Research

This research project examines emerging geographies of decarbonization beyond traditional North-South distinctions through a comparative analysis of lithium mining and green hydrogen production in Chile and Spain. As the transition to a low-carbon future intensifies the demand for critical raw materials and clean energy carriers, new socio-spatial configurations are emerging that challenge conventional understanding of global relations. The project investigates how the climate crisis and geopolitical tensions have accelerated both extractive activities in the Global South and onshoring initiatives in Europe, creating complex interdependencies. By analyzing territorial conflicts surrounding decarbonization efforts, the research aims to conceptualize these emerging geographies and reassess North-South relations in the context of green energy transitions. Drawing on an interdisciplinary theoretical framework that integrates global production network (GPN) approaches with concepts of territoriality, the study addresses three key questions: (1) What socio-spatial dimensions characterize decarbonization geographies in Chile and Spain? (2) How can these emerging geographies be conceptualized? (3) How does the green energy transition transform our understanding of North-South relations? The methodology combines field research in capital cities and extraction territories with stakeholder interviews, ethnographic observation, and Q-Methodology to examine actors, narratives, institutions, and conflicts. The project is embedded in an international network of collaborating partners and includes writing retreats and a workshop to develop findings. DecarboGraphies contributes to ongoing debates on green extractivism and colonialism by moving beyond binary perspectives and developing new analytical frameworks for understanding the territorial dynamics of global decarbonization. Results will be published in high-ranking journals, presented at international conferences, and disseminated through a policy brief and short film to enhance public accessibility and visibility.

This feasibility study explores possible avenues for an environmental history of Berchtesgaden, building on the content of the archive of Berchtesgaden National Park. In a first step, a visit of the archive will enable identifying the available sources. For relevant source types, the content will be assessed. Further, we preselect those sources that are of particular relevance for environmental history questions (e.g., agricultural and forest uses). Based on this pre-selection, avenues for future environmental history research will be developed, including research questions and more general research directions.

Conventional materials and their properties are increasingly proving to be inadequate for complex, sustainable projects, such as those required in modern energy and mobility systems, but also in the construction industry. Methods from the field of artificial intelligence (AI) can help to analyse and optimize material properties. For example, physical material properties can be can be predicted using AI models, and the search for new materials (e.g., for batteries, photovoltaics, CO2 sorbents for carbon capture storage, cement alternatives) can be accelerated. The focus of the ‘Study-AI4GreenMat’ project is on the use of AI for the development of novel materials to substitute materials with high CO2-footprint or otherwise environmentally damaging properties, as well as the use of existing materials for the reduction of negative environmental impacts. The objectives of the BOKU-led work are (1) Status quo and trends on sustainability problems in connection with materials with high relevance for a transformation towards sustainability (energy transition, circular economy). Identification of Austrian sectors/fields of activity where accelerated material development has the greatest potential. (2) Overview of the material flow accounting (MFA) method, its methodological conventions and available databases; overview of the most important findings from MFA, i.e. material use and material footprint of Austria along material groups, by end uses and by use in economic sectors/industries. (3) Overview of the life cycle assessment method, impact categories used, unit of analysis, and available databases;