Project

Governing a fair transition to a fossil-free welfare society

This project aims to further knowledge on how Sweden can govern a transition to a fossil-free welfare society. It will study tensions that can emerge between demographic groups, geography, socio-economic status and gender and anticipate the requirements and expected impacts on these different groups.

Active project

2019–2024

Rear view of mature woman cycling on road by fence against sky — Photo: Maskot / Getty

Overview

Sweden’s goal to become a fossil-free welfare society with net-zero emissions by 2045 calls for a deep reconfiguration of social systems. Transitioning to fossil-free society will require changes in current consumption patterns but also new practices with improved environmental and health benefits. These changes will disrupt the fundamentals of daily life such as food and transport. The impacts upon Swedish citizens will vary across socio-economic demographics, as well as gender and places of residence, which is why it is essential to identify policies that allow for a just transition.

The project aims to further knowledge on how Sweden can govern the transition to a fossil-free welfare state. The research will investigate:

the differences in climate change footprints across socio-economic and demographic groups, gender and geographic regions in Sweden.
the equity implications that arise from likely changes to consumption patterns across socio-economic groups, gender and geographies during the transition to a fossil-free society.
how to govern a fair transition to a fossil-free welfare society.

Partners and funders

The project is funded by Formas and will last three years.

Analyzing modal choice drivers and transport infrastructure impacts on living environment: insights from a Swedish survey study

Journal article / This paper presents survey findings, revealing key factors shaping transport choices and offering policy insights for sustainable infrastructure development.

20 March 2024 / About Behaviour and choice and Transport

Looking beyond the average Swedish household carbon footprint

SEI working paper / First results from the Klimatkalkylatorn dataset can help tease out many factors’ importance for household footprints, to help policymakers focus their efforts.

15 November 2023 / About Behaviour and choice and Climate policy

Just transitions in the transport sector: insights from Sweden

Perspective / Three perspectives on how to get to a fair and just transport transition, for people that must use and work in transportation.

12 September 2023 / About Fossil fuels, Innovation and Transport

Who is most at risk of losing out from low-carbon transition in the food and transport sectors in Sweden? Equity considerations from a consumption perspective

Journal article / This paper investigates the demand-side aspects of a just low-carbon transition, with a focus on the transport and food sectors in Sweden.

1 December 2022 / About Behaviour and choice, Climate policy, Food and agriculture, Pollution, Sustainable lifestyles and Transport

How will Sweden’s ambitious climate targets change how we eat and get around?

SEI working paper / Sweden aims to shift to fossil fuel free transport and food sectors by 2045. This paper discusses the gaps in these plans and how can they be addressed.

8 July 2022 / About Climate policy, Food and agriculture and Transport

A three-dimensional view of charging infrastructure equity

SEI brief / Electric vehicle (EV) sales are rising; charging infrastructure will be key to successful integration in fossil free transport.

9 June 2022 / About Behaviour and choice, Fossil fuels and Transport

The impact of the EU Emissions Trading System on households: how can the Social Climate Fund support a just transition?

SEI report / Households in the EU will feel the impact of efforts to decarbonize the heating and transport sectors. What can be done to promote a just transition?

21 June 2022 / About Climate policy, Household energy, Mitigation, Public policy and Transport

Just transitions in the transport sector: insights from Sweden

Perspective / Three perspectives on how to get to a fair and just transport transition, for people that must use and work in transportation.

12 September 2023 / About Fossil fuels, Innovation and Transport

Navigating Sweden’s transition toward a low-carbon footprint for all

Perspective / To lower Sweden's individual footprint to less than 1 metric ton, transition policies need to consider variations across municipalities and those most at risk.

5 June 2023 / About Climate policy, Climate services, Food and agriculture and Transport

Accelerating Sweden’s climate action in transportation

Perspective / Our project shines a spotlight on the potential of passenger cars, public transport and active mobility to help reduce Sweden’s transport emissions equitably.

31 May 2023 / About Climate policy and Transport

Lessons from Sweden’s energy crisis: shaping equitable low-carbon policies

Perspective / Three lessons from Sweden's low-carbon policies in the time of energy crisis and recommendations to address climate change and social inequality.

8 May 2023 / About Climate policy, Household energy and Transport

Tre viktiga lärdomar från Sveriges energikris: så kan rättvisa styrmedel för låga koldioxidutsläpp utformas

Perspective / Resultat från flera olika studier visar hur Sverige kan hantera klimatförändringar och samtidigt minska social ojämlikhet.

26 March 2024 / About Climate policy, Household energy and Transport

The nexus of Swedish food consumption emissions in climate, health and fairness

Perspective / On World Food Day, we look at Sweden's just transition towards net-zero carbon emissions by diving into three key categories: footprints, health, and fairness.

16 October 2022 / About Behaviour and choice, Climate policy, Food and agriculture, Mitigation and Sustainable lifestyles