Climate Change

Flooding.
Photographer: Dean Moriarty

Climate change, one of today’s most difficult challenges, is characterized by long-term risks, high political stakes, and complicated feedback structures. The research at Tema M, Environmental Change, follows two main tracks. The first one focuses on climate policy in a broader sense and is conducted primarily at the Centre for Climate Science and Policy Research. The other one focuses on climate-biogeochemistry, particularly with regard to the emission of greenhouse gases. The role of forests as greenhouse gas sinks and the debate about geo-engineering are other projects in the area of climate change.

Climate policy is conducted from global to the local level and does not only focus on emissions but also on vulnerability, adjustment and adaptation. Climate policy research at Tema M aims to develop knowledge and methods for climate work in and outside Sweden. Researchers at Tema M participate both at UN Summits and municipal planning meetings. The roles of individual organizations, authorities and companies are also studied.

The greenhouse gases that our planet emits affect climate-biogeochemistry, regardless if they are natural or human induced. Large amounts of greenhouse gases are emitted not only by land, but also by lakes and rivers. A powerful and, in this aspect, previously underestimated greenhouse gas is methane. Researchers at Tema M identify and analyze the greenhouse gas balance of entire landscape types, soil and water included. How methane is formed, transported and released is a central issue as well as to quantify these emissions. Afforestation and sustainable energy are other factors that affect climate change and that are studied in this area.

Technological manipulation of the earth’s climate is discussed as an opportunity to avert the climate threat. It may concern the issue of soaking up carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, to reflect sunlight, or simulated volcanic eruption. But the techniques are risky and thus politically delicate. Researchers at Tema M study and analyze the scientific as well as the media debate on climate manipulation, Climate Engineering, both in Sweden and internationally.

Research projects

hyperspectral imaging

Reliable validation of greenhouse gas models and assessments

The project develops new methods to improve the validation of greenhouse gas models and assessments. The focus is on creating cost-effective, mobile, and high-resolution methods for measuring greenhouse gas fluxes and land use.

a Swedish lake

RELITORATE – Connecting shorelines, carbon flows, and greenhouse gases

Littoral zones influence carbon sequestration and greenhouse gas emissions but are often overlooked. This project integrates them into lake carbon budgets using advanced measurement and modelling techniques.

Drone over wetland

Advancing airborne assessments of greenhouse gas fluxes

Projektet utvecklar nya metoder för storskaliga växthusgasflödesmätningar med drönare, för att noggrant kvantifiera flöden av metan, lustgas och koldioxid. Detta möjliggör bättre bedömningar och reglering av klimatkänsliga utsläpp från landskap.

Researchers and contact