Fairtrans granted SEK 40 million to advance research on fair climate transformations

Fairtrans is a collaborative research initiative that draws on the experiences and engagement of civil society to accelerate a just climate transition in line with the Paris Agreement. The programme first received funding from Mistra and Formas in 2021.

Following a positive evaluation by an international expert panel, Mistra’s board has decided to allocate SEK 20 million to a four-year second phase. Formas is matching this investment, bringing the total funding for the new phase to SEK 40 million.

“In its first four years, Fairtrans has built a solid platform for research and co-creation on just climate transitions. The programme received excellent marks in the evaluation, and it will be exciting to see how it now expands its efforts internationally, particularly through partnerships across Europe,” says Johan Edman, Programme Manager at Mistra.

A stronger European focus

During its initial phase, Fairtrans made significant strides, including training union leaders in just transition strategies. Central trade union organisations LO, TCO, Saco, and Ledarna are all programme partners. The training was grounded in the latest scientific insights and focused on how unions can support and accelerate the transition alongside their members.

Another major milestone was Sweden’s first national citizens’ assembly on climate, initiated by Fairtrans. In May 2024, the assembly presented 22 recommendations for how Sweden can reduce emissions in line with the Paris Agreement. Researchers have studied how the citizens’ assembly model influences political processes, shifts public values and attitudes, and fosters informed deliberation and consensus. A comprehensive report detailing these insights was released earlier this year.

In its next phase, Fairtrans will deepen its research into climate policy instruments, their impacts, and public perception, with a particular emphasis on EU-level comparisons. Dialogue and learning processes will become more international, developed in collaboration with civil society organisations across Europe. The leadership training will also be adapted for industry and employer organisations.

To further strengthen this international perspective, Fairtrans will establish a new international scientific advisory board.

“We are thrilled to continue exploring pathways for a climate transition that garners broad public support. Our research will help policymakers design effective and inclusive climate measures. I’m especially eager to evolve our methods for co-creation between researchers and societal stakeholders in both Sweden and the EU,” says Stephan Barthel, Professor of Sustainability Science at the University of Gävle, researcher at Stockholm Resilience Centre and Programme Director of Fairtrans.

Fairtrans is hosted by Stockholm Resilience Centre at Stockholm University and includes participation from the University of Gävle, Uppsala University, Lund University, and IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute. A broad network of partners from civil society, government agencies, and the private sector are also actively engaged in the programme.