Advancing Sustainable Solutions

Policies are needed to ensure a circular economy. In the final episode of our mini-series on the circular economy, we explore the role of policy and the need for research to ensure policies like the European Green Deal promote a circular economy for sustainability. We discuss the trade-offs of slowing resource loops and energy efficiency, for example, knowing when to exchange your LED lightbulb fo...

The global population living in cities is expected to reach nearly 70% by 2050. This trend in urbanisation will require massive amounts of infrastructure to be built from concrete and other natural and manufactured materials. In the second episode of our miniseries on the circular economy, we explore the business case for circular resource flows - such as concrete, wood, and glass - in the constru...

The circular economy is promoted by government and industry as an approach to reduce resource consumption while maintaining a high standard of living. In this episode, we explore circular business models that leverage strategies of closing, narrowing or slowing resource loops. This episode is the first of three episodes part of our mini-series on the circular economy. We invite PhD Candidate Kathe...

Our global sustainability challenges are complex and require partnerships and collaboration across disciplines and sectors. As such, as a society, we must value interdisciplinary perspectives and work together to address these challenges. In this episode, we discuss the value of interdisciplinary education to address our complex sustainability challenges. We share the experience from our two inter...

There is growing interest among funding agencies, governments, and society in general to understand the impact of research conducted within academia. However, evaluating research impact is tricky and finding as well as leveraging impact pathways can be daunting without first considering the desired impact early in the research planning process. This is especially relevant when considering sustaina...

Given the global sustainability challenges that we face, we need new forms of production and consumption. However, will the sharing economy be a part of the solution? Or, part of the problem? In this month's episode, Sofie and Steven discuss the sharing economy broadly before elaborating on business models in the sharing economy. Speaking critically, they elaborate on aspects of the sharing econom...

Kiruna, a small and industrious mining town in the arctic north of Sweden, is facing a unique challenge - the mine has expanded so far under ground that it is weakening the town’s foundations and will eventually pose a threat to inhabitants. City leadership and the mining company decided that much of the town would have to be demolished and moved. While many might see this as a problem, Kiruna ins...

Greta Thunberg, a 16-year-old young person from Sweden, has inspired a generation to take action on climate change. In this episode, we acknowledge and appreciate the actions of youth, like Greta, around the world in demanding action on climate change. Reflecting on our own experiences, fear and our own perceived lack of knowledge often hinders us. Therefore, together with guest host and Master's...

There is growing urgency within the academic, political and public spheres to reduce carbon dioxide emissions in order to lessen or mitigate the impacts of climate change. To do so, many online are voicing their commitments by making a New Year’s Resolution to reduce their flying or to not fly at all in 2019. In this episode, we explore the reasons why many are making this New Year’s Resolution an...

Like so many, have you waited until the last minute to buy gifts for your family and friends this holiday season?? In this episode, we will provide some specific suggestions for those among us still in need of gift ideas, which are also applicable for all gifting occasions. Furthermore, we will discuss with our colleagues, researching sustainable consumption, the notion of gift-giving, the obligat...

Individuals have their part to play in the transition towards a circular economy. In this episode, we will introduce the circular economy and strategies to facilitate a transition from our linear to a more circular economy. Furthermore, we visit a repair cafe and illustrate how you can extend product lifetimes. The episode is produced in connection to a new Massive Open Online Course (MOOC), calle...

New ways of governing our cities are emerging. Urban experimentation offers opportunities to test sustainability solutions in context and learn from these successes or failures. Citizen engagement and participation is a prerequisite. In this episode, we will discuss experimentation as a form of urban governance and suggest ways you can engage and participate in the governance of your city.

What is science? In this episode, we explore science in order to build a foundation for exploring sustainability research in future episodes. Then, we showcase a scientific workshop to illustrate the role fo science in supporting policy-makers.

In this episode, will introduce listeners to the podcast 'Advancing Sustainable Solutions'. You will learn more about the hosts, our organisation, and our vision for the podcast.