Our next Cloud Cafe, on Wednesday October 12 from 7.30 to 9pm, is about the burning issue of the energy crisis. While Greens have long focused on the need to insulate homes and install renewables, the Prime Minister is using the crisis as a cover for the expansion of oil and gas resources and the proposed reintroduction of fracking for shale gas. And, unlike EU countries, she’s ruled out a windfall tax on the energy producers, so WE’VE all got to pay for it in either higher bills or future taxes!
The plan to grant 100 new licences to oil and gas companies to expand their climate destroying industry and continue raking in eye watering dirty profits is inexplicable while we still hold the COP Presidency, and when we know that renewables are far cheaper. Concluding the announcement, Truss also announced a review of the Government’s Net Zero strategy to factor in an ‘altered economic landscape’.
The key point we were making – important it does not get lost in a technical debate about tariffs and ownership – is that the cleanest, greenest, cheapest energy you can have is the energy you don’t need to use.
What are the root causes of the current (and possibly permanent) energy crisis? What can be done? Are there solutions to manage our energy needs that are sustainable and local?
The speakers are:
Rheanna Johnston
Currently working as Policy Advisor on EU Energy Transition for E3G, Rheanna was formerly Climate Campaigner for the European Green Party. She has a Master’s degree from the International Institute for Industrial Environmental Economics, Lund University, Sweden in Environmental Management and Policy. Past work experience includes programme coordination for utility energy efficiency, policy research and analysis, climate advocacy and community organizing. Rheanna is specially passionate about climate action, energy efficiency, housing justice, and community driven change.
Molly Scott Cato
Molly Scott Cato is the Green Party’s external communications coordinator and speaks for the Green Party of England and Wales on Economy and Finance. She has expertise on climate finance, climate reparations and the carbon tax. She was instrumental in producing the proposal for an energy cap launched by the national party in August. Between 2014 and 2020 Molly represented South West England and Gibraltar in the European Parliament. In her working life, Molly is a Professor of Green Economics at Roehampton University
Maria Ardley
Maria moved to Stroud from Spain where she was living and working for 6 years, teaching English as a Foreign Language. She now works as local coordinator with the Big Solar co-op to encourage non-domestic rooftop owners in Stroud District to adopt solar panels. As a Councillor on Rodborough Parish Council she is working hard on various sustainability initiatives as well as making public spaces safer for women and girls – working with campaign groups such as Make Space For Girls and Stroud Women’s Refuge to promote the possibility of Rodborough Parish taking part in the 16 days of action against gender-based violence.
Following the speakers there will be an opportunity for audience questions and debate.
Register here, to join on the night or to receive a link to watch afterwards. https://actionnetwork.org/events/cloud-cafe-energy