Addressing global existential challenges such as climate change and biodiversity loss, requires large-scale sustainable production and consumption systems. This comprehensive systematic change is referred to as, among other terms, sustainability transition, sustainability transformation and green transition.

Transport and mobility are one part of society that must also transform with sustainability transitions. In Europe, the sustainable transformation is driven by the European Green Deal, a comprehensive set of policy initiatives by the European Union. Much of the regulation for sustainable transport transition comes directly from EU legislation or is implemented through national laws aligning with EU mandates. However, the impact of these regulations varies across different regions, highlighting the need for tailored approaches to achieve fair and effective outcomes.

"Due to its special conditions, sustainable transport transitions pose different challenges in the Arctic region compared to European capitals," say the project leaders, Research Professor Jukka Similä and University Lecturer Leena Suopajärvi from the University of Lapland.

Changes in transport systems require both policy measures and new types of transport services

The Arctic Transit project, implemented by the Faculties of Law and Social Sciences at the University of Lapland, aims to identify typical barriers, risks and solutions for the transport system in the Arctic region as the sustainability transitions progress.

"The lack of alternatives to car ownership puts northern sparsely populated areas in a vulnerable position when transport becomes electrified. The promotion of electric cars as the solution for passenger transport presents significant problems. For example, limited access to electricity or disturbances in electricity distribution are real concerns for the transport system," says Researcher Janne Kirjavainen.

Ensuring the equitable implementation of the sustainability transition necessitates that changes to transport systems do not increase transport poverty. Transport poverty affects households or individuals who lack the opportunity to travel with reasonable effort, at reasonable costs and in a reasonable time to locations necessary for carrying out daily activities.

"Dependence on private cars and difficulties in transitioning from petrol and diesel cars can make an individual or household vulnerable to transport poverty, and this is why special policy measures are needed," Research Professor Jukka Similä points out.

The research conducted within the Arctic Transit project has focused on how legislation promoting sustainability transitions can affect transport poverty, as well as how to avoid increasing transport poverty in the transitions process.

In addition to improving public transport and transport infrastructure, future mobility could rely more on transport services rather than private cars, especially in urban areas. This concept is referred to as Mobility-as-a-Service. Through a literature review, the research project has created an overview of the importance of regulation and the possibilities to promote the use of transport services in conjunction with the sustainability transition.

"The development of transport services would be relevant to sustainability transitions. Most greenhouse gases from transport come from road transport. If the use of transport services reduced road traffic, transport emissions would also decrease," states Researcher Mikko Kaunisvaara.

Research results will be presented in a webinar on 10 December 2024

In the final webinar of the Arctic Transit project, on 10 December 2024 from 1:00 pm to 3:30, the researchers of the project will present the project's topic and findings. Topics will include barriers and risks to a sustainable transport system in Lapland; challenges of a road-based transport system in northern conditions; Mobility-as-a-Service; EU energy transition; and transport poverty in the Finnish Arctic area.

This English-language event is open to anyone interested in the topic. It is particularly relevant for professionals in transport sector, including representatives from the administration, political decision-makers, companies and organizations in the field, and researchers in the field.

The full programme of the event and the link to the webinar are available at the University of Lapland website.

Further information:

Jukka Similä, Research Professor in Natural Resources Law, Faculty of Law, tel. +358 40 484 4161, firstname.lastname (at) ulapland.fi
Leena Suopajärvi, University Lecturer in Environmental Social Scientific Research, Faculty of Social Sciences, tel. +358 40 484 4234, firstname.lastname (at) ulapland.fi