Interview: Annabelle Jaeger-Seydoux, Director of Monaco’s Energy Transition

Monaco is leading the way in its efforts to transition to clean energy, with initiatives that will serve as a blueprint for other communities across the globe. As Director of the Energy Transition Mission, Annabelle Jaeger-Seydoux is at the forefront of that campaign and was able to share her expertise at this year’s Transition Forum.

Annabelle spoke to Monaco Life about what it takes to help the government, businesses and individuals make the transition to a clean, green future.

Annabelle Jaeger-Seydoux

Annabelle, you have extensive experience in helping municipalities to develop sustainable policies. What did it mean to you to be instated as the director of the energy transition of the Principality?

It meant being able to bring my experience and knowledge to my country, which is very meaningful to me. Monaco is clearly focused on energy transition thanks to H.S.H Prince Albert of Monaco. His involvement is a key factor of success to develop sustainable policies in this country. His government decided to create the Mission for Energy Transition two years ago in order to facilitate and accelerate the transition. I am very enthusiastic about my role as the director of a mission that can develop very concrete policies such as greenhouse gas reduction projects and energy sobriety projects, but also local renewable energy production. Two examples of what we are currently working on:  the implementation of sea water heat networks as well as a solar map to inform the residents of solar production potential of roofs.

What are the key factors that are needed in order for a state like Monaco to make the transition as smooth as possible?

A clear political message at the top of the State is one of them. Strong and determined policies and financial means are both crucial but not enough. To achieve our energy transition in Monaco and our ambitious goals in reducing our greenhouse gas emissions by 50% in 2030 and carbon-neutrality by 2050, we have no other option than to go faster and involve the whole Monegasque community. We need everyone to take part. That is why we launched the National Pact for Energy Transition a year ago to engage all stakeholders on a common base and around three priorities: mobility, waste and energy. The Pact, which is accessible to individuals and businesses as well, guides us towards concrete actions and promotes better habits.

How hard is it to change people’s behaviour within the government when it comes to switching to sustainable practices?

Sustainable practices are hard to implement when they force us to change our habits, and even harder when obliging us to abandon some of them – within the government as well as within society. Mobility is a good example: it’s easier to act differently when you have access to other options. Some of us are ready to invest in electric cars, but are we ready to not take a plane anymore or at least to take it less often? To help achieve these behaviour moves, it is important to understand all the different benefits we can get from them. Less traffic on our roads means less greenhouse gas emissions, less pollution in the air and less noise in our streets. Using an electric bike in Monaco means being less nervous about traffic and arriving right on time, as well as a daily physical activity and therefore, a healthier life!

Sustainable practices bring us not only towards less risk but actually towards more opportunities. Because once decarbonisation takes place, a story that can already be told by individuals and companies who are currently on this path, the window of opportunity is wide open. In fact, a carbon constraint is actually a crucial ingenious opportunity. That is true for any company, true for any city and true for any country. That is why we need to move forward!

What do you consider the key successes regarding the energy transition in Monaco?

To reach our greenhouse gas emission targets, our national action plan focuses mainly on the three sectors which have the most important greenhouse gas emissions rate: road transport, waste management and buildings’ energy consumption. They represent approximatively 90% of the country’s gas emissions.

To spearhead this program, H.S.H Prince Albert II decided to found the Mission for Energy Transition in order to manage projects which limit greenhouse gas emissions and which increase the use of renewable energy. He also decided to create the National Green Fund in order to finance concrete and large-scale projects in and outside Monaco.

We are truly blessed with a political leader, a determined government and a dedicated Mission and Fund.

Prince Albert and the first signed energy transition charter in 2017. Photo from Monaco Life archives, ©-Gaetan-Luci-Palais-Princier

You are speaking at the Transition Forum, what is the purpose of such a platform?

The Transition Forum is an opportunity to share and explain our policies, but also to urge the financial sector to play its part. The investments needed in energy transition are huge and especially regarding transportation infrastructures, building renovation, innovation etc. Public and private investments are both needed to face this situation.

Monaco is a small state. How can the achievements there be applied to larger countries like France and the rest of the world?

Monaco has to give the example. From my perspective, our country has only one option: to be a leader. The Principality has in fact everything that’s needed: capacity and creativity within its community, technology and last but not least, the resources to show the way towards energy transition.

100 days to the MYS

Organisers of this year’s Monaco Yacht Show have announced that the popular upper deck lounge has undergone an exciting transformation for the 2019 MYS. The reveal was made during a special cocktail toasting 100 days to the main event.

Set against a Mediterranean backdrop, guests gathered to mark the 100 day countdown to the 2019 MYS

On the rooftop of the Monte Carlo Star overlooking the Mediterranean sea, guests gathered on Tuesday 25th June to celebrate the 100 day countdown to the Monaco Yacht Show.

“The 100 days to the MYS event launched the final lap to the show,” said Johan Pizzardini, MYS communications manager. “In a few days, we’ll announce the 125 superyachts that will be in port Hercules this September and I must say this will be a jaw-breaking selection. The 2019 edition will present the most voluminous superyacht fleet ever exhibited in 29 years!”

It has been revealed that this year the upper deck lounge will offer high quality amenities on two floors. The ground floor will be dedicated to luxury exhibitors and feature a bar with an outdoor terrace, while the first floor will host a restaurant and a VIP lounge with a panoramic view over Port Hercules.

The upper deck lounge will also offer new collections and exclusive products displayed by luxury brands including Ulysse Nardin, Giobagnara, G&M Design,  Preciosa and Sabrina Monte Carlo.

The new upper deck lounge will feature a host of luxury additions

On the first floor, the Horizon restaurant-bar will suggest daily exciting menus for lunch and will open its bar late in the afternoon. Meanwhile, in the VIP lounge, the show’s visitors will be spoiled with Lanson champagne and massages for relishing a quiet moment away from the docks.

“The MYS has become one of the world’s top 10 events to attend for the social elite,” said Mr Pizzardini. “The show has become a unique experience for enthusiasts of superyachting or prospective charterers and purchasers. We target very affluent people, so we should offer an experience in keeping with their lifestyles.”

The Monaco Yacht Show was created in 1991 and each year showcases 125 extraordinary one-off superyachts and megayachts, of which 40 new launches are annually unveiled in a worldwide debut.

On the docks, there is a selection of 580 leading companies in the industry, including superyacht builders and nautical suppliers, yacht designers, luxury manufactures and brokerage houses, as well as water toys, prestige cars, helicopter and private jet manufacturers.

The Monaco Yacht Show will be held from 25th to 28th September.

Judge removed from Swiss art dealer case

A French Judge leading the case on suspicion of corruption involving a Swiss art dealer and Russian businessman Dmitry Rybolovlev will be removed from the investigation.

Judge Edouard Levrault has been in Monaco under a three year contract investigating the high-profile case of Swiss art dealer Yves Bouvier, who has been accused by Russian businessman Dmitry Rybolovlev of overinflating the prices on 37 pieces of art sold to him, allegedly costing the Russian approximately €1 billion in losses.

It has been announced that Levrault’s contract, which expires on 1st September, will not be renewed.

The story began back in February 2015 when Rybolovlev went to the Monaco police with his claims.  The police detained Bouvier, charging him with “large scale” fraud and money laundering.

Levrault, a French judge, was assigned the case and in 2018, the head of the Legal Services Department (acting as Minister of Justice) Laurent Anselmi told media organisation Agence France Presse that Judge Levrault “will have time to complete the investigation before the change in his post.”

On Thursday, the Government of Monaco issued a statement saying “all the ongoing cases will be transferred to the appointed judges, who, like their predecessors, will have all the capabilities to ensure that their missions are carried out under conditions of independence.”

As it stands now, Monaco authorities have allowed for two additional judges to investigate current cases, bringing the total number from two up to three in an effort to have quicker resolutions to pending cases.

 

 

Princess Grace Theatre season

The 2019-2020 season of the Princess Grace Theatre has been announced and with 29 scheduled dates, theatre goers have plenty of chances to enjoy a show.

Françoise Gamerdinger, Director of Cultural Affairs, at the desk during the presentation of the Princess Grace Theater season. © Directorate of Communication – Charly Gallo

The line-up is varied, with plays from Molière to Harold Pinter and Pierre Desproges, so there is something for everyone to enjoy. The theatre will also host three productions in local venues outside the theatre, namely the Grimaldi Forum. In addition, this season introduces some firsts, such as a play in Italian and a film screening.

The theatre has had a long and storied past. Originally opened in 1932, the Théâtre des Beaux-Arts as it was then called, was thoroughly modern for the times. Designed in the art deco style and fitted with the most up-to-date equipment of the time, it was a drawcard for many actors as well as patrons.

The first season was a full programme of English comedies, which proved a success. By the mid-1930’s, a more classical French selection was proposed and drew some of the biggest French theatre stars of the decade performing plays by famed playwrights such as Sacha Guitry and Roger Martin du Gard.

The theatre fell into disuse until 1981 when Princess Grace and Prince Rainier III restored it, making several important improvements. It has been a mainstay of Monaco ever since.

Subscriptions are now available and one-off tickets can be purchased from the ticket office from 2nd September. 

How to handle the heat

Beaches and swimming pools are packed, air conditioners have been fired up after a long winter’s nap, and cold drinks are flying off the shelves. While we are all trying to keep cool, the Monaco government has issued a few directives to encourage people to keep an eye on their health and the health of those around them.

With the rising temps comes the possibility of heat or sun stroke, dehydration and the decline in general well-being.

Knowing the signs can help prevent potentially dangerous situations.

Heat stroke is marked by high fever, loss of consciousness and hot, red, dry skin.  A person suffering from heat stroke has lost the ability to regulate body temperature and has also ceased to sweat, which is the body’s go-to for cooling. It can come on very fast and must be treated promptly to avoid permanent neurological damage. Children and the elderly are most at risk, as are athletes who do not compensate for water loss by taking a lot of liquids.

Dehydration is a far easier fix and can be rectified by drinking water. Stay away from caffeine, alcohol and sugary drinks as they can make dehydration worse.

Something many of us don’t consider is the effect heat has on those taking certain medications. Clearly, if you are taking your medications correctly and not allowing heat-related factors to come into play, they are perfectly safe. Unless instructed by a doctor, do not cease taking anything prescribed. A few drugs to watch out for listed are below.

People who use diuretics or medicines containing diuretic properties should do so with care. These cause dehydration and can cause serious trouble.

Certain anti-depressants inhibit sweating, lithium salts can be toxic if a person is not properly hydrated and neuroleptics can cause body temperature to rise due to disruptions to the internal thermostat.

Additionally, anti-inflammatories, some antibiotics, anti-virals and migraine medicines can be dangerous if dehydrated.

In general, the elderly, the young, and the already unwell are at highest risk, but heat affects us all. Preventative measures are the best weapons and are simple to adhere to. Wear lightweight and light-coloured clothing, drink plenty of liquids and stay out of the sun during the hottest hours of the day. 

Following these few easy rules will help ensure we all make it out of this heat wave in good shape.