Hello, Stefan Linde!
The research project “Extreme weather events and public support for climate change policy” is highlighted in the media after the stormy weather.
It is great that your research project is highlighted in the media! What is the project about?
— In short, it is a question of trying to understand to what extent extreme weather events and their consequences affect people’s perceptions of climate change. For example, large-scale rains and floods or heat waves and forest fires. The starting point for the project is that these events could possibly act as a “trigger” that signals what the consequences of a changed climate might look like — something that could otherwise be perceived as both abstract and distant. Whether people actually take the impression of this type of experience, and if so, to what extent, is still an open question.
In the project, you investigate how extreme weather affects public support for climate change agents. What does this mean?
— Climate change instruments are different types of policy measures that can be used either to counter climate change, for example to reduce emissions, or to reduce the negative impacts that may arise as a result of changing climate, such as droughts or floods. Examples of instruments may include increases in energy and fuel taxes, subsidies for investments in green technologies, or various types of information campaigns. Regardless of the type of instrument, broad public support is a prerequisite for the effective operation of the instrument over time.
What do you do when you don't research?
— I have two young children, so when I am not working, I spend a lot of time with my family, preferably out in the woods or the mountain. If I get some time left, I like to practice, like running or skiing.