Text: Marie Widengård
Podcasts: (1) Power in “just” biofuel transitions, (2) Consumer Power at the Pump?, (3) Green Leadership
The Power Series
What does it mean for a biofuel transition to be just—and who really holds the power to shape it?
In this episode, we explore the politics of power in climate transitions through the lens of biofuels. Drawing on two key academic texts—"Just Transitions’ Meanings: A Systematic Review" by Stark, Gale, & Murphy-Gregory, and "Biofuel Research: Perceptions of Power and Transition" by Lena Partzsch—we unpack how power operates in subtle and not-so-subtle ways in the biofuel sector.
From power over (who sets the rules), to power to (who has the capacity to act), and power with (how alliances are built), we explore how different perceptions of power shape who benefits, who bears the costs, and who gets to speak in the biofuel debate. Is the transition being steered by fossil fuel interests in a new disguise—or can collective power reshape the road ahead? Tune in for a deep dive into the contested terrain of “just” transitions—and what it takes to move beyond the buzzword.
Can a small sticker at the fuel pump change our behaviour?
In this episode, we explore how Sweden’s fuel stations have become sites of climate governance. Mandated labels inform drivers about the origin and carbon footprint of their fuel—but do these labels actually empower consumers, or do they simply shift responsibility onto individuals?
Drawing on the concept of green governmentality, this podcast examines how environmental information, transparency, and nudging are used to steer behaviour—often without providing meaningful alternatives. We ask: What choices do consumers really have when fuels are already pre-mixed by policy? And what does it mean to be a "green" driver in a system designed around limited manoeuvrability?
Join us as we fuel up on questions about responsibility, agency, and the politics of everyday climate action, based on a forthcoming publication by Marie Widengård and Sofie Hellberg.
Green Leadership
Sweden has long been hailed as an environmental leader—championing biofuels, bioenergy, and bold climate targets. But how is this “green leader” really perceived within the European Union?
Join us for a nuanced look at what it takes to lead—and the cost of staying green under pressure, based on the article “Sweden’s conflicting green leadership in the European Union” by Gunnhildur Magnusdottir and Marie Widengård
Our podcasts have been generated using NotebookLM, drawing on key texts from our research to explore central themes and questions.