Impact

Trans-disciplinary Publications

The Centre's work is grounded in high quality research and publications. Among its notable publications are eight papers in Nature journals. These include:

• Fuso Nerini and colleagues' exploration of personal carbon allowances in ”Nature Sustainability” got attention across the world including being featured in over 52 news outlets, and tweeted by thousands of people, reaching over 5 Million people on Twitter. That made the article rank, in terms of visibility, in the top 0.1 percent of altmetric score across all articles in all fields Personal carbon allowances revisited (Nature Sustainability)
• Khavari et al. article in ”Nature Sustainability” presenting novel data-driven tools to enable energy access and climate planning was featured in almost 40 news outlets, and as the basis of a tool already used for policymaking in Nepal, Kenya and Rwanda, among others A geospatial approach to understanding clean cooking challenges in sub-Saharan Africa
• Fuldauer et al.'s insights into climate adaptation and sustainable development in ”Nature Communications” also featured in news outlets, and provides insights on how to develop sustainable climate adaptation Targeting climate adaptation to safeguard and advance the Sustainable Development Goals (Nature Communications)
• Larosa et al.'s analysis of the nexus between generative AI and climate research in ”Nature Climate Change” got widespread attention as a part of the merge of AI and sustainability fields Halting generative AI advancements may slow down progress in climate research

These publications underscore the Centre's commitment to pioneering research that spans various disciplines and its role in shaping global discourse on climate action.

International Development Impact

The Centre's global outreach is exemplified by its collaborations. Notably, its partnership with UNOPS has led to the co-development of the SustainABLE tool, a data-driven tool to enhance sustainability in over 80,000 infrastructure projects worldwide. As part of this partnership our affiliated researchers are also beginning to work with the organisation to assess the design suitability of various infrastructure types.

Also, the Centre's collaboration with the World Bank is supporting the alignment of electrification targets with climate action agendas across various countries, demonstrating the Centre's influential role in international development. A new tool developed with the UN Clean Cooking Alliance is being adopted to support policymaking in Nepal, Kenya and Rwanda among others.

Societal Outreach and Collaboration

The Centre's research has captured the attention of global media, with features in SVT, SvD, Icon Magazine, BBC, The Guardian, and Bloomberg, among others. The centre has been active in key international events on climate and sustainability, including COP27 and Stockholm+50. Furthermore, the Centre has organized a policy seminar on climate and health in Brussels, drawing around 100 participants from key EU policy organizations, emphasizing its role in shaping climate policy.

The Centre's global recognition is highlighted by strategic partnerships with renowned entities such as Stockholm Trio, SEI, and UNOPS, and discussions for collaborations with international climate institutions such as Oxford University, UCL, Harvard University and others, illustrating its international appeal.

The Centre was featured in a significant meeting between the Centre's postdoc Haluk Akay, Google CEO Sundar Pichai, and Sweden's PM Ulf Kristersson. This discussion on the responsible use of AI for sustainability and climate goals is an example of the role the Centre can have in bridging academia, government, and industry. 

Impact on Youth and Education

The Centre's engagement with the youth and educational initiatives are particularly noteworthy. These include:

• Climate Connect Program: Engaging KTH students in international discussions on climate and sustainability themes with peers from universities worldwide.
• PhD Course on Climate Action: A pioneering initiative that integrates climate action into doctoral education.
• Climate Student Ambassadors: Students employed by the Centre to engage fellow students in the Centre's activities. 
• Student Competitions: Organizing challenges that encourage students to devise solutions to climate-related problems.

More on the Centre's impact on youth and education can be found at the page Links to education. 

Local Community and Public Engagement

The Centre is a part of Stockholm city's scientific council, contributing expert knowledge to aid in sustainability issues. More information can be found here: intra.kth.se/forskning/genomslag-av-din-for/samverka-med-narings/regional-samverkan/stockholms-stads-vetenskapliga-rad-1.1337547

The Centre's house at Teknikringen 43, part of the partnership with Akademiska Hus, has hosted an array of workshops, student events, and external collaborations, becoming a nexus for climate action at KTH.

Outreach to the general public has been a cornerstone of the Centre's activities. Its researchers have visited several high schools in Stockholm, engaging pupils in climate discussions and inspiring careers in sustainability. The Centre has also organized open seminars during COP 26 and 27, at the Swedish house during the Olympic games, events during Stockholm+50, and together with art schools, e.g. dance and music.

The Centre's website and Instagram has evolved into a central platform for disseminating key information, news, and events to a diverse audience, including researchers, students, partners, and the public. This digital presence complements the Centre's visibility in various media outlets, enhancing its role in communicating cutting-edge research and insights.