| 1. |
- Johansson, Christer, et al.
(författare)
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Impacts of air pollution and health by changing commuting from car to bicycle
- 2017
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Ingår i: Science of the Total Environment. - : Elsevier. - 0048-9697 .- 1879-1026. ; 584-585, s. 55-63
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Our study is based on individual data on people’s home and work addresses, as well as their age, sex and physical capacity, in order to establish realistic bicycle-travel distances. A transport model is used to single out data on commuting preferences in the County Stockholm. Our analysis shows there is a very large potential for reducing emissions and exposure if all car drivers living within a distance corresponding to a maximum of a 30 minute bicycle ride to work would change to commuting by bicycle. It would result in more than 111 000 new cyclists, corresponding to an increase of 209% compared to the current situation.Mean population exposure would be reduced by about 7% for both NOx and black carbon (BC) in the most densely populated area of the inner city of Stockholm. Applying a relative risk for NOx of 8% decrease in all-cause mortality associated with a 10 µg m-3 decrease in NOx, this corresponds to more than 449 (95% CI: 340 - 558) years of life saved annually for the Stockholm county area with 2.1 million inhabitants. This is more than double the effect of the reduced mortality estimated for the introduction of congestion charge in Stockholm in 2006. Using NO2 or BC as indicator of health impacts, we obtain 395 (95% CI: 172 - 617) and 185 (95% CI: 158 - 209) years of life saved for the population, respectively. The calculated exposure of BC and its corresponding impacts on mortality are likely underestimated. With this in mind the estimates using NOx, NO2 and BC show quite similar health impacts considering the 95% confidence intervals.
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| 2. |
- Lövenheim, Boel, et al.
(författare)
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Health risk assessment of reduced air pollution exposure when changing commuting by car to bike
- 2016
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- In this study we have assessed the reduction in traffic emissions and population exposure assuming all potential car commuters would switch to biking if they live within 30 minute travel by bike. The scenario would result in more than 100 000 new bikers and due to the reduced traffic emissions 42 premature deaths would be avoided per year. This is almost twice as large effect as the congestion tax in Stockholm. Introduction Regular physical activity has important and wide-ranging health benefits including reduced risk of chronic disease, and physical inactivity is mentioned as perhaps the most important public health problem of the 21st century. At the same time, the direct effects of traffic emissions is a major health problem. Transferring commuting by car to bike will increase physical activity and reduce emissions and reduce population exposure to traffic pollution. The exposure of commuters will also change; new bikers may get higher exposure whilst old bikers and car drivers may get lower exposures, depending on commuting route and distance. Methodology In this study we have calculated the potential number of car-to-bike switching commuters depending on distance, travel time, age of commuters, etc. We have made calculations for a 30-minute biking scenario, i.e. transferring all car commuters to bike if their travel time by bike is less than or equal to 30 minutes. The commuting distance depends on age and sex. For the travel and traffic modelling the LuTrans model was used. It includes all different modes of travel; walking, bicycling, public transport systems and car traffic. The model was developed based on travel survey data and is regularly calibrated using traffic counts. Emissions from road traffic were calculated based on HBEFA 3.2. A Gaussian dispersion model was used estimate exposures over the county of Stockholm. Results The 30 min scenario resulted in 106 881 more bikers, an increase of 2.6 times compared to base scenario. Of all bikers 50% were men and the mean age of all bikers was 42. The traffic emissions of NOx was reduced by up to 7%. Up to 20% reduction in traffic contribution to NOx concentrations was calculated as shown in Figure 1. The mean reduction in concentration for the whole area is 6% and the largest occur were most people live.The population weighted mean NOx concentration for 1.6 million people in Greater Stockholm is estimated to be reduced by 0.41 μg m-3. Assuming that the premature mortality is reduced by 8% per 10 μg m-3 (Nafstad et al., 2004), this corresponds to 42 avoided premature deaths every year or 514 gained life years gained. This is even somewhat more beneficial than the effects of the congestion charge in Stockholm (Johansson et al., 2009), which was estimated to save 27 premature deaths per year. The gain in reduced mortality is almost as large as the gain in health of the increased physical activity. Conclusions Transferring car commuters to bike is not only beneficial for the physical activity, but will also lead to reduced traffic emissions and reduced population exposure. Our estimates show that it may be even more beneficial for mortality due to air pollution exposure than the congestion charge in Stockholm. Acknowledgement This project was funded by the Swedish Research Council for Health, Working life and Welfare. References Johansson, C., Burman, L., Forsberg, B. 2009. The effects of congestions tax on air quality and health. Atmos. Environ. 43, 4843-4854.Nafstad, P., Lund Håheim, L., Wisloeff, T., Gram, G., Oftedal, B., Holme, I., Hjermann, I. and Leren, P. 2004. Urban Air Pollution and Mortality in a Cohort of Norwegian Men. Environ. Health Perspect. 112, 610-615.
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| 3. |
- Markstedt, Anders, et al.
(författare)
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Undermarken måste inkluderas
- 2020
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Ingår i: Stadsbyggnad. - Stockholm : Föreningen Sveriges Stadsbyggare. - 0038-8963. ; :3, s. 29-34
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Tidskriftsartikel (populärvet., debatt m.m.)
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| 4. |
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| 5. |
- Nilsson Sommar, Johan, et al.
(författare)
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Overall health impacts of a potential increase in cycle commuting in Stockholm, Sweden
- 2022
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Ingår i: Scandinavian Journal of Public Health. - : Sage Publications. - 1403-4948 .- 1651-1905. ; 50, s. 552-564
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objectives: To estimate the overall health impact of transferring commuting trips from car to bicycle..Design and setting: In this study registry information on location of home and work for residents in the County of Stockholm was used to obtain the shortest travel route on a network of bicycle paths and roads. Current modes of travel to work were based on travel survey data. The relation between duration of cycling and distance cycled was established as a basis for selecting the number of individuals that normally would drive a car to their work place, but have a distance to work that they could bicycle within 30 minutes. The change in traffic flows was estimated by a transport model (LuTrans) and effects on road traffic injuries and fatalities were estimated by using national hospital injury data. Effects on air pollution concentrations were modelled using dispersion models.Results: Within the scenario, 111 000 commuters would shift from car to bicycle. This corresponds to 32% of the existing car commuters. On average the increased physical activity reduced the one-year mortality risk by 12% among the additional bicyclists corresponding to 16 fewer premature deaths per year. Including the number of years lost due to morbidity, the total number of disability adjusted life years (DALYs) gained was 696. The amount of DALYs per year gained in the general population due to reduced air pollution concentrations at home addresses was 471. The number of DALYs lost by traffic injuries was 176. Including also air pollution effects among bicyclists, the scenario was calculated to each year give a net benefit of 939 DALYs.Conclusion: The health impact assessment of transferring commuting by car to bicycle estimated large health benefits even then considering injuries and air pollution exposure among bicyclists.
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| 6. |
- Nilsson Sommar, Johan, et al.
(författare)
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Potential Effects on Travelers' Air Pollution Exposure and Associated Mortality Estimated for a Mode Shift from Car to Bicycle Commuting
- 2020
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Ingår i: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. - : MDPI. - 1661-7827 .- 1660-4601. ; 17:20
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This study aims to use dispersion-modeled concentrations of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and black carbon (BC) to estimate bicyclist exposures along a network of roads and bicycle paths. Such modeling was also performed in a scenario with increased bicycling. Accumulated concentrations between home and work were thereafter calculated for both bicyclists and drivers of cars. A transport model was used to estimate traffic volumes and current commuting preferences in Stockholm County. The study used individuals' home and work addresses, their age, sex, and an empirical model estimate of their expected physical capacity in order to establish realistic bicycle travel distances. If car commuters with estimated physical capacity to bicycle to their workplace within 30 min changed their mode of transport to bicycle, >110,000 additional bicyclists would be achieved. Time-weighted mean concentrations along paths were, among current bicyclists, reduced from 25.8 to 24.2 mu g/m(3) for NOx and 1.14 to 1.08 mu g/m(3) for BC. Among the additional bicyclists, the yearly mean NOx dose from commuting increased from 0.08 to 1.03 mu g/m(3). This would be expected to yearly cause 0.10 fewer deaths for current bicycling levels and 1.7 more deaths for additional bicycling. This increased air pollution impact is much smaller than the decrease in the total population.
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| 7. |
- Norrman, Jenny, 1971, et al.
(författare)
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Mapping subsurface qualities for planning purposes: a pilot study
- 2021
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Ingår i: IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science. - : IOP Publishing. - 1755-1307 .- 1755-1315. ; 703:1
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- The subsurface can be used for a variety of purposes in the urban environment and the subsurface should ultimately be seen as a multifunctional resource, offering a multitude of benefits to humans and the society. Underground construction is commonly planned according to the first come, first served principle and later claims on other resources in the subsurface will have to adapt, often at high costs, or are made impossible. This pilot study is a first step in developing a method aiming to investigate a procedure for mapping an area's subsurface resources, having the multifunctionality of the subsurface in mind, and integrating this information into urban planning processes. A mapping of the existing resources (supporting, provisioning, regulating, cultural) used at present and their future potential is presented, and an analysis, using an interaction matrix, of how the different subsurface resources can influence each other (conflicts and synergies) if the use(s) changes. Conclusions are that: 1) the concept of geosystem services can strongly support the communication about the subsurface between civil/geotechnical engineers and planners; 2) there is a need at the municipality or city level for systematised and digital 3D archives for easy access to information in relevant format; 3) planning based on the perspective that the subsurface has multiple resources, makes subsurface planning not only a metropolitan issue but also relevant for smaller municipalities. Further work is suggested to: i) explore the concept of geosystem services in a planning context; ii) suggest at which planning level different geosystem services can be optimally managed; and iii) develop tools to support planners for handling subsurface conflicts and acknowledge synergies.
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| 8. |
- Norrman, Jenny, 1971, et al.
(författare)
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New dimensions in Swedish planning - an investigation of subsurface planning and geosystem services
- 2020
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Rapport (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- The subsurface is a precious, multifunctional and finite resource that should be managed in accordance with its full potential and its value to society. It can be used for a wide variety of purposes, which are not always compatible, and short-term use can conflict with long-term use and future possibilities. In Sweden, as well as in many countries worldwide, the “first-come-first-served” principle applies to getting access to the resources in the subsurface, compromising fair inter- and intragenerational distributions of these resources, and sustainable development. This report summarises the outcomes of the research project Sustainable use of underground space (SUB), financed by the Swedish research Council Formas and BeFo Rock Engineering Research Foundation. The aim of the project has been to investigate how subsurface dimensions can be integrated in urban planning processes and legislation, as well as proposing a framework for sustainable planning and use of the subsurface. The report contains a list of words and terminology used in relation to subsurface planning. The term subsurface planning is here defined as both a) consideration of subsurface conditions in surface planning, as well as b) making strategic considerations regarding the use of the subsurface in terms of use for construction purposes, or other types of subsurface resources. Chapter 1 introduces the background to the project and describes the methods used in the studies within the project. The methods used are a systematic literature review; a document and interview study of Swedish practice on inclusion of subsurface aspects in planning of a number of underground projects; a review of legislation and policy relevant to subsurface planning; and a pilot study for method development and for an inventory of resources in the subsurface. Chapter 2 summarises the role of geoscience in society, and specifically in spatial planning. This includes uncertainties in the parameters that are used to describe geological, thermal, hydrogeological, mechanical, chemical and biological properties of soil and rock, as well as exemplifying databases and base line studies that can be used in comprehensive planning. Chapter 3 places the subsurface as a multifunctional resource in an international context. A literature review reveals a need to bridge communication and knowledge gaps by appropriate subsurface information, easily conveyable in the appropriate format and at the right time, in a balanced quantity and quality. Information on regulations and policies for subsurface use is limited and fragmented in literature, although the interest in, and use of, the subsurface, have significantly increased in the last two decades. Chapter 4 gives an overview of Swedish subsurface planning from the 1970s to 2020. As early as 1975, at the inaugural annual meeting of the International Tunneling Association (ITA), the term subsurface planning was introduced. A pioneering Swedish study that was already ongoing at that point, aimed at providing the basis for legal regulations on responsibility for planning of subsurface use in spatial planning processes. In the past 40 years, a number of studies have been carried out in Sweden to support the development of a strategic subsurface planning. The chapter also provides a short description of two contemporary national projects “HUMP” and “Eko-Geokalkyl” which have contributed to a better integration of subsurface aspects in planning processes. Chapter 5 provides an overview of the development of the planning legislation in Sweden and explains contemporary Swedish planning legislation and policy that have implications on the subsurface. The overview includes planning and other related laws from 1600s to 2000s. The chapter provides a detailed description of the role of the Planning and Building Act (2010:305), the Environmental Code (1998:808), the Road Act (1971:948), the Construction of Railways Act (1995:1649), the Expropriation Act (1972:719), the Historic Environment Act (1988:950), the Protection of Essential Facilities Act (2010:305), as well as environmental policies in planning processes. Chapter 6 discusses subsurface usage in Sweden, and how the legislation is applied in spatial planning. Focus is on the Planning and Building Act, and the interaction between planning levels for which the local councils are responsible. A description of national projects that aim for digitalisation of the planning process is included. Also, other legislation that impacts the subsurface is discussed, related to e.g. construction of roads and railways, cultural heritage, energy, water and sewage systems, waste management, subsurface structures that are classified. Chapter 7 presents a pilot study, Flatås, which is an area located in Gothenburg, South-West Sweden. The pilot study aimed at mapping subsurface resources, investigating potential opportunities and conflicts between uses of these resources, and developing a proposal for how the collected data can be used in a detailed comprehensive planning of the area. Various subsurface qualities, divided into provisioning, regulating, supporting and cultural qualities, were used for a systematic inventory and mapping of subsurface resources. The inventory and mapping results were summarised thematically (Water, Energy, Waste, Transport and communication, Constructions, Green infrastructure, Cultural heritage, and Contamination) for better communication of findings to planners. The concept of geosystem services is introduced to form a solid basis for communication of subsurface values and qualities. Chapter 8 outlines and describes the identified barriers for achieving a holistic subsurface planning in Sweden. The subsurface is rarely addressed in Swedish legislation or policy documents. Existing data and knowledge about the subsurface conditions is not thoroughly used in the early planning processes. Instead, data collection and sometimes additional investigations are usually performed late in the planning process, when many decisions are already made, causing plans to be overly costly or cause unintended restrictions on developments. In addition, many different competences are involved in the planning process, but there is no common understanding or terminology to bridge the communication gap between different professions, which may impede a holistic approach. In contrast to the planning of built environments above ground, there is a lack of comprehensive subsurface planning, and instead issues related to the subsurface are handled in different sectors. There is a lack of knowledge on the subsurface compared to the vast base line studies that often exists for built environments above ground and as a result, the first-come-first-served principles applies. In addition, there is no archival institution responsible for collection of geoscientific data, and some information may be confidential. Chapter 9 presents the developed SUB-matrix (matrix for supporting Sustainable Use of the suBsurface), which aims to support a systematic inventory of geosystem services in the municipal planning processes. The SUB-matrix is developed specifically for the Swedish planning system taking different panning levels into consideration: national, regional, transport and municipal planning. In turn, the municipal level consists of comprehensive, detailed comprehensive and detailed development planning sub-levels as well as the permission process sub-level. The SUB-matrix is a comprehensive checklist of geosystem services with identification of the relevant planning level for their inventory and a summary of the relevant information sources to support the inventory process. The tool highlights potential conflicts between geosystem services. For most use of the SUB-matrix, the information inside the matrix should be adapted to each specific municipality. The matrix is available via a web link (https://www.befoonline.org/publikationer/r-214__2384). Chapter 10 presents a proposal of five principles that supports sustainable planning, both above and below ground, and can be applied on different scales, from areas to specific projects. These principles are: 1) Fitness-for-use - use the surface and subsurface resources for the function they are most fit for, 2) Alternative uses – consider if existing underground constructions and structures can be transformed to meet new needs and demands, 3) Think in 3D – investigate whether the desired development can be placed above or below ground, 4) Optimise - investigate if new functions can be added to existing and planned structures, and 5) Flexibility - design new underground structures for a flexible use to meet new demands and future needs. Application of the principles is exemplified using examples retrieved from the literature review, the study of planning praxis and the pilot study carried out in the project. Chapter 11 suggests a number of solutions and ways forward that can support the achievement of a sustainable subsurface planning in Sweden. The geosystem services concept should be clarified and introduced, as a complement to the ecosystem services concept, to support subsurface use in accordance with its full potential and its value to society. The planning processes must be strengthened, and a ‘comprehensive subsurface plan’ – that corresponds with local councils’ comprehensive plans regulated by the Planning and Building Act – should be introduced as a tool for sustainable use of subsurface resources. Principles for how to balance different uses of the subsurface is suggested to be developed in comprehensive plans. A national database, where relevant geoscientific data is collected, should be created making this information accessible for the public. Legislation and policy documents should be developed in order to more clearly address subsurface planning. Chapter 12 summarises the main conclusions of this pro
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| 9. |
- Norrman, Jenny, et al.
(författare)
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Nya dimensioner i svensk planering : en utredning om undermarksplanering och geosystemtjänster
- 2020
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Rapport (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Undermarken är en multifunktionell resurs som kan användas för en mängd olika ändamål, varav vissa ibland konkurrerar med varandra. Undermarksbyggande sker huvudsakligen utan formell planering, vilket innebär att den som först gör anspråk på utrymme under mark får förtur medan senare anspråk får anpassa sig, ofta till höga kostnader. Det övergripande syftet med forskningsprojektet ”Hållbar resursanvändning av undermarksrymden” har varit att identifiera nya möjligheter att integrera undermarksfrågor i kommunala planeringsprocesser och genom lagstiftning, samt att föreslå ett ramverk för hållbar planering och användning av undermarken. Rapporten redovisar allt arbete som genomförts inom projektet, och inleds med en översikt av: geovetenskapens roll i samhällsplaneringen; internationella erfarenheter av undermarksplanering; svensk undermarksplanering och undermarksbyggande; svensk planering, historiskt och i nutid; samt en översikt av dagens planeringslagstiftning. Resultaten av projektets delstudier, med intervju- och dokumentstudier gällande svensk praxis, samt en pilotstudie redovisas i sammanfattande form. Rapporten avslutas med ett avsnitt som redogör för erfarenheterna från projektet i en beskrivning av de problem som identifierats för att åstadkomma en bättre undermarksplanering, och som utmynnar i förslag på hur dessa problem kan övervinnas. Som konkreta verktyg presenteras 1) ett digitalt verktyg, SUB-matrisen, som är utvecklat inom projektet och som syftar till att stödja kommunal planering avseende undermarken och 2) ett förslag på fem övergripande principer att tillämpa och förhålla sig till vid planering för att åstadkomma ett hållbart nyttjande av undermarken. Dessutom ges förslag på hur planeringsprocesser kan förbättras i relation till undermarken. Projektets slutsatser kan mycket kortfattat sammanfattas enligt följande: i) undermarken som helhet bör göras synlig i planeringslagstiftning och i policyer, ii) geosystemtjänster bör införas som begrepp för att stödja mer hållbar undermarksplanering, iii) strategiska avvägningar för undermarksnyttjande bör göras i ÖP och man bör utveckla en Undermarkens Fördjupade Översiktsplan (U-FÖP), iv) SUB-matrisen kan användas som ett kommunikations- och planeringsverktyg i kommunal undermarksplanering, v) fem principer förslås (Lämplighet, Ändrad användning, Tredimensionellt tänkande, Optimering och Flexibilitet) som kan tillämpas i alla skalor och planeringsskeden för att stötta en hållbar planering, samt vi) att inventering av digitala underlag om undermarksinformation bör göras utifrån ett geosystemtjänstperspektiv. För att åstadkomma hållbar undermarksplanering i praktiken ges därutöver förslag på framtida arbeten kopplat till olika aspekter på undermarken, som kan stödja sådan implementering.
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| 10. |
- Norrman, Jenny, 1971, et al.
(författare)
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The significance of planning and management of the subsurface to achieve sustainable cities
- 2020
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Konferensbidrag (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Introduction: The subsurface is the foundation upon which all cities rest. But the subsurface is not only a construction basis which provide physical space for infrastructure and the possibility to create a better surface living environment: the subsurface is a multifunctional natural resource. Apart from physical space, it provides water, energy, materials, habitats for ecosystems, support for surface life, and a repository for cultural heritage and geological archives. Currently, the subsurface is often utilised according to the “first-come-first-served” principle, which hinders possibilities to take strategic decisions on prioritisation and optimisation of competing subsurface uses, as well as fair inter- and intragenerational distribution of limited natural resources. A great disadvantage is the invisibility of the subsurface and consequently a lack of understanding of it as a multifunctional resource: the recently launched concept of geosystem services could help mitigate its underrating. Methods: In order to better acknowledge and lift forward the significance of the subsurface in achieving a sustainable future, the 17 SDGs are scrutinized in relation to the resources of subsurface, and specifically how better planning and management of the subsurface can contribute in achieving the goals. Results: Subsurface planning and management is relevant to at least seven (3, 6, 7, 9, 11, 12, 13) out of seventeen SDGs. Although the subsurface is not explicitly mentioned in the SDGs (except for aquifers), the subsurface can significantly contribute in achieving several of these goals. Conclusions: Sound planning and management of the subsurface can support the achievement of the mapped SDGs in various ways. The subsurface must be recognised as a precious and multifunctional resource which require careful planning and sensitive management in accordance with its potential and its value to society. Grant support: Swedish Research Council Formas (942-2016-50), Swedish Rock Engineering Research Foundation (BeFo 385), Swedish Institute Visby Programme (23887/2017).
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