Launch of SustainERA Research Talks: Inaugural Talk by Dr Lauri Peterson

The SustainERA project team is excited to launch its Public Research Talks series, held monthly on Tuesdays from 13:00 to 14:00 EEST/EET, either via Zoom or in a hybrid format.

As part of SustainERA’s Open Lab initiative, the series features leading experts in sustainability and related fields, and most talks are recorded for later viewing on YouTube.

Inaugural Talk – 16 September 2025

Dr Lauri Peterson (University of Eastern Finland and Researcher at Uppsala University) will deliver the inaugural talk of the series, titled: “A Symphony of Efforts: Voluntary Climate Initiatives and Subnational Climate Action.”

• Date and Time: Tuesday, 16 September, 13:00–14:00 EEST
• Format: Zoom. The meeting link will be sent before the talk upon registration. Please register using the following link: https://tinyurl.com/4hdjwf8w

Talk Summary

Cities are playing a growing role in global climate action, often through Voluntary Climate Initiatives (VCIs). This study examines how VCIs—especially the Global Covenant of Mayors (GCoM)—influence the adoption and ambition of climate mitigation targets in 1,180 large cities worldwide. Using statistical modeling, the study finds that GCoM membership significantly increases the likelihood of cities setting climate targets. VCIs focused on target-setting and policy planning are more effective in promoting ambitious and formal climate action, while other types of VCIs have mixed results. The study provides new global data and insights into how VCIs can enhance the integrity of city-level climate governance.

About the Speaker

Dr Lauri Peterson (PhD) is a Senior Researcher at the Center for Climate Change, Energy and Environmental Law, University of Eastern Finland, and a Researcher at the Department of Government, Uppsala University. He also serves as an Advisory Board Member of the SustainERA project. Lauri’s research focuses on climate governance at international, national, and sub-national levels, with particular attention to domestic actors and institutions. Currently, he explores voluntary climate action, the impact of climate hazards, and the political legitimacy of climate policies. Lauri’s work has been published in journals such as World Development, Ecological Economics, Global Environmental Politics, npj Climate Action, and International Environmental Agreements: Politics, Law and Economics. His research has been featured in numerous media outlets, and he has received support from funders including Formas, Forte, Horizon Europe, and the Marianne and Marcus Wallenberg Foundation. 

About SustainERA

Running from 2025–2029, the ERA Chair in Sustainable Futures project (SustainERA) at Tallinn University combines high-level research with innovative solutions to promote sustainable mindsets and practices. The project is funded by the European Commission’s Horizon Europe ERA Chair initiative.

Contact

For more information about the SustainERA Research Talks series, please contact Kertu Vuks, SustainERA Junior Research Fellow, kertu.vuks@tlu.ee