Photo: Jesper Ahlin Marceta/Young Academy of Sweden
Scientists have figured out how to save the climate in mathematical models but can we do it in the real world? My research group investigates this question by examining change and continuity in energy systems. I use energy system models, technological innovation and diffusion theories, and analysis from political science and history. We zoom in on cases where change has been rapid and profound such as the response to the 1970s oil crises and the growth of solar and wind power in recent years to understand what enabled such rapid change and how they can be scaled up and replicated in different countries. By identifying historical precedents of rapid transitions and comparing these to the scale and speed of changes society needs to meet climate targets, we are able to identify the areas where change is most feasible.
Born: April 19, 1982
Interests: Besides my research, I love exploring new ideas through books, podcasts, and conversations with old and new friends. I also relax with meditation, music, and cooking.
Other: I considered joining a circus as a teenager. Now I enjoy contemporary circus.
I want to contribute to developing Sweden’s system for attracting scientific talent and developing science by identifying those areas where we are already world leaders as well as those where we can learn from other countries. I am particularly interested in strengthening international scientific mobility and transparency of funding to ensure Swedish institutions are strong growth environments for young scientists.
Jessica is one of the researchers in POLET (Perspectives on technOLogical change and Energy Transitions), an international interdisciplinary collaboration on energy transformation:
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5 Questions to Jessica Jewell about the 2025 Economics Prize