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As our cities face the growing impacts of climate change, there is a pressing need to rethink urban development through innovative lenses. One approach is to venture into this change by transforming the functions of the cities to let nature assist in community tasks, thereby reducing the footprint of greenhouse gases. This study shows the integration of Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) and Artificial
This study investigates concentrations of eight metals (Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, Hg, Cr, Ni, As) in the freshwater resource Lake Vomb, located in the south of Sweden (Scania), and explores the potential use of deformed Chironomidae larvae as bioindicator. Sediment samples from six locations were analysed against threshold values from the Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management and background values
Wetlands are vital for biodiversity, socio-ecological systems, and carbon sequestration, but they present a complex challenge in crafting effective conservation policies. This study investigates a successful case of wetland conservation policy, focusing on the notable achievements of Kristianstad Vattenrike. Utilizing a comprehensive research approach, encompassing semi-structured interviews, surv
In recent years, Generative AI has experienced a rapid increase in society and is now used all over the world. The purpose of this study is to find out how much energy and water a student in Lund, as well as all students in Lund, consumes when utilizing Generative AI. The method consists of a quantitative survey study that targeted students in Lund and was placed around Lund campus. The collected
Oil spills are known to cause severe ecological damage, yet the long-term effects on benthic organ-isms are still not fully understood. This study investigates how blue mussels (Mytilus edulis trossulus) were affected by the 2023 oil spill caused by the grounding of the passenger ferry Marco Polo in the Hanö bay, southern Sweden. Here I compare mussels collected from four oil-contaminated sites wi
This study investigates the relationship between the use of pesticides within Ängelholm Municipality’s largest water protection area and the levels of these substances in the drink-ing water. With a growing population and modern lifestyle, society has developed a de-pendency on continuous food production, which in turn has led to increased use of pesti-cides to ensure stable harvesters. This can h
PFAS contamination has been identified at numerous sites worldwide, particularly at firefigh-ting training facilities. Firefighting foams, Aqueous film forming foam (AFFF), used at these facilities often contain PFAS as their active substance. The aim of this study was to examine factors that influence transport of eleven different substances of PFAS. Furthermore the study aimed to see how long ti
The threat against biodiversity on beaches is significant in combination with the erosion pressing on our coastlines. At the same time beaches provide paramount cultural and recreational value and are expected to be attractive and accessible for beach visitors. This study explores macroalgae and the conflict between using the beach as a habitat to promote biodiversity while also promoting recreati
Based on current climate data both drought intensity and frequency is expected to increase. Soil microbes react in a variety of ways to drought-imposed stresses, with only a fraction surviving until wetter conditions return. As drought ends and rain returns, these microbial communities respond with an associated pulse in soil CO2-emissions called the Birch effect. Understanding soil microbial resp
Global biodiversity is heavily damaged by human interventions. There are multiple drivers for human-caused biodiversity loss; however, land use linked to agricultural production is the leading one. In response to this major threat, the interest in and importance of assessing the potential biodiversity impacts, particularly those related to land use, have grown significantly. Especially within fram
This study systematically reviews the endocrine-disrupting effects of Bisphenol A (BPA) and Bisphenol S (BPS) on aquatic vertebrates and invertebrates to assess potential health- and ecological risks. Scientific articles were analyzed to compare the impacts of these chemicals on reproductive systems, oxidative stress, neurotoxicity, and metabolism. Results indicate that BPA, even at low concentrat
Since pre-industrial times, increased greenhouse gases in the atmosphere has contributed to climate change affecting all ecosystems. As a result, global and national commitments have been made to reduce emissions by enhancing the number and effectiveness of carbon sinks. To meet the national climate targets, Sweden has proposed financial compensation for forest owners who postpone harvesting. This
Social and climate-related challenges are closely intertwined. Existing research has shown that community’s ability to recover from extreme weather events is largely influenced by social vulnerabilities and societal resilience. In response, environmental justice has emerged as a potential tool to address these dual challenges in urban planning. Within this context, strategies such as urban densifi
During the years 1951–2002, an amount of 2600–5000 tons of PFAS was released into the environment. The widespread occurrence of PFAS substances can have negative consequences for microbial species and communities within ecosystems, which is ex-pected to have negative effects also for higher trophic levels. Therefore, the purpose of this literature study was to compile information on which identifi
The EU is reforming its Emissions Trading System (ETS) to increase the price on emissions, phase out free carbon allowances and thus accelerate decarbonization. Alongside these reforms, the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) has been introduced to mitigate the risk of carbon leakage, imposing tariffs on carbon-intensive products imported to the EU. While CBAM will be beneficial for many EU-
Wind power is crucial for achieving climate and energy targets, but prolonged permitting processes can impede its expansion. This thesis examines whether Sweden’s permitting process is an unreasonable obstacle to wind power development, with the new (2023) EU requirements under the Renewable Energy Directive III (RED III) as the benchmark. The research identifies RED III’s demands on permitting, e
The textile industry generates large amounts of waste, most of which is incinerated or landfilled. To enhance circular practices, the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation will introduce digital product passports (DPPs) in the EU. The passports will collect data on textiles throughout their value chain and are expected to become mandatory by 2027. The existing research on the DPP usability
The study shows that while auditors rely on their financial audit expertise, the CSRD introduces new complexities requiring interdisciplinary knowledge and enhanced social support structures. Despite the high level of detail and comprehensiveness in the CSRD provisions, applying the directive in practice demands auditors to engage in subjective interpretive work at both the client and regulatory l
A key for the wellbeing of all humans is to have a reliable and lasting clean water source. This source would ideally not negatively impose on the environment and its ecology. This is one of the Swedish environment quality goals, to minimize the environmental impact of the drinking water extraction. Vombsjön is a drinking water source lake in southern Swe-den, supplying 25% of Skåne county with wa
This thesis examines why road transport was initially excluded from the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) and what factors contributed to its later inclusion in the EU ETS 2. This thesis will examine how environmental, economic, and political factors contributed to the shift in policy through the lens of the theories of liberal Intergovernmentalism (LI) and neofunctionalism. The research uses a
