Le rendez-vous des dirigeants de l'économie sociale
3rd Edition, 2007 : the energies
The sustainable consumption, production and distribution of energy - the response of the social economy.
Not a day passes without the media exposing the harmful effects on the environment and climate due to energy use and over-consumption in “developed” countries. Not a day passes without an NGO at the same time denouncing the lack of accessibility to energy for large numbers of inhabitants around the world.
Not a day passes without the announcement of a merger or acquisition of a company in the energy sector by another, thus further concentrating market power by a few across all types of energy.
Not a day passes without tensions flaring up around the world between political powers concerning the access and distribution of commodities. The issue is no longer simply economic and environmental; it has also become geopolitical.
It would not be hard to cite a number of other examples of issues related to the production, distribution and consumption of energy.
While the topic is clearly in vogue, the subject of how energy is treated concerns all of us to varying degrees and on different levels. It is no longer possible to ignore or evade the growing problems and, more crucially, the disasters. From every corner, the same message can be heard in unison that it is high time to act.
Don’t our organizations and companies in the social economy also have to deal with these questions and offer solutions that are sustainable, effective and beneficial for all? Don’t we have to play a role in the energy business not by using energy production for opportunities that are merely for financial gain but for opportunities for sustainable development that benefits everyone?
Of course, initiatives have already been started. But the questions raised should lead us to ask what concrete responses can the social economy provide, at each stage (from production to consumption), to the different kinds of energy crises, the dangers resulting from current forms of production, the lack of accessibility, etc.
Participants discuss this topic at the third Mont Blanc Meetings (Rencontres du Mont-Blanc), which took place on 9-10 November 2007, in France. They shared their experiences, practices and projects related to this topic.
This edition of the Mont Blanc Meetings was also an opportunity to assess the projects examined during the 2004 and 2005 forums and for participants to present new proposals for joint projects.