energy citizenship helps with that as well. 531 00:29:42.098 --> 00:29:47.330 You've been mentioning those projects that you've been working on and they are often international. 532 00:29:47.755 --> 00:29:51.991 You've been involved as a partner or as a leader in some of them. 533 00:29:52.814 --> 00:29:54.238 If there was one, 534 00:29:54.499 --> 00:29:54.680 okay, 535 00:29:54.920 --> 00:29:55.422 let's say two, 536 00:29:55.703 --> 00:30:02.529 if there was one or two good practices that you could transfer to your context now, 537 00:30:02.810 --> 00:30:03.433 what would it be? 538 00:30:05.006 --> 00:30:11.482 Really one of your favorite things that you find difficult to do right now that you would like to see you wave? 539 00:30:12.084 --> 00:30:12.405 Okay, 540 00:30:12.566 --> 00:30:17.482 two of my really favorite and I think inspiring cases as well. 541 00:30:18.225 --> 00:30:21.257 One is from the energy prospects project. 542 00:30:21.317 --> 00:30:22.442 It's a German case. 543 00:30:22.683 --> 00:30:28.041 It's called So Local Energy and it's about helping people put 544 00:30:29.152 --> 00:30:44.514 put up balcony solar solar panels and not just balcony also rooftop but for me the balcony is really inspiring it's not yet possible in hungary but this idea to enable people to do it themselves even 545 00:30:44.694 --> 00:30:48.530 they are now teaching women to do it themselves as well and to 546 00:30:49.454 --> 00:30:55.010 to generate your own electricity independent of the system. 547 00:30:55.750 --> 00:30:57.155 Even in situations, 548 00:30:57.276 --> 00:30:57.818 for example, 549 00:30:58.099 --> 00:31:01.330 they do it for people who cannot pay their bills as well, 550 00:31:01.551 --> 00:31:04.570 and the electricity is turned off. 551 00:31:05.110 --> 00:31:13.710 So you can even borrow these solar balcony systems so that you can survive in these situations as well. 552 00:31:13.850 --> 00:31:16.750 So some kind of resilience is created. 553 00:31:17.438 --> 00:31:22.634 and they are trying to build communities as well to start the change from the bottom up. 554 00:31:22.734 --> 00:31:24.442 This is really inspiring for me, 555 00:31:25.024 --> 00:31:27.054 and I would love to do it. 556 00:31:27.875 --> 00:31:29.833 I heard about a similar case in India, 557 00:31:31.298 --> 00:31:37.254 in places where there is no electricity or only very dirty fossil fuel-based electricity. 558 00:31:37.394 --> 00:31:39.274 They are empowering women to do the same, 559 00:31:39.816 --> 00:31:44.674 and I think I would really like to bring that to Hungary somehow. 560 00:31:45.606 --> 00:31:50.361 Another case is from the UK and it's actually from a different project. 561 00:31:50.522 --> 00:31:56.381 It's called Converge and it was about the idea of joining social and environmental, 562 00:31:56.562 --> 00:32:06.659 connecting social and environmental objectives and making sure that basic needs are met in a way that is environmentally friendly and within the limits of our planet. 563 00:32:07.743 --> 00:32:10.121 And it's called the Converging World. 564 00:32:10.528 --> 00:32:18.946 And it started with a UK community who realized that their carbon footprint as a community and also as individuals is not sustainable. 565 00:32:20.327 --> 00:32:23.412 And they have tried to bring it down to sustainable levels, 566 00:32:23.853 --> 00:32:25.515 but they realized that currently, 567 00:32:26.577 --> 00:32:29.923 without larger infrastructure changes, 568 00:32:30.343 --> 00:32:31.986 they cannot really do it themselves. 569 00:32:32.988 --> 00:32:38.126 So they decided on a voluntary basis to pay for this extra carbon footprint. 570 00:32:38.692 --> 00:32:41.406 put a community fund together. 571 00:32:41.948 --> 00:32:42.890 And from this fund, 572 00:32:42.950 --> 00:32:46.460 they funded wind power, 573 00:32:47.122 --> 00:32:48.346 windmills in India, 574 00:32:48.526 --> 00:32:50.785 in a village where there was no electricity yet. 575 00:32:51.586 --> 00:32:56.646 So they this way connected a rich and a very poor community. 576 00:32:58.197 --> 00:33:06.974 through paying for the extra carbon and creating a sustainable energy generation opportunity in that Indian village. 577 00:33:07.095 --> 00:33:11.614 And I really like this idea of connecting communities this way. 578 00:33:12.274 --> 00:33:16.804 And that is another kind of dream for me that maybe if we could do it, 579 00:33:16.804 --> 00:33:17.926 because even in Hungary, 580 00:33:18.046 --> 00:33:18.167 OK, 581 00:33:18.628 --> 00:33:21.574 we are poorer than the EU average. 582 00:33:22.504 --> 00:33:25.018 and lots of people live in energy poverty, 583 00:33:25.278 --> 00:33:27.738 but we are richer than a lot of other countries. 584 00:33:27.818 --> 00:33:33.498 So we could do that within our country or outside our country as well. 585 00:33:33.738 --> 00:33:37.698 And I think these are really nice ways of connecting people, 586 00:33:37.978 --> 00:33:40.258 connecting social and environmental objectives, 587 00:33:40.619 --> 00:33:42.738 and creating positive change. 588 00:33:43.079 --> 00:33:45.118 So if I have to mention two things, 589 00:33:45.318 --> 00:33:46.103 like right now, 590 00:33:46.666 --> 00:33:47.511 these two things 591 00:33:48.174 --> 00:33:48.778 I would mention. 592 00:33:49.898 --> 00:33:50.640 I really love it. 593 00:33:50.700 --> 00:33:55.034 It's so inspiring because it's totally like sustainable communities without borders. 594 00:33:56.076 --> 00:33:58.694 You really think totally out of the box. 595 00:33:58.874 --> 00:33:59.035 I mean, 596 00:33:59.055 --> 00:34:00.724 it's not only about the community here, 597 00:34:00.765 --> 00:34:02.414 but it's about finding global solutions. 598 00:34:03.054 --> 00:34:03.896 And to achieve that, 599 00:34:04.217 --> 00:34:05.059 as you said at the beginning, 600 00:34:05.360 --> 00:34:09.931 you need to kind of break some status quo and think not only about yourself, 601 00:34:09.951 --> 00:34:11.114 but about the biggest community. 602 00:34:11.334 --> 00:34:13.754 So there are many things that people can do. 603 00:34:14.059 --> 00:34:14.774 And you just... 604 00:34:15.590 --> 00:34:17.282 be part of those conversations. 605 00:34:17.742 --> 00:34:21.541 And maybe if somebody has an extra hedgehog to send to Edina, 606 00:34:21.904 --> 00:34:24.022 that would be really something that would make a difference. 607 00:34:24.162 --> 00:34:34.362 Maybe not coming from too far because that's important for biodiversity to still also nurture the local flora and fauna. 608 00:34:34.604 --> 00:34:35.570 But yeah, 609 00:34:36.034 --> 00:34:37.202 that's really super inspiring. 610 00:34:37.662 --> 00:34:38.347 So Edina, 611 00:34:38.628 --> 00:34:40.781 we are close to wrapping this episode. 612 00:34:41.981 --> 00:34:47.077 what is like your next step what is the next thing on your agenda now 613 00:34:47.870 --> 00:34:48.091 Well, 614 00:34:48.251 --> 00:34:49.753 on a very pragmatic level, 615 00:34:50.033 --> 00:34:55.439 we will be trying to communicate our energy prospect results more widely, 616 00:34:55.560 --> 00:35:03.389 especially these inspiring cases and the way the cases connect social and environmental objectives. 617 00:35:04.071 --> 00:35:06.349 This is like on a very pragmatic level. 618 00:35:06.570 --> 00:35:10.224 So if someone would like to join in this effort, 619 00:35:10.846 --> 00:35:11.649 we are very happy. 620 00:35:11.869 --> 00:35:15.769 So it's great that I can talk about this in this podcast as well. 621 00:35:16.472 --> 00:35:16.833 Of course, 622 00:35:16.833 --> 00:35:18.898 we would like to continue this work, 623 00:35:19.018 --> 00:35:23.289 especially connecting environmental and social objectives. 624 00:35:23.969 --> 00:35:27.089 So we will be looking to go further with this. 625 00:35:27.909 --> 00:35:30.795 And we also have other projects, 626 00:35:30.976 --> 00:35:33.701 one actually very close to energy citizenship, 627 00:35:33.741 --> 00:35:35.525 a way of energy citizenship, 628 00:35:35.605 --> 00:35:37.449 about 1.5 degree lifestyles, 629 00:35:37.950 --> 00:35:44.044 helping people lead these lifestyles and help to catalyze change toward the... 630 00:35:44.770 --> 00:35:48.065 1.5 degree society with all kinds of stakeholders. 631 00:35:48.166 --> 00:35:50.605 So we are carrying on. 632 00:35:51.659 --> 00:36:18.534 discussion we hope to have a bigger impact in hungary as well we'll see how that goes always looking for new partners and alleys in in this effort and yes attracting hedgehogs actually we discovered one uh just two days ago so we were like really happy but if you can send more that's absolutely great we are we are trying to create uh small spots of appropriate 633 00:36:18.574 --> 00:36:20.577 environment for them not to disturb 634 00:36:21.406 --> 00:36:24.441 things in some places in our garden. 635 00:36:24.583 --> 00:36:26.181 So that would be nice. 636 00:36:26.861 --> 00:36:27.594 A sanctuary, 637 00:36:27.818 --> 00:36:27.980 right? 638 00:36:30.925 --> 00:36:32.076 Thank you so much, 639 00:36:32.359 --> 00:36:32.601 Idina. 640 00:36:32.761 --> 00:36:34.781 That was such an inspiring conversation. 641 00:36:35.361 --> 00:36:35.664 And I mean, 642 00:36:35.785 --> 00:36:45.192 thank you so much to our listeners for joining us today as we explore the transformative power of energy citizenship with the support of the Energy 643 00:36:45.676 --> 00:36:46.401 Prospects Project. 644 00:36:47.142 --> 00:36:51.121 That's really amazing to have this project as a sponsor for Energetic. 645 00:36:51.825 --> 00:36:52.701 This is just the beginning. 646 00:36:52.921 --> 00:36:54.568 We'll have two more conversations, 647 00:36:55.230 --> 00:36:57.921 two more episodes sponsored by Energy Prospects. 648 00:36:58.041 --> 00:37:02.119 And we will continue to delve into how European citizens and not only European, 649 00:37:02.199 --> 00:37:03.303 but really international, 650 00:37:04.086 --> 00:37:04.709 every citizen, 651 00:37:04.849 --> 00:37:11.481 every person around the planet really is playing at their own level a crucial role in the energy and climate transition. 652 00:37:12.083 --> 00:37:16.780 So let's not miss those insightful discussions because there is way more. 653 00:37:17.033 --> 00:37:17.721 more to come. 654 00:37:18.301 --> 00:37:21.921 And thank you so much to our very faithful listeners. 655 00:37:22.342 --> 00:37:25.241 You've been listening to 50 episodes and it's only the beginning. 656 00:37:25.621 --> 00:37:27.761 So thank you so much from the bottom of my heart. 657 00:37:27.861 --> 00:37:30.052 It was great to record this podcast with you, 658 00:37:30.094 --> 00:37:30.321 Edina. 659 00:37:30.904 --> 00:37:31.301 Thank you. 660 00:37:31.401 --> 00:37:33.121 Thank you very much for the invitation. 661 00:37:33.301 --> 00:37:35.301 It was really nice to talk about these things. 662 00:37:35.563 --> 00:37:36.601 And believe it or not, 663 00:37:36.722 --> 00:37:38.881 it's an inspiration for me as well, 664 00:37:38.941 --> 00:37:44.221 because I often forget about these things and it's good that you remind me. 665 00:37:44.301 --> 00:37:44.859 So thank you. 666 00:37:45.373 --> 00:37:46.925 And thank you everyone for listening. 667 00:37:47.847 --> 00:37:50.385 I hope we can make more change together. 668 00:37:53.048 --> 00:37:55.905 Thank you for tuning in to another episode of Energetic. 669 00:37:56.286 --> 00:38:04.105 It's been a pleasure diving deep into the world of sustainability and the just energy transition with some of the most forward-thinking mouths out there. 670 00:38:04.803 --> 00:38:05.705 I'm Maureen Canales, 671 00:38:05.805 --> 00:38:08.610 your host from policy consultancy Next Energy Consumer, 672 00:38:08.971 --> 00:38:12.437 and it's been an incredible journey growing this podcast together with you, 673 00:38:12.817 --> 00:38:14.761 our knowledgeable and passionate listeners. 674 00:38:15.621 --> 00:38:16.884 Since 2021, 675 00:38:17.044 --> 00:38:18.527 we've shared countless stories, 676 00:38:18.687 --> 00:38:19.188 insights, 677 00:38:19.188 --> 00:38:22.354 and ideas over more than 40 episodes, 678 00:38:22.735 --> 00:38:25.701 and it's all thanks to your support and enthusiasm. 679 00:38:26.603 --> 00:38:30.895 If you've enjoyed our journey so far and want to help us keep the conversation going, 680 00:38:31.276 --> 00:38:32.801 why not support us on Patreon? 681 00:38:33.491 --> 00:38:36.769 Every bit helps us bring more inspiring content your way. 682 00:38:37.309 --> 00:38:38.988 Check out the show notes for the link. 683 00:38:39.789 --> 00:38:40.191 And hey, 684 00:38:40.653 --> 00:38:46.317 if you're a part of an organization that shares our passion for a sustainable and inclusive energy future, 685 00:38:46.819 --> 00:38:49.709 we're excited to explore sponsorship opportunities with you. 686 00:38:50.149 --> 00:38:56.109 It's a fantastic way to connect with a dedicated audience and make an even bigger impact together. 687 00:38:57.171 --> 00:38:58.614 Shout out to the fantastic 688 00:38:58.974 --> 00:39:04.484 Igor Mikhailovich from Podcast Media Factory for his incredible sound design work, 689 00:39:04.845 --> 00:39:07.289 making every episode a joy to listen to. 690 00:39:08.171 --> 00:39:09.195 If you haven't already, 691 00:39:09.456 --> 00:39:12.869 make sure to subscribe to Energetic on your favorite podcast platform. 692 00:39:13.389 --> 00:39:16.882 And if you think a friend or a colleague could benefit from our episode, 693 00:39:17.243 --> 00:39:18.829 we'd love for you to spread the word. 694 00:39:19.289 --> 00:39:23.429 It helps us grow and keep the energy transition conversation alive. 695 00:39:24.009 --> 00:39:25.229 Sharing is caring. 696 00:39:25.889 --> 00:39:30.889 Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay engaged and update on all things Energetic. 697 00:39:31.329 --> 00:39:33.169 Thanks once again for lending your ears. 698 00:39:33.390 --> 00:39:34.049 Until next time. 699 00:39:46.918 --> 00:39:48.205 I need your touch, 700 00:39:48.265 --> 00:39:49.609 I need your healing, 701 00:39:49.609 --> 00:39:50.932 I need your touch, 702 00:39:50.932 --> 00:39:51.775 I need your healing, 703 00:39:51.775 --> 00:39:52.557 I need your love. 704 00:39:57.199 --> 00:39:59.069 I need your intention, 705 00:39:59.109 --> 00:40:00.496 I need your love.