Adopted by
the 1st European Science Parliament, Aachen, October 10th 2008
We, the European Science Parliament, a forum of 120 young people, scientists, members of nongovernmental organisations and representatives of economy and media from all over Europe, came together in Aachen from October 8th to 10th 2008 to discuss the future of energy at our meeting entitled „Europe energised – will lights go out in 2050?“. The challenge ahead is more than technological. It is also a question for society, economy, politics and last but not least of individual responsibility. It is our conviction that only a multi-facetted approach can bring about necessary change.
Beyond doubt, green and sustainable energy that is affordable for all consumers is one of the major challenges for the future of Europe’s energy safety. More research and investments are necessary to improve the energy efficiency of commonly used technologies. At the same time, interdisciplinary research needs to explore the various alternative energy sources such as solar, wind, geothermal or biomass energies and their reliability and appropriate storage techniques and infrastructure, such as hydrogen-based infrastructures or batteries, for their implementation. The degree to which these can replace conventionally used fossil fuels today might be disputed; that they have to replace them in the future is without doubt. Nevertheless, we must ensure that Europe’s hunger for green energy is not satiated by resources that are needed to satisfy people’s hunger in other parts of the world. While investigating renewable and sustainable energy sources, consideration should be given to the geographical and natural assets of each country. This should lead to a geographical and natural diversification of energy sources. Thereby, localisation of energy production and a decrease of energy dependency can be achieved. In the long run, the European Union should aim at being self-sufficient in affordable, sustainable and green energy supplies.
As technological progress alone cannot overcome the challenge lying ahead, it needs to be complemented by a system of governance based on the participation and consent of those concerned. Structures of power and governance – including legal frameworks and taxation systems – should be adjusted to enforce principal measures for ecologically sound options to become available and affordable. Concurrently, and as importantly, steps must be taken to provide incentives for energy-conscious individual choices that can be made fully independent of one’s own financial means.
If this challenge is to be mastered, young people have to be part of finding solutions; they have to shoulder the future, their future. Decision-makers of all levels have to acknowledge and include the unconventional and fearless ideas of the young when they make decisions that affect them. Thus, new forms of more ethical governance must provide for a much stronger participation and involvement in decision-making of young people, whose future is being decided upon.
Also, education and media play a crucial role. Education at all levels (from primary to tertiary), in all forms (from formal to informal), and through all channels (from schools to the media) should be informed and informing about current energy issues. Through the media, reliable non-biased information about the current state of energy resources, its consequences, new sources and technologies should be disseminated. As the lack of knowledge and information works against sustainability and environmental protection, sound analysis, data and information that are understood by every citizen are crucial if we want to change behavioural patterns today.
Raising awareness of the interdependence of all people on this planet for our future has to be the starting point of holding each individual accountable for their actions. Individual responsibility is more than individuality. It is connected to the idea of citizenship and community. Individual responsible action is a fundamental starting point to alter energy consumption. Nevertheless, without being embedded into a supportive community, individual actions alone will not succeed in bringing about change. A framework needs to be provided to support and encourage local citizens’ action for change, consisting of opportunities for participation, adequate funding and a supportive infrastructure on the one hand, and non-biased and reliable information, awarenessraising and education on the other hand. Individual responsibility for sustainability needs to be encouraged and supported on all levels of politics.
With the immense challenge of seeking alternative sources of energy, Europe does not stand alone – it is a global task. Hence, the European Union should not only invest in the development of new technologies, it also needs to share its knowledge with economically less developed countries to improve the standards of living in the Global South. The EU should actively and financially support the countries in the Southern hemisphere to also develop sustainable energies. Also, through targeted investments and technological transfer, European companies can further their range of economic activity while making a contribution to energy safety worldwide.
At the same time, Europe has to allow other world regions and emerging economies to play a bigger role in international relations and forums, such as the UN or the G8, in seeking common solutions to shared problems. The European Union should work together with other nations to improve the sustainability and working conditions in the energy sector worldwide. Thereby, probable negative economic effects of a onesided European approach can be avoided.
This is equally valid for other measures, which might impose additional costs on European industries at first, but that are needed for the sake of our future in the long run. As the European Union is based on the respect of human rights – a core value and fundamental element of its identity since the EU’s inception – it is of paramount importance that the EU and its Member States ensure that the human rights of workers in the energy sectors are fully respected, inside and outside the Union.
Following the rationale outlined above, we call upon the European Union to:
- initiate a framework in which each Member State is compelled to establish the necessary steps for the switch to new energies according to its own natural resources.
- promote and support the second generation of biofuels, continue supporting energy from biomass, wind, solar and solar thermal and nuclear fusion energy.
- promote research on the use of solar cells as cover for e.g. streets and facades of buildings.
- establish a system of Youth ambassadors to the European Parliament.
- make a person under 30 the Commissioner for Future.
- introduce the duty to label the CO2 emissions on every product sold. Additionally warnings on electrical appliances should notify the users and encourage them to reduce the energy consumption. Sensors on lighting and water, which automatically turn off when not in use should be made compulsory. Producers should optimise the stand-by modes of all devices.
- organise a competition on the lowest energy usage per head between citizens, cities and regions to encourage the European citizens to use less energy.
We need to achieve consensus among the Member States of the European Union
- to increase taxes on fossil energy while value added tax on eco friendly products should be abolished.
- that existing laws on energy efficiency reflect the state of the art of science.
- to make public transport cheaper and so attractive that people reduce the use of individual vehicles.
- that in teacher training - and as a consequence in the education of young people - ecological issues have to play a far bigger role. Education should equip students with knowledge and understanding about the current situation of energy. Schools have to be made the place to examine and reflect on current lifestyle and its impact on the environment and the global community.
- that children should be involved in the care for the environment from an early age on.
- that young people need the right to actually vote on important decisions and not only participate in processes preceding it.
We call upon scientists, and those of us present commit ourselves, to open the doors to the public, and to the young generation especially, to show and convince people of new energies and prove to them that we can still change our course. When people consider the future an inevitable threat, this might lead to a feeling of powerless and passivity. We are not passive victims of a future laid out for us, we can make a difference – we can shape the future. We, the European Science Parliament, commit ourselves to be role models for conscious energy consumption. Let’s spread the idea of green energy to many other people! Let’s make them aware of our shared chances and opportunities – and let’s initiate action!
Aachen, October 10th 2008
