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<p dir="ltr">As nations strive to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the transformation of energy-intensive industries will significantly impact job quality and worker well-being. This thesis investigates the critical intersection of employment opportunities and just energy transitions in the context of industrial decarbonization, focusing on the U.S. steel sector. We address the challenge of balancing economic, environmental, and social considerations in the shift towards low-carbon manufacturing processes. Semi-structured interviews inform the development of a choice-based conjoint survey of Indiana steelworkers, which helps quantify worker preferences for various job attributes such as shift patterns, overtime hours, and wages. The analysis employs willingness-to-pay models to elucidate the complex relationships between compensation and working conditions in the context of potential changes brought about by renewable energy integration and electrification of steel production. Key findings reveal significant disutility associated with increased overtime hours and an unexpected preference for night shifts over day shifts among respondents. The research also highlights the importance of sociotechnical solutions that account for worker needs in designing decarbonized manufacturing processes. While acknowledging limitations such as potential sample bias, this thesis contributes to the development of integrated modeling approaches that combine worker preferences with operational constraints and energy costs. The results inform strategies for achieving a just energy transition in the steel industry, emphasizing the need for policies that prioritize worker well-being alongside decarbonization goals.</p>

[pt] O tema das mudanças climáticas é um dos maiores desafios globais por parte de governos nacionais e articulações internacionais, visando estabilizar as concentrações de Gases do Efeito Estufa (GEE) e evitar interferências antropogênicas perigosas sobre a atmosfera e o sistema climático global. De acordo com o Painel Intergovernamental para a Mudança de Clima (IPCC), as principais causas das mudanças climáticas estão relacionadas as emissões liberadas pela queima dos combustíveis fósseis que compõem a matriz energética de muitos países industrializados, tornando-se necessária a limpeza do componente fóssil, particularmente do carbono. O Brasil está entre os dez países que mais emite GEE, apesar de possuir uma das matrizes energéticas com mais energias renováveis do mundo, assumiu em 2015 na convenção do clima em Paris o compromisso global de descarbonização da economia e de aumentar a participação de fontes de energia renováveis, como a eólica e a solar, na sua matriz energética. Valendo-se do alto potencial de irradiação solar no território brasileiro, o presente estudo aponta a geração distribuída de energia fotovoltaica como um dos caminhos para acelerar o ingresso do Brasil na economia de baixo carbono honrando o compromisso de mitigação dos GEE. Simulando cenários com base no ano de 2010 e usando o recurso de geoprocessamento, concluiu-se que com a instalação massiva de sistema fotovoltaico nos telhados dos domicílios brasileiros, é possível antecipar metas de mitigação dos GEE e gerar excedentes de emissões evitadas posicionando o Brasil como um importante protagonista na descarbonização da economia global até o final do século. / [en] Since the last decades of the twentieth century, human society has been facing economic and environmental crisis, influencing each other, drawing attention of national governments, international and non-governmental organizations together with several sectors of civil society. The economic crisis recently experienced by several countries and aggravated by various pressures of a global population that reached 7.3 billion in 2015 with a projected growth for 2030 of 8.5 billion people, will require an increase of employment, food production, water supply, energy production and industry development. As far as the environment is concerned, there is sufficient agreement by the scientific community, attributing to industrial processes, the use of fossil fuels, deforestation and land use throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, several environmental impacts such as: cumulative discharge of waste contaminating the soil, rivers and oceans; overexploitation of natural resources often leading to the risk of their depletion; emission of polluting gases (particularly CO2) causing global temperature rise, warming the atmosphere and oceans reducing snow and melting ice from the glacial regions, acidifying and raising the level of the oceans; use of agrochemicals and pesticides in agricultural activities contaminating soil and food; deforestation leading to severe ecological imbalances, biodiversity loss and changes in climate patterns. From this global context, several countries have been restructuring their laws and economies to stop the predatory exploitation of natural resources and implementing actions to clean up their energy matrix and decarbonize the economy reducing carbon emissions of fossil fuels sources responsible for the environment contamination.

Global energy transitions and rises in demand for critical raw materials (CRMs) are predicted to reshape global politics in yet uncertain but profound ways. With CRMs being vital for Europe’s decarbonization process, the present study sets out to examine the EU’s geopolitical discourse by taking an inquisitive yet critical stance focusing particularly on the new “geopolitical” Commission’s geopolitical reasoning on CRMs. Building upon critical geopolitics, a discourse analysis was conducted on 9 European Commission communications (2019–2020). Three key observations were made: first, a ‘geopolitical’ and ‘assertive’ EU is crucial in an increasingly ‘fragile’, ‘polarized’ and ‘competitive’ world. Second, securing CRMs is a ‘security question’, requiring ‘strategic approaches and partnerships’, notably with ‘resource–rich regions’ and particularly with Africa. Third, the EU’s narrative is ambiguous. While classical geopolitical assumptions are distinguishable, it remains questionable whether the EU will depart from its familiar path of liberal cooperation, multilateralism and trade when scouting for CRMs, although its role as a “benign ally” can be questioned. Further studies on the EU’s geopolitical reasoning, along with its actual practice in the area of CRMs, are warranted. Likewise, a critical reading of reports and foresight preceding EU policymaking is encouraged, to better comprehend how the EU’s dominating geopolitical discourse on CRMs and subsequent practice is produced in the first place.

The human influence of global climate is an issue currently assessed in various mitigation strategies. Stockholm County has committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2040 and negative by 2045 according to the Paris agreement. The strategy includes cutting of various sectors emissions as well as compensating for remaining emissions with carbon sequestration methods. Accounting for ecosystems ability to sequester carbon at local level in green urban areas is an important in carbon offset efforts. It has emerged from previous research that the sequestration rate may differ depending on vegetation age and thus time passing, which is not assessed on a regional level, which is important for carbon offset efforts to accurately account for the sequestration potential in long-term mitigation strategies. This study therefore aims to fill the knowledge gap of how the temporal aspect affects the current sequestration potential and future predictions, as well as assessing how it can aid in reaching carbon neutrality by 2040. The study are thus aiming to answer the research questions (1) how the carbon sequestration potential of the existing green areas change over time in Stockholm County, (2) if additional measures need to be taken to preserve or increase carbon sequestration to maintain carbon neutrality until 2040 and (3) how the knowledge of sequestration dynamics aid in reaching a carbon neutral city by 2040. A weighing of which Corine Land Cover categories was performed and concluded in the including; discontinuous structures, green urban areas, forests and wetlands, due to their contribution to sequestration potential, estimated change through time, and relevance for Stockholm County. The spatial analysis was made based on calculations with information obtained from processing of obtained data on land cover and species distribution as well as scientific literature on sequestration rates of each vegetation across all life stages, where Net Ecosystem Production was the main measurement used. The estimated results were computed in a Geographic Information System to simulate and visualize the sequestration rates of current and future predictions of 2040 sequestration potential as well as locating areas of interest. The findings show that by including temporal aspects to the assessment of carbon sequestration potential in Stockholm County, the current and future sequestration potential increased from previous research estimations. The total current sequestration potential was 2,8 MtCO2-eq annually and the predictions were estimated to 3,3 MtCO2-eq per year in 2040. As the current emissions in Stockholm County are currently 6 MtCO2-eq per year, the natural sequestration potential provided by the green areas is compensating for 46% of the current emissions. As the estimated future emissions are 0,95 MtCO2-eq annually, the natural sequestration potential more than compensates for the emissions in the county, if the predicted emission reductions are realized. Although further measurements are not seemingly required to achieve carbon neutrality in 2040, the findings further locate areas and species where management practices or protection is beneficial to further add to the sequestration potential of Stockholm County. / Den mänskliga påverkan på det globala klimatet är ett problem som för närvarande bedöms i olika klimatåtgärder. Stockholms län har förbundit sig till ett mål att bli koldioxidneutralt till 2040 och koldioxidnegativt till 2045 enligt Parisavtalets överenskommelser. Strategin innefattar att minska utsläppen från olika sektorer samt att kompensera de återstående utsläppen med olika metoder för koldioxidlagring. Ekosystemens förmåga att binda kol på lokal nivå i gröna stadsområden är en viktig del av ansträngningarna för att kompensera för utsläppen. Det har varit uppenbart från tidigare forskning att potentialen av koldioxidlagring kan skilja sig åt beroende på vegetationens ålder samt passerande tid, även om aktuell forskning inte omfattar frågan på regional nivå, vilket är viktigt för insatser som omfattar koldioxidkompensation så att lagringspotentialen kan redovisas korrekt i de långsiktiga klimatåtgärderna. Denna studie syftar därför till att fylla kunskapsluckan gällande hur den tidsmässiga aspekten påverkar den befintliga lagringspotentialen och framtida prognoser samt hur det kan bidra till att nå koldioxidneutralitet fram till 2040. Studien avser därmed till att svara på forskningsfrågorna (1) hur kolbindningspotentialen för de befintliga grönområdena förändras över tid i Stockholms län, (2) ifall ytterligare åtgärder behöver vidtas för att bevara eller öka koldioxidbindningen för att uppnå eller bibehålla koldioxidneutralitet fram till 2040 och (3) hur kunskapen om koldioxidlagringsdynamiken underlättar för att nå en koldioxidneutral region år 2040. En avvägning av vilka Corina marktäckeskategorier utfördes och resulterade i inkludering av; diskontinuerliga strukturer, gröna stadsområden, skogar och våtmarker, där koldynamiken och omfattningen av lagringspotentialen var relevant för Stockholmsregionen. Den rumsliga analysen gjordes baserad på beräkningar med information erhållen genom bearbetning av införskaffad data om marktäcke och artfördelning samt vetenskaplig litteratur om kolbindningshastighet för varje vegetation över alla livsstadier, där Net Ecosystem Production var det huvudsakliga måttet. De uppskattade resultaten beräknades i ett Geografiskt Informationssystem för att simulera och visualisera lagringshastigheten för nuvarande och framtida förutsägelser om sekvestreringspotentialen år 2040 samt att lokalisera intressanta. Resultaten visar att genom att inkludera tidsmässiga aspekter i bedömningen av kolbindningspotentialen i Stockholms län ökade den nuvarande och framtida bindningspotentialen från tidigare forsknings uppskattningar. Den totala nuvarande lagringspotentialen var 2,8 MtCO2-ekv årligen och de framtida prognoserna uppskattades till 3,3 MtCO2-ekv årligen år 2040. Eftersom de nuvarande utsläppen i Stockholms län för närvarande är 6 MtCO2-ekv årligen, kunde man se att den naturliga lagringspotentialen som grönområdena avsåg, kompenserar för 46 % av de nuvarande utsläppen. Eftersom de beräknade framtida utsläppen är 0,95 MtCO2-ekv per år, mer än kompenserar de gröna områdena för de utsläpp som sker i länet, om den förutsedda reduceringen av utsläppen sker. Även om ytterligare mätningar inte tycks behövas för att uppnå koldioxidneutralitet till 2040, lokaliseras ytterligare områden samt arter i resultatet där förvaltning eller skydd är fördelaktiga för att ytterligare förbättra lagringspotentialen i Stockholms län.

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<p dir="ltr">Work from home (WFH) moves work into home life, reshaping the residential, workplace, and commuting activities, which further impacts greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Although existing work has explored individual time-use patterns under WFH, there is a lack of complete consideration of diverse activities, their durations and timelines, as well as the comparisons with traditional life at home and Work in Office (WIO). Also, existing studies have examined GHG emissions under WFH, while individual-level estimation using activity-specific data covering all major activities is lacking. In particular, limited studies explored individual time-use patterns and quantified activity-based emissions for the construction workforce. Therefore, this dissertation aims to (1) develop an activity-based individual-level model to estimate GHG emissions under WFH, (2) compare individual time-use patterns and activity-based GHG emissions between traditional life at home, WFH, and WIO to understand how WFH affects work, life, and the environment, especially for the construction workforce, and (3) propose activity-based decarbonization strategies to reduce GHG emissions. By employing the proposed model, high-resolution calculations of individual time-use patterns and activity-based emissions were achieved, revealing major activities’ durations and timing and highlighting major contributing activities to emissions under WFH. When shifting from traditional life at home to WFH, individuals reduced sleeping and leisure hours to incorporate work activity, resulting in an 11.34% reduction in GHG emissions. When comparing WFH to WIO, individuals reduced work and commuting time to include more cooking and leisure activities at home, mitigating GHG emissions by 29.11%. Demographic groups and climate regions showed different results mainly because of the varied work and household duties and the characteristics of regions. In addition, the construction workforce reduced GHG emissions by 13% and 46% under WFH compared to traditional life at home and WIO, respectively. Compared to the general public, the construction workforce had more reduction in work and commuting hours and associated emissions when shifting from WIO to WFH. The findings could help envision how WFH influences work, life, and the environment as well as assist both individuals and policymakers in achieving decarbonization and adopting low-carbon living during the work arrangement transition, which could contribute to sustainable development.</p>

Climate change is the most pressing environmental challenge of our time, with global temperatures rising and extreme weather events becoming more frequent. The corporate sector, particularly large industrial entities, faces increasing scrutiny due to its significant contributions to global emissions. This thesis examines Scope 3 emissions reporting within the mining and extractive industries, focusing on data quality and comparing Nordic and international practices.    Using a self-developed theoretical model of logic, concepts, metrics, and tools, this research investigates how these industries report their Scope 3 emissions and identifies gaps in current practices. The study utilizes an abductive approach, combining both inductive and deductive methods, supported by a mixed-method combined of empirical data from publicly available sustainability reports and an online questionnaire, targeting mining and extractive companies and sustainability managers.   Key findings reveal considerable variability in how companies report Scope 3 emissions, with Nordic companies often lagging behind their international counterparts despite strong sustainability credentials. Data quality concerns, including issues of accuracy, completeness, and timeliness, undermine stakeholders' ability to make informed decisions. Additionally, the research highlights diverse tools and methodologies employed by companies, noting that the lack of clear guidelines often hinders their effectiveness.   This thesis contributes to a deeper understanding of Scope 3 emissions management, emphasizing the need for standardized and effective reporting practices.

Decarbonizing Sweden’s transport sector is crucial to achieving Sweden’s greenhouse gas reduction goals until 2030 and 2045 as it accounts for one-third of Sweden’s total domestic greenhouse gas emissions. Among the transport sector, maritime vessels are an example that needs to be decarbonized and, as a response, electric solutions have risen as one solution due to the potential benefits, such as greenhouse gas reductions and improved air quality. Thus, investigating how battery-electric propulsion can assist in the transition toward a sustainable maritime sector is of significance. Considering this, the thesis investigates the opportunities and trade-offs between diesel and battery-electric propulsion for a conceptual passenger vessel in the Stockholm archipelago. More specifically, the thesis evaluates technical, environmental, and economic aspects of distinct battery-electric and diesel propulsion alternatives through a life cycle assessment study and life cycle costing analysis. The conducted thesis demonstrates the potential viability of battery-electric propulsion for Stockholm’s public transport. Implementing battery-electric vessels reduces carbon dioxide emissions and pollutants, but results in higher environmental contribution in other areas such as ecotoxicity and land use. Economically, considering the distinct differences between the configurations and without taking into account infrastructure expenses, the battery-electric configurations offer lower long-term costs despite higher initial investments. In addition, the thesis discusses maritime electrification in a broader context, highlighting aspects outside of the study’s scope such as charging infrastructure, social issues related to battery metal extractions, and geopolitical concerns. Therefore, by addressing technical, environmental, economic, as well as other impacts, this thesis provides essential insight from a holistic perspective, guiding policymakers and stakeholders toward a greener future. / Att minska koldioxidutsläppen i Sveriges transportsektor är avgörande för att uppnå Sveriges miljömål med fokus på växthusgaser till 2030 och 2045 eftersom den står för en tredjedel av Sveriges totala inhemska utsläpp av växthusgaser. Inom transportsektorn är fartyg ett exempel som behöver minska sina koldioxidutsläpp och som en respons har batterielektrisk drift kommit upp som en lösning med tanke på de potentiella fördelarna som det kan ge upphov till såsom minskning av växthusgaser och förbättrad luftkvalitet. Med hänsyn till detta undersöker denna avhandling möjligheterna och avvägningarna mellan diesel och batterielektrisk framdrivning för ett konceptuellt passagerarfartyg i Stockholms skärgård. Mer specifikt utvärderar avhandlingen tekniska, miljömässiga och ekonomiska aspekter av distinkta batterielektriska- och dieselframdrivningsalternativ genom en livscykelanalys och livscykelkostnadsanalys. Det genomförda examensarbetet visar den potentiella betydelsen av batteridriven framdrivning för Stockholms maritima kollektivtrafik. Att implementera batterielektriska fartyg minskar exempelvis koldioxidutsläpp och luftföroreningar, men ger upphov till en högre miljömässig påverkan inom andra områden såsom ekotoxicitet och markanvändning. Ur ett ekonomiskt perspektiv och med ett fokus på distinkta skillnader mellan konfigurationerna samt utan att ta hänsyn till kostnader inom infrastruktur erbjuder de batterielektriska konfigurationerna lägre långsiktiga kostnader trots högre initiala investeringar. Dessutom diskuterar avhandlingen marin elektrifiering i ett bredare sammanhang och lyfter fram aspekter utanför studiens avgränsningar såsom laddningsinfrastruktur, sociala frågor relaterat till batterimetallutvinning och geopolitiska problem. Med det sagt, genom att ta upp tekniska, miljömässiga, ekonomiska och andra relevanta effekter ger denna avhandling insikter ur ett holistiskt perspektiv som kan vägleda beslutsfattare och intressenter mot en grönare framtid.

A circular economy has been suggested to be able to respond to environmental challenges caused by over-production and consumption of products. Reuse is a circularity measure ranked high in the waste management hierarchy and is especially relevant for passive durable products such as furniture. Reusing furniture has the potential to contribute to the decarbonization of companies. This thesis aimed to explore the potential of reuse contribution to climate change mitigation. An Excel model was developed to explore different reuse scenarios from a life cycle perspective, accounting for potential avoided emissions by selling second-hand furniture. The results indicated that reusing furniture resulted in about 42% reduced climate impacts, although it depended on the characteristics of second-hand trade. Furthermore, the second-hand furniture trade characteristics that influence the GHG emissions were identified, such as replacement rates, second-hand transport, and variability of items sold. An improved scenario by optimizing the furniture trade characteristics can save up to 80% of climate impact. The results indicated that reuse could significantly contribute to the climate commitments of companies, although it cannot be the only mitigation measure to reach carbon neutrality. / Att implementera en cirkulär ekonomi har föreslagits för att kunna adressera miljöutmaningar orsakade av överproduktion och konsumtion av produkter. Återanvändning är ett cirkulärt mått som rankas högt i avfallshanteringshierarkin och är särskilt relevant för passiva och slitstarka produkter som möbler. Återanvändning av möbler har potential att bidra till att minska koldioxidutsläppen hos företag. Denna avhandling syftade till att undersöka potentialen om återanvändning kan bidra till att minska klimatförändringen. En Excel-modell utvecklades för att utforska olika återanvändnings- scenarier ur ett livscykelperspektiv som räknar ut potentiella undvikna utsläpp genom att sälja begagnade möbler. Resultaten visade att återanvändning av möbler resulterade i cirka 40 % minskad klimatpåverkan, även om det berodde på second-handhandelns egenskaper. Vidare identifierades second-handmöbelhandelns egenskaper som påverkar utsläppen av växthusgaser, t.ex. som ersättningstaket, second-handtransport och variation av sålda varor. Ett förbättrat scenario genom att optimera möbelhandelns egenskaper kan spara upp till 80 % av klimatpåverkan. Resultaten visade att återanvändning avsevärt skulle kunna bidra till företagens klimatåtaganden, även om det inte kan vara den enda begränsningsåtgärden för att nå koldioxidneutralitet.