Heidelberg Magazine

Heidelberg Magazine Heidelberg 2017 Power Shifts Academic Forum

Co nt en ts

HEIDELBERG MAGAZINE

4 7 8 10

Rediscovering Heidelberg

17 18

The 3 Powershifts Fora

Trends in Climate Investment

12 14

Paris Agreement Fact Check Electricity in Europe

The future of Renewable Energy The Big Green Bang

Energy

Powershifters

The Trilogy

21 22 24 26 28 31 32 34

A Thunder of Effort and Banter Q & A with the Head Organisers Q & A with the President Energy Talk with Peter Terium Humans of Heidelberg

People

Heidelberg‘s Energy Entrepreneur #GiveItAThought Best Dressed Opening Ceremony

Other

On the following pages you will find a wide variety of content. Ranging from current political issues to the people that made Heidelberg 2017 what it became, there should definitely be reading material for any- and everyone. As a result of the extraordinary creative-range found within the team, we are proud to say that not only the articles and pictures, but also the illustrations come from our pens.

When compiling the concept that became Heidelberg 2017 Media, it was not hard to agree on one of the fundamental pillars: a high-level magazine.

Both of us stemming from a time when quantity in EYP media was prioritised over quality rather heavily, it was self-evident that we would like to put the team’s focus elsewhere and not on producing several mediocre magazines.

“Happiness is having a large, loving, caring, close-knit family in another city.” (George Burns) In your hands, you hold the shiny product of a family. We feel that the Media Team has been forged into a unit, similar to a family. Very much like a family, we do not insist on always getting along with one another, but instead prefer honesty with one another. While there is no rigorous allocation of roles, the Editors are usually stuck with the role of parenting and Luca, the Video Editor, ends up being the funny uncle.

After long nights of compiling, correcting and collaborating, we are exhausted, but happy - with the Magazine of the Heidelberg 2017 Power Shifts Academic Forum. We hope that you can part-take in the joy that we felt creating it!

Sabrina & Tobias

EDITORIAL

Dear reader,

Media Team of Heidelberg 2017 Editors: Sabrina Mellerowic (DE) &Tobias Satlow (AT) Video Editor: Luca Draisci (IT) Media Team Members: Aijan Muktar (CH) Zain Mumtaz (SE) Theresa Lindlahr (DE) Utkan Dora Öncül (TR) Nora Schmiedbauer (AT) Millie Smith (UK) Elina Stavridou (GR) Katarina Stefanović (RS) HD_Magazine_3

Rediscovering

Millie Smith

The year is 2117, two young university students, Chrissy and Ella, are taking in the sights around Heidelberg castle. The castle used to boast of impressive views but as they look out over the city now, a thick smog looms over the river. The only indication of life is a few flickering streetlights on the river bank.

are directed to a notice which states ‘We apologise but due to damages the castle is closed for visitors’. Disappointed, they turn to leave, but as they do Ella notices the door to the stairwell is open. Daringly, Ella steps over the threshold, undeterred by the notice. Spurred by example, Chrissy follows Ella through the door. In the room behind, there is a picture of HeidelIf it weren’t for the face masks that cov- berg from over a century ago, followed ered their mouths, they would struggle by the caption explaining that there was to breath clean air. As Ella leans over the meant to be the Opening Ceremony of castle wall, she looks down at the river a “Power Shifts Forum”, but it had to be and remark ‘It’s hard to believe Heidel- called off last minute, due to non-disberg once used to be a green city’. They closed circumstances. Apparently some wander over the bridge towards the cas- sort of trilogy was left incomplete. tle’s courtyard, stepping carefully on the cobbled stones. They become aware of The door falls shut behind them, the the historic castle as it looms over them only opportunity for an easy exit seems and they feel as if they are not alone; they to be the staircase up. Their steps create nervously turn their heads from side to a palpable stir in the air and the sound side, squinting their eyes to see if anyone of thunder can be heard in the distance. is lurking in the smog - but no one is to The stairs begin to shake, making the pair be seen. reach out to the crumbled walls to support their climb as they rush to the top of Within the castle, they notice the room the stairwell. In the moment, they burst is lit by candlelight, casting intimidat- out into the open air on top of the stairing shadows onto the walls. Their eyes case. A bolt of lightning hits the ground 4

outside and a bright white light fills the room. As Chrissy and Ella’s eyes adjust the two are shocked to find that the smog has lifted. The electrical surge created by the lightning strike also gives life to the electric lights and broadcasting screens set up in the courtyard. To Chrissy and Ella it almost feels as if they had been sent back in time. Overwhelmed by what just happened, Chrissy and Ella turn their attention to the broadcast of daily news.

The United States’ presidential candidate Donald Trump’s face flashes on the screen confusion spreads between the two.

It is May 2016 and there are concerns that climate change scepticism are on the rise along with the popularity of Donald Trump. As they listen to his remarks, Ella and Chrissy are reminded of what the future holds. Suddenly their thoughts are as clear as the city below them. In their version of the future, Heidelberg 2017, the third and final Power Shifts Forum, has not happened. Perhaps it was up to them to be the change they wanted to see in the world.

Heidelberg

Theresa Lindlahr

The session took months to plan but Ella and Chrissy, together with the team they gathered around them, never wavered in their drive and ambition to make it a reality. In order to ensure a good session leadership from an academic standpoint, Maria Pashi was asked to take over the job of president, as well as the Steering Group which had mentored the two previous Power Shifts Forums, was contacted.

Together, they gave Chrissy and Ella directions and advice, making sure the session connected well with the other two and truly completes the trilogy.

Tirelessly, the pair fought for sponsorship, venues and experts to make this session remarkable. Most importantly though, the session needed delegates. Full of anticipation, they called for the smartest and most committed students in Europe to attend Heidelberg 2017, in the hope that they can change the future. Providing the third and final Power Shift Forum that was needed to complete the trilogy.

The 8th of August 2017 arrived and the committees started to gather in the city of

Heidelberg to discuss the most pressing issues of the current day and age. Some teams engaged in heated discussions about the prevention of air pollution and climate change, whilst others delved into the implementation of smart grids and sustainable transport systems.

The time had come for the final academic discussion. General Assembly was filled with ideas and the spirit of debate. Proudly, the delegates displayed what they had acquired both in terms of academic expertise and competences. Ella and Chrissy sighed a breath of relief: There would be a generation who stands up to make Eurovillage provided a taste of European a change and protect the planet from the cuisine and the variety of foods filleds devastation the two of them had seen. the tables high. With little encouragement needed, the delegates gathered to Finally, the Closing Ceremony marked eat Swiss chocolate, Polish toruń ginger- the success of the final and last Power bread and French crêpes. Later on in the Shifts Forum. With the session called to week, the Euroconcert provided a stage a close, Ella and Chrissy felt a change in for the musicians and dancers to share the air. Whilst happily dancing away the their passion for the arts. night with all the participants during the Gala Night, they felt a thunder in the air.

The session hosted experts, both from Suddenly, Ella and Chrissy are brought the field of economics and politics, con- back to the cobbled streets in the Heinecting change makers of the future with delberg of their own time. As the pair those of the present. As the session flew leans against the old brick wall, they take by, blurring one day into the next, the a deep breath in. The air is fresh and the delegates found that with each academic fog has lifted. All is well. event their understanding exceeded that of the previous day and they were becoming experts themselves.

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IN THIS SECTION Energy in Climate The Future of Renewable 7 Trends 12 Investment Energy Paris Agreement Fact 8 Check 14 The Big Green Bang 10 Electricity in Europe IIllustrated by Utkan Dora Öncül

Trends in climate investment The transport sector accounts for nearly one quarter of global greenhouse gas emissions and thus its decarbonisation is crucial for the endeavor to keep the extent of global warming below 1.5° C compared to pre-industrial revolution levels. However, the energy transition in the transport sector has been regrettably slow. Despite evidence of the latter’s absolute necessity and overarching energy policies installed by the EU, the Member States prove reluctant when it comes to making the responsible choice for long-term sustainability, instead opting for short term economic profit. Particularly Germany, one of the forerunners in climate protection policy, has always maintained a peculiar and sympathetic relationship with its automotive industry that has hitherto obstructed the commitment towards an energy transition in the transport sector.

Other countries successfully meet and even embrace the challenge of shifting gears in the transport sector. Norway, for instance, has met and countered consumers’ fears concerning the inferior life span of electric car batteries and the risks posed by the low endurance in rural areas. Due to an enhanced network of charging stations and the award of multiple tax privileges, almost a third of Norway’s newly registered cars in 2016 came with electric engines, an effort which puts similar European policies to shame.

Furthermore, although Europe spent the most on energy efficiency in 2016, China remains the most attractive destination for new energy investments. Being the largest spender on energy research and development and accounting for more than 40 % of the electric cars sold worldwide in 2016, China is leading the world in the electrification of the transport sector.

Often, the effects of carbon emissions already show in form of urban air pollution and thus increase readiness to immediately react on both, legislators and consumers. On this account, many larger cities have exceeded the respective national av-

erages in policy measures to fight carbon emissions.

Both Paris and Amsterdam have taken initiative and facilitated consumers’ transition towards electric mobility. Paris mandated that every private electric vehicle is allowed to recharge at the city’s car-sharing programmes’ charging stations. Amsterdam respectively introduced a new strategy in allocating charging stations to those neighborhoods who request it, ensuring security of supply.

While there is indeed a threat of climate change scepticism, fuelled and helped by economic ignorance, appalling policy and leadership decisions, there is also a morale and willingness for climate action arising.

In response to the announcement of withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, other national governments as well as many US cities and companies rose to the challenge and tightened measures in order to exceed their prior commitment to global climate targets. Within the EU, several national legislators have committed to more ambitious targets for the transport sector’s transition to green alternative power engines within the next two decades.

Examples of national, regional and municipal governments tightening energy policy as well as positive changes in consumer behaviour and company policies throughout the world give reason to hope: We are on the right track to achieve short-term energy targets. However, whether measures are effective and sufficient enough to also reach long-term targets in time before climate change has done irreversible damage remains open.

By Theresa Lindlahr HD_Magazine_7

PARIS AGREEMENT FACT CHECK „I was elected to represent the citizens of Pittsburgh, not Paris,“ - Donald Trump

I

n the current digital age, we are constantly glued to our screens. This meant that the news of Donald Trump withdrawing from the Paris agreement on the 16th of July was instantly omnipresent. Sadly though, fast communication has aggravated the threat of not fully understanding an issue, or even being drawn into fake news. It is crucial that you know your facts.

What is the Paris Agreement?

Is the US the biggest contributor to global warming?

Whilst China is currently biggest emitter of CO2, the US, with only 4% of the global population, is responsible for almost a third of the excess CO2 in the atmosphere. This also means that in cumulative terms, they are the biggest polluters. This is partly due to the fact that burning fossil fuels at an incredibly high rate started earlier in the US than compared to the rest of the world

Central to the agreement, which has been signed by nearly 200 countries, is the consensus that countries should Climate Interactive, has calculated that without the involve“endeavour to limit” global temperatures somewhere to ment of the US in the fight against global warming, we could between 1.5 and 2.0 °C above pre-industrial times. More see an extra 0.3°C increase in global temperatures by 2100. ambitiously, between 2050 and 2100, movements towards limiting the amount of greenhouse gases emissions to the same levels the natural environment can absorb will begin.

In the US, Trump has blamed the Paris agreement for domestic job losses in energy production. He also believes that the agreement costs the American citizens a “vast fortune”.

One of the biggest impacts will be the withdrawal of climate funding. The UN’s Green Climate Fund has raised more than $10 billion from wealthier countries. Its purpose is to help

What will the impact of this withdrawal be?

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What about the domino effect?

the, so-called global south, adapt and mitigate the effects of climate change.

As the main contributor, the withdrawal of the US will severely slash the Climate Fund and negatively affect other coun- Once a precedent is set, there is a risk that tries who rely on this income. others will follow the example. Turkey’s president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, anAs a positive side note, governors and nounced that he would be less inclined to mayors of states in the US banded togeth- ratify the Paris agreement in wake of the er to make a statement the moment Pres- US decision. He believes that the withident Trump announced the withdrawal drawal could jeopardise funds promised. of the US from the Paris agreement. They However, the global response mostly repromised to abide by their commitment iterated and created an even stronger the to the Paris Agreement, despite future commitment to tackling global warming. undertakings of the US as a whole.. Re- Signatories of the agreement spoke out ports have suggested that if all US cities against Trump, with different levels of were to turn against Trump and commit conviction. With the withdrawal of the US, to the Paris Agreement, they could con- China and the EU are looked upon to step tribute 6% of global greenhouse gas sav- up and fill the void. Europe will need to ings. This would give the Paris Agreement be more vocal in highlighting the world’s greater chance of achieving its goals. commitment to the agreement, otherwise Most importantly, the US will not officially there is a risk it will become irrelevant. leave the agreement until weeks after the US presidential election in 2020. It is thus There was a time not long ago, when the a possibility for the next US President to withdrawal of American support would re-join the agreement. spell disaster for any effort to make a change. Despite the withdrawal of the US from the Paris Agreement, the urgency that drives the fight against global warming remains unwavered. The global outcry at the US exit may, in fact, be the push towards greater dedication the agreement from other signatories.

OPINION - In an attempt to become the people’s hero, Trump makes the world black and white.

There are simple answers to big problems in Trump’s world, he follows his business minded political ideas with a conviction that cannot be weakened.

By Millie Smith

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Electricity in Europe Production Carbon dioxide emissions per kWh of electricity produced in Europe is following a downward trend, while about 56% of Europe’s net electricity is already produced by low carbon sources.

In 2005, as well as in 2015, Cyprus and Malta were confirmed to be solely supplied with electricity by one producer, who enjoyed a complete monopoly. At least 70% of the market shares of France, Estonia, Croatia, Slovakia and Greece were held by their biggest supplier.

kWh

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The European Union has agreed upon the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 20% until the year 2020 and by a minimum of 40% by 2030 compared to the levels reached in 1990.

Consumption 36% of the monthly expenditure of average EU households is currently used to cover electricity. The price has mainly been raised over the last years through taxes and policies.

From 2005 to 2015, the electricity consumption per EU household fell by 0,9%. In the majority of EU countries in which the amount used has increased, the increment stayed below 10%.

By Nora Schmiedbauer

kWh

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The future of renewable energy W

By Millie Smith

e are unsustainably overdependent on non-renewable energy. The security of the power supply in Europe is at risk every day and at the current pace, the demand for non-renewable energy looks to outweigh its supply.

One day there will be no other option but to rely on renewable energy. The traditional sources of renewable energy (wind power; solar; hydroelectric power; tidal, wave and ocean power; geothermal energy; biofuels; and renewable waste) accounted for 13% of the EU-28’s gross inland energy consumption, which is on course to meet the goals set out by the union. The question remains, what the future of renewable energy will look like?

There are two main challenges the future will face; meeting energy demand and encouraging innovation.

Meeting Energy demand The European Commission reports good progress towards the goal of relying on renewable sources of energy for 20% of final energy consumption by 2020. However, if European non-renewable resources were to dry up tomorrow, European energy providers would not be able to meet the demand for power. The demand for energy overall is not stagnating either, predictions estimate that global energy demand will grow by a third by 2035. Recent movements towards renewable energy storage aim to meet this ever-increasing demand and revolutionise power supply.

Battery storage is supposed to work like a tap, in that when you are thirsty you drink. When the sun doesn’t shine and the wind doesn’t blow, there is little chance of renewable energy providing a constant secure power supply. In order to tackle this issue, tremendous amounts of research into energy storage are undertaken. So called energy storage sites could harbour excess energy produced at peak production and release it when there is a peak in demand. This would reduce the current waste in excess energy and create a secure power supply.

Such batteries could be directly attached to houses with solar panels and wind turbines, acting exactly as a tap would. Not only would these storage sites create a safety net, they would shift the power from energy producers to consumers in more than one way. The benefits are enormous for consumers, especially given that they would save money when energy prices are 12

high and could even sell back excess energy they have stored to the national grid.

InnovatioN Large-scale European energy producers have traditionally been reliant on subsidies to build solar and wind farms, and supply competitive renewable energy to consumers. These initiatives aimed to spark interest in the renewable energy industry. High subsidies for solar and wind power have since been slashed across Europe and left the industry with few incentives for investors. Innovations in technology are thus crucial for the development in and of the sector.

Crowd funding projects encourage the development of new renewable technologies, some of which have the potential to revolutionise how we go about our daily lives. Innovative ideas will shape the future of our energy policies in the future. Ideas like these can come from the simplest of places, even the Heidelberg Power Shift Forum. Start thinking about what you personally could do to shape the future of renewable energy - It all starts with an idea.

The “Starpath” - City pathways that contain ultraviolet particles which absorb light during the day and glow in the dark. This new technology lights up streets and replaces wasteful street lights.

The project has already been initiated in Cambridge in the United Kingdom, with plans to implement it across Europe.

“Floating wind farms“ – Currently being trialled in parts of Scotland, these turbines harvest wind power in waters too deep for bottom-standing turbines. This new structure has opened the ocean to more offshore wind farms.

“Solar panel window” - Solar cells, which are invisible to the naked eye, are embedded within the glass and harvest solar energy. This then provides power for the building, which is especially popular amongst big business buildings.

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Iceland

Sweden

Iceland is the only country supplied by 100% renewable sources. It gets its energy from hydropower and from geothermal power.

However Iceland also has the highest greenhouse gas emissions per capita in Europe, due to its heavy dependence on fishing and heavy industry due to its isolated geographic location. Iceland plans to cut emissions over the next 20-30 years by using geothermal electricity in all of its transportation.

Sweden´s prime minister set a goal at the UN General Assembly last year, to make the country completely free from fossil fuels by 2040. Sweden gets around 57% of its energy from renewable energy, and plans to shut down the nuclear power that is supplying the remaining energy. In addition, power plants running using recycled materials are so advanced that is buying waste from its neighbours to use as fuel for heating and electricity for around 2,50,000 homes.

Denmark In 2015, Denmark exported its excess energy to Germany, Sweden and Norway as it produced 140% of its energy needs through wind power alone.

It is the first country to build massive offshore wind farms and has become a wind power pioneer. Denmark’s goal is to reduce domestic energy consumption by 7% by 2020 by building more energy efficient infrastructure. Since 2013 it is forbidden to install oil and gas fired heating systems in new buildings. 12% of all power is generated from biogas and organic waste, while rest of the energy for heating is co-generated with electricity. Just like Sweden, Denmark also envisions to have fossil fuel free future [by year].

Germany The government has pledged to move to a decarbonised economy and has set target by 2050 to reach 80% of renewable energy. Germany is aiming to phase out its nuclear power plants by 2022. In the beginning of 2018, Germany will introduce hydrogen powered trains that only emit water, thereby replacing 4,000 diesel trains in operation today. Germany is committed to investing in the research for the better energy to be self depended from any fossil fuel that Germany imports today.

France France is facing air pollution as one of its major environmental problems. Therefore, in recent years, the French government has started to pursue clean technology through the use of governmental subsidies. In addition, the French government is also investing and supporting suppliers of energy efficient parts, the purchase of electronic, and hybrid cars. Many cities are also banning diesel cars from entering into centres and aim to ban the sale of petrol and diesel by 2040.

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Austria Since 2002, Austria has invested EUR 2.8 billion in eco-electricity, mostly spent on solar parks and hydroelectric stations. Austria has set a target of being powered by 34% renewable energy by 2020 and want be self sufficient by 2050.

Finland Within the EU, Finland together with Sweden and Austria are the leading countries for using renewable energy. The foresting industry is the biggest user of electricity and uses its wood residues as renewable energy, for this year the share of renewable energy is set to exceed 40%.

The big green bang

By Zain Mumtaz

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IN THIS SECTION The trilogy 17 The 3 Powershifts Fora 18 Powershifters IIllustrated by Utkan Dora Öncül

The 3 PowerShifts Fora Lyon 26.10. - 2.11.2015 122 participants from 26 countries 10 committees 5 Resolutions passed In Lyon, focus was put on the communication between the different committees. There was an Inter-Committee Exchange for giving and receiving feedback from partner committees twice. As the result of Lobby Night, all Amendments that ended up with enough signatures, were discussed during a first General Assembly. After that, during a revision day, two experts were invited to a panel discussion. At a second and final General Assembly, the resolutions were presented, including all amendments added during the first GA.

Warsaw 22. - 30.10.2016 129 participants from 30 countries 8 committees 6 Resolutions passed During the session, a panel discussion as well as an input lecture were held. A Lobby Night was held in order to receive general feedback for one’s own resolution, where signatures for amendments could be collected. It was up to the committees whether or not to include them into their resolutions.

Heidelberg 9. - 16.8.2017 127 participants from 26 countries 8 committees Heidelberg is the first of the fora to include the module “IC Understanding”. A variety of expert inputs were offered on the second day of Committee Work, the day itself ending with a Lobby Night. The Revision Day gave time to finalise the Resolutions before a single General Assembly.

All three fora were preceded by a training weekend in order to enhance academic and overall preparation. For Lyon, only the Chairs team was included, whereas for the other two fora, all of the officials convened.

by Nora Schmiedbauer HD_Magazine_17

Timotheus Riedel, Delegate Why did you decide to participate in all three sessions?

I decided to participate in the first Powershifts session because my then flatmate was a chairperson there and invited me to apply. I went to Lyon 2015, which turned out to be one of the best weeks of my life. I met many amazing people there, some of which have become close friends, which is why we decided to go to in Warsaw 2016, and later joined Heidelberg.

What do you think of the concept of having a trilogy of sessions surrounding a common theme?

After having participated in all three sessions, how do you feel about the topic now?

It is obvious that it is a very important topic for the future, but at the same time it is very technical, especially when it comes to grids, infrastructure, power plants and how this should work.

This is why it is even more important to get young people to think about it, as society is splitting into specialists and other people, and few people understand what is actually going on.

Democracy can work only when everybody has at least a basic understanding of what is going on, in order to be able to discuss it, which is why what we are doing here is so important.

I think that is a pretty good idea. I think it is kind of a problem in EYP that usually the results of delegates’ resolution get lost once the session is over. This is why I like the idea of building on these results, carrying them over to the next session.

Powershifters PowerShifts Heidelberg 2017 is the third in a row of three fora, which also took place 2015 in Lyon and 2016 in Warsaw. In contrast to usual EYP sessions, they strongly focussed on keeping track of a set of issues and the youth’s opinion about them. Some participants were in the fortunate position to attend all three of the fora, which made the media team ask how, why and what made them do it.

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Maria Cossi, delegate What do you think of the concept of having a trilogy of sessions surrounding a common theme?

I think it is very important because it’s not an easy topic, so by having these three Fora, one can actually dive into the topics. It is also interesting to see how perspectives change within a few years. In Lyon, for example, I was in the Committee on Climate Change and we had to focus on the EU approach to the COP 21. Now, I’m in the Committee on Environment and we need to tackle the fact that the United States is withdrawing from the Agreement. In only 2 years, so many things have changed.

After having participated in all of the Powershifts trilogy, how do you feel about the topic now?

I feel much more comfortable now about the topic now, then I was in Lyon. The thing I like the most is that these fora are really academic, overall people are very well prepared.

How do you feel about the fact that this is going to be the last session of the trilogy?

I am a bit sad, because I made quite some friends with whom I went to multiple Fora, and it really feels like a family by now.

Alex Blin, steering group How is it to be part of the Steering Group?

Being involved fully in the project for the 3 years was challenging and exciting, because 3 years is very long. Usually in EYP, you go from one session to another without that kind of connection. Only organising an International Session takes that long time in an EYPer’s life, but it is still only one session.

How do you feel about the fact that this is going to be the last session of the trilogy?

By Aijan Muktar

It is a strange feeling, because at the Powerbank every official was thinking about the start of their project Heidelberg 2017, while us, the Steering Group, were planning the end of our project. Many people see Heidelberg as a session among others, whereas for me, it is one third of the project and the last piece of the puzzle to finalise our work. I am relieved to reach the end of the Powershifts project because it has been a wonderful project which impacted many young europeans from at least 30 countries. Bringing energy to youth was not an easy task. I believe the Steering Group and all officials did a great job making the project a success, which is why I am very happy with it.

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IN THIS SECTION People Thunder of Effort and Talk with Peter 26 Energy 21 ABanter Terium & A with the of 28 Humans 22 QHead-Organisers Heidelberg 24 Q&A with the President

IIllustrated by Utkan Dora Öncül

A thunder of effort and Banter

The organisers can be considered the backbone of any session - Without them, everything would probably just fall over. Very similar to ones backbone, they are often out of sight, out of mind until problems start arising. For that reason one should ensure to look after them, much like one’s own spine, unless the organisers already look after one another.

The (session-)life of an organiser is as often quite varied and exciting, either rushing through the corridors without a breath to spare or hidden away in their organisers’ room. Find below small excerpts from their adventures: The large coffee machine used for breaks is named REGINA and it is in the possession of EYP Germany for several years already. As she has seen many a coffee already, she has become somewhat unreliable, frequently malfunctioning. Thus one the most important training modules for new organisers has become the handling of Regina, because no coffee means no happy people.

Franziska, the organiser responsible for delegates had an eerie nightmare not too long ago. She dreamt that the delegates were not arriving to the session since she had only contacted them through email before. Instead of being real people, she thought they were just a virus on her computer. Therefore, she was utterly happy to see the faces behind the words arriving for registration.

Nutrition is one of the basic needs of any human being.

Julian, responsible for logistics, took this thought to heart and decided to sign up as a vegan to the session. His motives were not so much due to a concern for animals, but more focused on the hope of ending up with two plates of food for every meal. Sadly for him, he only get’s one meal every time - and some extra coconuts or cucumbers from the organisers to help him sustain.

.. ..

By Utkan Dora OncUl

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Q and A WITH CHRISTINE MEISER and ELLA GEMÜND

By Theresa Lindlahr Illustration by Katarina Stefanovic´ 22

T: I’ve heard that one of you is really responsible and the other the most funky dancer in EYP Germany, but I don’t know who is who?!

E: I would say both of us are responsible and good dancers but when it comes to dancing, one of us is a bit more ruthless!

T: How would you describe each other throughout the long working-process together?

E: Chrissy sometimes tends to be more critical whereas I am more optimistic about things working out. So she thinks of all the problems I would not even have considered. Some are maybe not that relevant and we can laugh about them, but others are really important, so we are a good yin and yang.

C: Working with Ella is constantly energy intensive and I think I need that high energy next to my sometimes more critical self.

We really push and challenge each other in what we think we are capable of. I think what I was most afraid of whether the project would be cool, but that it would not be enjoyable on a personal level - But I’ve had the best time organising it! And that’s largely because of the cooperation and trust between the two of us and also between us, Kira and Kerstin, which made long Skype talks also fun. We laugh a lot together!

T: Were there any funny stories during the organising process with your team?

C: We had a hilarious weekend when all 15 of us stayed in Ella’s 2-bedroom-apartment. One of our organisers is a sleep-talker so we were very much entertained

throughout the night! It was not necessarily the smoothest organising period, but it has always been an enjoyable one. The organisers are genuinely very, very nice people and even when something doesn’t work out as planned, they make up for it with the fun and enjoyment they bring to the team.

Everyone is… energetic, and also enthusiastic and that motivates me as well to give my best.

T: Was it clear from the start that Heidelberg would be such a high-level session with many experts and academic events or did the programme evolve over time?

C: We knew from the beginning that we had the support and means to try out new formats.

E: The format with two GAs is popular now in EYP. We wanted to do something similar that likewise increases the academic quality, but do it in an innovative way and thus we had the Energy Night. We could not be happier about it.

C: I wanted to include previous experiences from chairing and the academic work of EYP. Every event in their order aims to help the chairs and committees in their work towards the best possible outcome.

T: Why do you do EYP and what would you tell people who are not quite sure yet whether to try EYP themselves?

C: I would tell potential EYPers, ‘why not?’ I’m naturally very curious and aim to try new things all the time. In EYP I have found a place where I can constantly do this. There is always a challenge and it’s a very open space where you can try and push your limits.

It’s not always going to be successful, but it’s going to teach you lessons, probably no other organisation can teach you.

Why I still do EYP? It doesn’t matter whether I’m a chairperson, a VP or an organiser, the development in the people that are in a way attached to you is something I find very enriching and rewarding.

T: Can you give an example of this?

C: At a session in rural Austria last December a delegate who had previously given very controversial statements on the topic of migration later told us he was so surprised that this wasn’t just a one-dimensional issue. Before coming to the session he had never before regarded migrants as persons, people with feelings, instead of mere numbers. While the numbers had had an overwhelming and rather paralysing effect on him, he now felt the urge to help.

And what’s more brilliant than being one of the very starting points of such an eye-opening change, to be able to reach people and trigger a switch? People concerning themselves with their environment, getting involved and doing something about it? That’s what still keeps me in the EYP, I can always see that happening.

T: Is there anything you have always wanted to say to a large group of people?

E: I think this is the time when I should quote Martin Luther King and talk about dreams and deep ideas, but the only real advice I can give anyone is go to the store and get yourself a milk foamer.

It’s a dream you can fulfil immediately. Get a milk foamer, it’s pure happiness right there.

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Q and A WITH Maria PASHI

By Utkan Dora ÖncÜl Illustration by Katarina Stefanovic´

Q:

Would you say that you have a certain style of presiding?

How did you become the president of Power Shifts 2017?

A:

A: I remember receiving an email invitation from the Board of EYP Germany when I was road-tripping in Canada. I was quite excited because International Fora leave the space for experimentation and there is less pressure compared to International Sessions. Also, the invitation was quite in advance - ten months before - so I could easily balance my work life with session preparations. I had confidence in German organisers and thus accepted the honour of leading the end of the Power Shifts Trilogy.

In addition, I asked if we could move the dates of the session a week earlier and they did to accommodate me, so I felt very special.

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Q:

I am a person who sticks to classics while leaving room for experiments. Classics are classics for a reason but, I think being rigid isn’t optimal either. We should all experiment and adjust to the environment. Where are we going to find innovation, if we repeat ourselves in our separate comfort zones?

Q: Talking about innovating through experimenting, what are the challenges of leading such a diverse team of chairs?

A: I like to give people tools, guidance and support rather than directing them. Of course, I set some parameters for fluidity, but after that they are completely open to portray their own styles. As I give them room for freedom, they really need to be their own boss and take initiative. Hence, I do not really micromanage but comfort them with my experience and support.

A: For me the value of EYP has always been two-fold. On the one hand, obviously the process of active citizenship through academic investment. On the other hand, it holds amore emotional value. It is about the people and relationships you build; most of my close friends are from EYP to be honest. We have a great variety of people among the organisation so even if you are seeking a particular kind of person to connect, you will find that person.

Q: Why do you think simulative events like this one are important for European society? What are the personal benefits of this role-play we call EYP?

A: Since the topics we discuss in EYP have a more societal and political nature, it forces delegates to talk about foreign topics. This is perhaps their first encounter with active citizenship and they go beyond the mere act of voting by doing EYP. It allows alumni to get engaged in society, politics and environment.

As opposed to usual discussions, EYPers undertake the challenge of finding data before presenting their opinion.

Hence, the participants are encouraged to form an opinion out of facts rather than biases. As they are forced to see multiple sides of any opinion in EYP, we motivate them to care without prejudice.

Apart from the knowledge on how institutions, stakeholders and decision makers work together; EYP also teaches skills which are ordinarily useful such as: learning how to cooperate, learning about different cultures, as well as facilitating a group or creating media, or organising an event.

Q: Why do you do EYP?

Q: More on a personal note, what do you think about when you are alone?

When you are alone you can get out of your head a little bit and focus on the aspects of your life that makes you worry, feel responsible, stress and dream. I guess you can be a little bit philosophical and feel all carpe diem.

When I was a kid I used to think a lot about mortality and tried to confront myself with the phrase “you only live once�.

That leads me to seize the moment trying outlive every second. On the other hand, you notice you should also live it the way you answered theoretically therefore, my stream of consciousness gets quite paradoxical.

Interview by Aijan Muktar and Utkan Dora Önkül

How would you describe what is it that you do?

I lead a company, innogy SE, that is the blueprint for the energy company of the future. The future energy system will need to have a renewable generation.

This generation has to be distributed to customers, meaning the grid needs to be very intelligent to cope with the volatile renewable generation while also communicating with customers. I’m leading a company that has experiences in all of these important areas to build up the energy system of the future, that’s what I do.

The topics of this session were written to address important transition trends in the energy sector - the 3Ds - Decarbonisation, Decentralisation and Digitalisation. What are the risks and the 26

opportunities of such trends?

I believe in a free market. What we need to have is a free market with competitors I would not call it risks - rather challeng- who would make the most promising ofes, there often are a lot of opportunities. fers to customers. This would create creSociety needs to decarbonise and since ativity, and good competitive solutions.

COP 21 aims to do so, it means that we I believe in that solution and I think that will need more generation of energy that is what is going to happen. from renewable sources. We also need to make it happen in sectors where it cur- Innogy launched a campaign called rently is not, like transport, heating and “We For Europe”. Can you tell us somethe housing sectors. This is challenging, thing about the aims of the campaign offering competitive prices for these sec- and its relevance if many competences tors, but I think it is exciting. Decentralisa- in the energy sector are still on nationtion means that solutions will need to be al or regional level? more local, that people want to have their own energy within their environment, We see more and more that democratic under their control. And digitalisation is a decision making is done without recogtrend to help make it all happen. nizing or being aware of all the facts and advantages of the EU. I think there are How do we convince consumers to be some things wrong with Europe which more proactive in energy production? need to be worked on, but it would be a

Energy Talk with Peter Terium During the fourth day of the session, the participants of the Powershifts Academic Forum were visited by Peter Terium, CEO of Innogy, an energy company based in Germany. After a fishbowl discussion with the participants about the different committee topics, Mr Terium also answered some of our own questions in a Q&A.

pity to throw away the good things about it: Prosperity, decades without any major domestic conflicts, the ability to commute, to learn, to work across borders – all those advantages are fundamental for a society, for new generations, for companies to be able to drive their businesses. What we would like to achieve with “We4Europe” is that all the facts on Europe are known. We initiated a dialogue and we do it through the CEOs that participate in “We4Europe”.

They talk to their people, creating a better relation with their own employees. I think through this we can motivate them to also have this discussion with their friends or neighbors. Thus, the democratic decision making process is built not on fake arguments, not on polemics only, but on an informed perspective.

Our project is called “Power Shifts - Re- How does your professional engageflecting Europe’s Energy”. Do you feel ment with energy affect your personal an actual power shift? decisions? What do you do at home to be more energy efficient?

II see a major shift in the industry, which has happened in the last years, the fact I’m always looking for better light bulbs that very traditional companies like RWE that consume less electricity. I try to comhave been broken up is a real shift. There municate with my environment in a more was a shift around Fukushima, the drive digital form, turning appliances on and to get out of nuclear. Currently we see off like that. I also involve myself in things a surge to get the decarbonisation is- like societal aspects of energy and recentsue solved. Of course, the technological ly switched to a hybrid car¬ – a small, but side is also changing. The costs of solar personal contribution. electricity have gone down significantly, same with wind. This enables the implementation of a new generation of these power sources that will not have to be subsidized as heavily and can thus easily compete with the conventional generation.

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Korbinian Franken, 20 Sponsoring-in-kind-Organiser If you could force something upon everyone in the world, what would it be?

I would force everyone to think more ecological and sustainable, to think more of the future and be more aware of the problems, they are causing for future generations.

Millie Smith, 20, UK, Journalist

Laura Teixeira, 21, Portugal, Chair of DEVE

Your house is on fire, which object do you take to save?

I would save my original copy of George Orwell’s 1984. It was my dad’s and it is my favourite book.

What would you tell someone who is not sure yet whether to try EYP? I would tell them that the best things in life happen when you leave your comfort zone. I wasn’t sure either, but 3 years ago I left my comfort zone and I have not regretted it since.

Humans of Arpine Yeghiazaryan, 22, Armenia, delegate of ITRE I What was your favorite part of the session so far?

Teambuilding. We played around and became friends quickly. The game I liked the most was the coin game. It was embarrassing, but fun.

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Matthew Caine, UK, delegate of TRAN What is a wish you had ever since?

A wish I had since I got interested in politics, is that the European Union would finally abandon its purely ideological pursuits of austerity economics. That’s very much something that I think is hugely damaging to the Union and has led to so great a deal of tension.

Hande Taner, 20, Netherlands, delegate of ENVI What’s something your parents taught you that you really cherish?

What they taught me is faith.

When you are born into a religious family, religious education is normal. But then when you grow up, you learn more about its significance. Faith in God encompasses everything. Even if you’re not religious, faith is everywhere.

Believing in people is faith.

Siebe Geerts, 23, Belgium, Vice-President How do you feel right now?

Heidelberg

by Theresa Lindlahr

Alessio Pollastrini, Italy, delegate of DEVE

Elina Stavridou, 19, Greece, Journalist

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

In 5 years I see myself in an airport. Not just for fun, but for work, and I really enjoy it.

If you were to win 10 million in the lottery today, what would you do with the money?

My answer is quite boring. I would give half of it to my sister and parents, invest 10% and keep another 10% for living. And then use the remaining 30% to travel and see other continents like America and Asia, maybe Africa.

Wow, that got me dreaming now.

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IN THIS SECTION Other Energy 31 Heidelberg‘s Entrepreneur 32 #GiveItAThought 34 Best Dressed OC

IIllustrated by Utkan Dora Öncül

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#GiveItAThought There’s no place where the phrase „you are the future“ is more truethan at an EYP session. Young people with diverse cultural backgrounds gather to share their most important connection that encompasses borders: the spirit of European, if not world citizenship. They show tolerance for each other and display an open-mindedness to adversity. Youth are not only the future, but they take charge of it and actively seek to shape it: a future that is good and sustainable for all. In their endeavour to find solutions, they express interest, responsibility and commitment. Curious about their thoughts regarding more personal questions the media team undertook this survey.

Do you believe there is a higher justice in life?

Is your choice of studies or career path close to what you imagined for yourself while growing up?

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Is your choice of studies or career path close to what you imagined for yourself while growing up?

Do you think nation states will continually dissolve and do you consider them dissolving a good or a bad development?

If you could travel by time machine once and without return would you choose to go to the past, the future or stay in the present?

Does the threat of terrorism influence your behavior in any way?

Do you think there should be a global redistribution of wealth?

Do you think the rags-toriches career path is possible today?

Do you feel connected to all ages? Do you know any young child or elderly person well who is not part of your family?

Do you have a certain set of media – a news channel, a newspaper or single journalist – you trust to be truthful?

What is more important to you, roots or wings?

Do you want to live abroad for some time in your life?

By Theresa Lindlahr HD_Magazine_33

LUC

Eike,18

“We all share the world, so we must care for it; but we also share style!”

“Do something different.”

Laura,18 “My roommate helped me pick this outfit.”

Best Dressed 34

Sometimes it’s ok to be a little superficial, especially in EYP. Find below the best dressed people from Thursday’s Opening Ceremony, according to objective criteria.

Selina,22 “I’ m just here to tend the bar.”

Emilia,19 “I needed to fit with the session’s colour code.”

Matthew,19 “Dress suitably in short skirts and strong boots, leave your jewels in the bank, and buy a revolver.

– Constance Markievicz”

Opening Ceremony

by Elina Stavridou HD_Magazine_35