letter editor s

Energy: a single word inviting an abundance of opportunities to interrogate a number of pressing issues and ponder some personal interests. Welcome to The ENERGY Issue.

The word ‘energy’ is everywhere at the moment. The cost of energy and the energy crisis is on everybody’s lips. This issue invites you to explore the many complex interpretations of the concept of energy. You may think first of the global energy crisis and your mind might instantly venture to the record high cost of oil and gas. But it also takes positive energy – energy of a different type – for a person to wake up, switch on their TV or mobile phone and gather the strength to go and protest against the energy crisis.

Energy is always there, whether positive or negative. This issue explores how you channel energy in your life. Energy is excitement, passion, vibrance, motivation, drive, power –and so much more. At your favourite band’s concert, energy is needed to power the speakers, the lights and the sound desk; the performers give off energy and feed off the energy of the audience. The reaction of the crowd – its energy – is what universally defines a good show.

Energy is something we use every day. It’s fuel for your mind, body and soul, as well as what powers your home. It can be as perplexing as what fuels our planet or as simple as what food makes you feel most energetic. Your body converts food into energy, whether that’s plant-based eating or experimenting with different health foods.

From exploring life off-grid to focusing on energy problems in Tanzania or finding a quiet corner around town to recharge your own energy, this issue looks at everything from the cost-of-living crisis to energy-boosting grub to artists who are tackling the climate crisis head-on.

I hope you enjoy The ENERGY Issue and are inspired by what you read here, and that – after re-energising with some food in a cool cafe or restful spot – you get up and use that energy!

Elena John