| 1. |
- Hedlund, Christer, 1964-, et al.
(författare)
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Från Paris till Ragunda : En översikt av processen att överföra Parisavtalet till kommunal aktion
- 2020
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Rapport (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Syftet med denna rapport är att belysa processen att föra över det internationella Paris-klimatavtalet från 2015 till först nationell nivå och sedan vidare till regional (Jämtlands län) och slutligen till kommunal nivå (Ragunda). Avsikten med rapporten är inte att med precision analysera situationen, utan vår ambition är snarare att lyfta fram olika frågeställningar som kan utgöra en grund för fortsatt reflektion och diskussion. Svårigheterna att möta kraven på kontinuerlig reduktion av klimatrelaterade utsläpp är omfattande och lösningsvägarna ännu delvis okända, vilket i sig gör att man måste uppvisa stor uthållighet med ett mycket långsiktigt arbete.Vi har inom ramen för Interreg-projekt SMICE[1] deltagit i arbetet med framtagandet av Region Jämtland Härjedalens Energi- och klimatstrategi för 2020-2030, vid lanseringen av densamma samt i närmare dialog med representanter för en av åtta kommuner i regionen, Ragunda kommun. Vad gäller Ragunda kommun kan studien inte påvisa någon förändring i kommunens styrning och påverkan i den ekonomiska styrningen, detta gäller för kommunens budget för 2020 samt det pågående budgetarbetet för 2021. Intentionerna i energi- och klimatstrategin visar sig ännu inte i någon större utsträckning i kommunens verksamhet, trots en vilja bland politiker och tjänstemän att bidra till måluppfyllelse. De förändringar som beslutsfattare önskar ske i vårt samhälle bromsas i den kommunala kontexten av en rad hindrande faktorer. En slutsats från rapporten är att det finns en klar prioriteringsproblematik mellan klimatrelaterade mål och rena välfärdsmål. Det som ytterligare förvärrar denna problematik är att förutsättningar för kollektiva samverkanslösningar i glesbygd är sämre jämfört med förutsättningarna för tätbefolkade områden. En annan slutsats är att det är svårt att svara på frågan vilken insats eller aktivitet som är mest klimatoptimal. Ofta beror svaret på hur frågan ställs. Denna problematik gör att det kan vara svårt att på kommunal nivå ta beslut som faktiskt gynnar klimatet och miljön på både kort och lång sikt.[1][1] Samskapande Mittnordisk Innovationsarena för Cirkulär Ekonomi (SMICE) är ett Interreg projekt med syfte att hitta sätt att accelerera omställningen i Jämtland-Härjedalen och Tröndelag mot “ett grönt skifte”. Projektet har utforskat samskapande och har med en bred ansats sökt sammankoppla näringsliv, medborgare och aktörer i innovationssystemet för att utveckla aktiviteter som stärker cirkulära ekonomi. Projektettid har pågått perioden 2017–2020.
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| 2. |
- Skytt, Torbjörn, 1964-, et al.
(författare)
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Five years after Paris, 20 years after Kyoto and 30 years after Rio : managing climate goals from global to local level in Sweden
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Annan publikation (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- The science-based targets in the Paris Agreement (UN, 2015) aim to reduce global warming according to established model calculations. These targets have been broken down to national levels, and in Sweden further down to regional levels, where county administrators work out specific climate strategies. These constitute governing documents for different stakeholders in the county, e.g. municipalities, companies, organizations. An overarching goal for these stakeholders is to optimize the use of economic resources to meet the stated needs.To understand the status of today’s climate mitigation work in Sweden, we have mapped the process from the Paris Agreement, down to the level of implementation at municipal level. Sweden has prioritized the strategy to become one of the world´s first fossil-fuel free nations, which implements a short-term risk referring to the urgent need to reduce global temperature effects. During the five years that have passed since the Swedish ratification of the Paris Agreement, policy objectives have been set in all Swedish counties. Multi-level climate governance (MLCG) is applied to meet these objectives. Working with MLCG and put trust in soft implementation tools is, however, a slow process that relies on a polycentric techno-optimistic view and volunteering to deal with the challenges. Municipalities with weaker economy seemingly prefer not to define targets for reductions of GHG, so as to be able to focus their resources at mandatory obligations, where climate mitigation is not included.
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| 3. |
- Grönlund, Erik, 1964-, et al.
(författare)
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Energy, emergy, and the city
- 2016
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Rapport (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- In his book “Environment, Power, and Society” (1971) H.T. Odum introduced a picture of the energy metabolism of a city based on Wolman's paper from 1965 (Sci. Am., 213: 179-190). With the development of the emergy analysis--a branch of energy systems accounting--several authors have contributed to develop quantitative measures of HT Odum’s picture, which from many perspectives are diverging from traditional energy studies. In this paper, studies using emergy analysis to study cities are reviewed. The research regarding emergy and cities had during the period 1975-1995 its focus on cities in the United States, e.g. Miami, Jacksonville, San Francisco and Chicago. The research during 1995-2005 was almost exclusively focused on Taipei. From approximately 2006 up till 2015 the research focus has been on Chinese cities; Macao, Beijing and 37 other Chinese cities have been investigated. But there are resent also studies made on Rome (Italy) and Montreal (Canada). Studies up to about 2007/2008 were generally concerned with understanding spatial aspects of the cities investigated. After that, evaluating the sustainability of cities has become a main research focus.
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| 4. |
- Grönlund, Erik, 1964-, et al.
(författare)
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Energy, Emergy and the City
- 2015
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Konferensbidrag (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- In his book “Environment, Power, and Society” (1971) H.T. Odum introduced a picture of the energy metabolism of a city based on Wolman's paper from 1965 (Sci. Am., 213: 179-190). With the development of the emergy concept--a branch of energy systems accounting--several authors have contributed to develop a quantitative view of HT Odum’s picture, which from many aspect are diverging from the traditional energy accounting picture. In this paper the emergy view of the city is reviewed. The research on emergy and cities had its focus in United States during the period 1975-1995 with investigations of cities like Miami, Jacksonville, San Francisco and Chicago. The main research during 1995-2010 took place almost only in Taipei. From approximately 2006 up today the main research takes place in Chinese cities; Macao, Beijing and 30 other Chinese cities have been investigated the last 6 years. Newer investigations have also been done on Rome (Italy) and Montreal (Canada). The main interest in the research up to 2007/2008 was on the spatial aspect of the city. After that new focuses have emerged, with sustainability as a main question.
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| 5. |
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Människan i skogen, skogen i människan : Miun Research Exhibition
- 2021
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Konstnärligt arbeteabstract
- Med utställningen Människan i skogen, skogen i människan vill projektet belysa ett antal aktuella och viktiga frågor för vår region och samtid, samlade under ett tema: skog och hållbar utveckling. I utställningen får besökaren möta kunskap och perspektiv från fem forskare och forskargrupper vid Mittuniversitetet. Forskarna är verksamma inom biologi, ekoteknik, historia, litteraturvetenskap respektive turismvetenskap. Forskningens olika perspektiv länkas i utställningen samman genom sina förhållningssätt till tid, såsom avgörande för förståelse, kunskap och handling. De olika forskningsinriktningarna visar också fram spänningar mellan olika synsätt på skog och kan tillsammans ge flera svar och berättelser om skogens värden. En arbetsgrupp vid Universitetsbiblioteket står för gestaltning och produktion av utställningen.
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| 6. |
- Skytt, Torbjörn, 1964-
(författare)
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An analysis of the Energy-related concepts Emergy, Exergy and Embodied Energy and in what way they reflect environmental load
- 2020
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Ingår i: Proceedings from the 2nd Scandinavian Emergy Symposium. - Östersund : Department of Ecotechnology and Sustainable Building Engineering. ; , s. 21-26
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Konferensbidrag (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- To analyse a system from an environmental/energy perspective, different conceptual indicators can be used as a base. This is a short presentation of the thermodynamic concept Energy, in comparison with Emergy, Exergy (Work energy) and Embodied energy and how they reflect an “energy memory” or historical energy use in a resource/matter. From a thermodynamic perspective Energy has a clear definition referring to what 1 J actually is. The emergy unit 1 sej is more difficult to capture, but can be viewed as an attempt to reflect the total energy input (based in solar radiation). The Exergy value in matter is thermodynamically defined as energy stored in the molecular structure. The idea to use this as an indicator of environmental load is logical in the sense that the energy stored in the structure needs to correspond to the energy needed to shape the structure, but of course it does not say anything about the efficiency between input energy and stored energy. Embodied energy is often defined as the energy needed in all the processes involved in a production process (or similar). It can be compared to an LCA energy value of matter. The embodied energy is thus the sum of inputs following a production process. It is in way part of the Emergy value for the same process/matter, disregarding primary energy input (solar radiation) and normally labor and other indirect consumers. From an engineering perspective there are no limitations in the use of energy in an analysis. Using the Emergy concept means we transfer measures of energy as Joule into sej, and it is more difficult to follow the actual process energy efficiency. By applying the Emergy concept we might be able to capture a “philosophical dimension” as a quantification of an energy memory in a system resource, but the drawback is we cannot use the quantification and relate to the physical reality when it comes to analysing alternative system efficinencies. The aim with an analysis is the base for the choice of suitable indicator. My conclusion is that an Emergy analysis is interesting, but often lacks direct relation to the basic engineering concepts when it comes to detailed analysis of the system efficiency as a base for improvements or comparisons of alternate use. I therefore find it difficult to find applications for how to use the results from an Emergy analysis, which probably is due to my engineering background and the fact that my references are the normal energy concepts.
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| 7. |
- Skytt, Torbjörn, 1964-
(författare)
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An evaluation of regional sustainability by analysing energy and carbon flows – A study of Jämtland, Sweden
- 2018
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Licentiatavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Models showing the anthropogenic and natural flows of two sustainability indicators; carbon based GHG and energy (as work energy) have been made for the Swedish region Jämtland. The methodology used was inspired by the study sustainability analysis conducted on the small Danish island Samsø using the above two indicators. The aim was to upscale the methodology used for Samsø and make necessary adaptations for Jämtland in order to be able to evaluate sustainability in terms of global warming. We also wanted to study the linkages between research, education and regional sustainability initiatives. Working at a regional level has advantages compared to working at a national or global level, as socio-ecological processes can be covered more extensively to reach a deeper understanding of practical aspects. In parallel to this we have also been participating in local and regional sustainability activities to increase our understanding of practical approaches and human behaviour.Studies of the energy flows in Jämtland show that 46,000 TJ (88% renewable) flows into the region and about 31,000 TJ is exported. The remaining 15,000 TJ (63% renewable) drives ‘the machine Jämtland’. Added to this is about 4000TJ as matter. The total global warming potential (GWP20) impact of Jämtland (as carbon dioxide equivalents, CO 2eq ) indicating influence on the global mean temperature as radiative forcing) is an annual uptake of 2.4 Mton. The total regional emissions, as CO 2eq, from anthropogenic activities, including consumption, are 1500 kton. The region has large emissions of methane, 80kton (6700 kton CO 2eq ), mainly from mires, lakes and animals but also large uptakes of CO2 from assimilation in woody biomass.Jämtland can be regarded as relatively sustainable from several perspectives, but taking the large forests and a population of only 127,000 inhabitants into consideration, the total uptake of CO 2eq is not very large and of the 15,000 TJ driving Jämtland, 37% comes from non-renewable sources. From a national (and global) perspective Jämtland needs to perform better, in view of its considerable reserves of natural resources. How to increase long-term sustainability in the region is a complex issue that requires penetration from many perspectives. Modelling results presented here needs to be interpreted in a broader sustainability context, together with regional stakeholders, to serve as a base for future knowledge development and sustainability activities.
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| 8. |
- Skytt, Torbjörn, 1964-, et al.
(författare)
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Carbon dioxide and methane fluxes as indicators of regional sustainability – A case study of Jämtland, Sweden
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Annan publikation (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- This study presents a regional model showing carbon dioxide and methane fluxes in Jämtland applying a 20-year time horizon to meet the Paris agreement horizon and regional policy goals. This short time horizon compared to the long horizon of 100 years typically applied, shows clearly the necessity to take both anthropogenic and non-anthropogenic emissions into consideration in analyses to be able to make proper priorities in future action strategies. The total annual GWP impact from Jämtland calculated as CO2eq is an uptake of 2.4 Mton/year (19 ton/capita) as shown in Figure 1. Jämtland shows large annual uptakes in forests (8 Mton carbon dioxide), but also large emissions of methane (80 kton), mainly from lakes, mires and ruminants. The (theoretical) sustainability (ref to global warming) of Jämtland is highly dependent of the choice of a GWP CO2 equivalent factor for methane, defined from the time horizon applied. Since methane respond quickly to emission pulse changes due to the short atmospheric life length of 11-13 years, it is necessary to evaluate regional activities contributing to changes of methane emissions to optimise regional CO2eq balance. But not only methane emissions need to be evaluated during a short-term time horizon. Also the use of woody biomass can have completely different outcomes from a CO2eq balance perspective if a 20-year time horizon is applied compared to a 100-year time horizon (or even longer). An increased regional awareness about the effects of the time horizon applied is needed when regional policy goals are to be set. This is not to say that a 20-year horizon is to be applied just because policy goals use this time horizon, but if the differences in short-term and long-term effects are not considered, ‘sustainability activites’ might be counterproductive from either a short-term or long-term time horizon. Especially an increased understanding about radiative forcing effects from the complex interplays in forest and mire/wetland ecosystem emissions and uptakes is necessary to be able to tell how the region actually influence climate change. The anthropogenic contribution in Jämtland, about 15% of total emissions, is easier to understand, but not necessarily easier to decrease.
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| 9. |
- Skytt, Torbjörn, 1964-, et al.
(författare)
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Climate mitigation forestry-temporal trade-offs
- 2021
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Ingår i: Environmental Research Letters. - : Institute of Physics (IOP). - 1748-9326. ; 16:11
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The 1.5 ◦C target for global warming calls for evaluating short-term (30-50 years) climate change mitigation with different forests usage. In the current scientific literature and in the public debate, there are contrasting views on how forests should be managed to maximize total climate benefit, including the use of products and changes in carbon pools. Three major factors influence the conclusions in different studies: (a) time horizon, (b) site productivity, (c) substitution calculations. Here we show the dependency among these factors by an analysis of four harvest scenarios: 95%, 60%, 40% and 0% of growth, which are compared to a business as usual scenario (80%). The analyses are made for five counties in Sweden, which covers a wide range in forest productivities, from 2.5 m3 ha−1 yr−1 (north) to 11.5 m3 ha−1 yr−1 (south). The results show:(a) Reduced harvest levels provide increased climate benefits on short time scales (at least 50 years).(b) Increased harvesting from current level is counterproductive on both short and long term.(c) The potential effect on the carbon balance of a no-harvest scenario in the five counties, is larger (1.1-16 times) than the expected emissions from all other anthropogenic activities until 2045.(d) Short-term climate benefits of reduced harvesting are largest in highly productive forests. Smaller but more long-lasting benefits can be obtained by aiming at harvest reductions in less productive forests.(e) Strategies focused on short-term benefits need to be adapted to the future development of substitution factors and forest growth. If substitution effects become higher, increased harvest levels will be beneficial after 2050 in high productive forests. However, if future substitution effects decrease, which is a plausible and desired development, low harvest strategies are preferred in both short- and long-term time perspectives.We conclude that even moderate reductions of harvest levels would provide substantial climate benefits.
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| 10. |
- Skytt, Torbjörn, 1964-
(författare)
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Considerations for the Design, Manufacture, and Retro – filling of Power Transformers with High Fire Point, Biodegradable Ester Fluids
- 2012
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Konferensbidrag (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Because of a number of exceptional properties over mineral oil, ester fluids are now being used in more medium and large power transformers. At the same time, there are significant differences in the dielectric & thermal properties and other material parameters, between mineral oil and ester fluids, which need to be considered in the design, manufacture, retro – filling, and service of these transformers.This paper presents results of investigations, calculations, and measurements made to identify the special material characteristics that need to be considered when designing the core and windings of these transformers. The paper also presents the factors that must be considered in the selection, design, and determination of the voltage and current ratings of bushings and tap – changers to be used in ester fluid – filled power transformers. In addition, the paper identifies properties of ester fluids that would require different procedures in the processing of th e fluid during manufacture and impregnation of the solid insulation in the transformer.The factors that should be considered when an old mineral oil – filled power transformer is to be retro– filled with an ester fluid are presented. These allow the transformer to benefit from the advantages of the ester fluid but not negatively impact its performance and reliability during future years of service. During transformer service, some oil quality parameters of ester fluids; such as power factor, acidity, interfacial tension, etc do not reflect the same correlation to fluid dielectric or thermal performance as they do in mineral oil. Also, some diagnostic parameters which determine the condition of the solid insulation in a mineral oil - filled power transformers will need to be considered differently in relationship to the different properties of ester fluids.Finally, the paper presents how the advantageous property of longer life of cellulose in ester fluids could be evaluated and benefited from, resulting in more optimized design of ester fluid – filled power transformers.
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