Johan Ståhlberg

What is your background?
I have a long background in outdoor (skiing, mountains) photography and journalism. Add to this a detour into communication and advertising. But that is also the reason I am in LUCAS. I saw the changes in the mountains and ski resorts. Warmer winters, less snow and, how the melting affected so much more than just adrenaline junkies on skiis.

Why did you choose the LUCAS programme?
I felt that LUCAS was spot on for what I wanted to study further. All the courses were just so interesting. I have a bachelor in Peace and Development studies, which gave me a good foundation for LUCAS. I felt that the topics was important for our future, and something that I wanted to learn so much more about. Not just acknowledge that climate change is happening, but really deep dive into why, how, and how to hopefully change our carbon heavy course as a civilization.

What academic and personal skills have you gained so far?
Besides polishing my academic writing, reading and craftsmanship further, I also broaden my own view. I am the only (full) Swede in the class, and my amazing class mates comes from all over the world. This means a concoction of cultures, views, experiences and all. Not only how we see and are affected by climate change, but as people.

How would you describe the courses and the study environment?
I think the courses are great. We deep dived into perhaps the more natural science of climate change for two months the first thing we did. Bit of a shock coming from social sciences, but so worth it after the initial scare, haha! The courses are really interactive between us students, teachers and guest lectures. We do not only hand in essays, but do role plays, presentations, and podcasts. It’s great! We have our own little floor at LUCSUS, that we share with our sister program, LUMES. Its great networking, friendship, and teamwork. But we tend to always be out of coffee!

What advice would you give to students starting the programme?
Just go for it! The natural science part might feel overwhelming and hard (if you don’t have that background), but when you land a bit, it's so valuable. If you feel out of place, insecure or whatever, just talk to the teacher or our coordinator, they are here to help, and want you to strive, not to fail you. There are so many extra classes and activities touching our topics to go to that can also help you get more comfortable.

What climate change issue do you care mostly about?
As a skier, of course our melting glaciers and snow. Not just for skiing, but for its functions in cooling our planet, and providing billions of people with fresh water. That is the hard part about climate change, it affects everything and everyone. 

Describe LUCAS in three words
Insightful, friendly, important.