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Maria Figueroa

Associate Professor

Emner
Bæredygtighed Grøn omstilling Klima Miljø Socialt ansvar Verdensmål

Primary research areas

Just Climate Transitions, Resilient Business and Development

Interdisciplinary research climate just interventions to meet mitigation and adaptation goals, focus on business innovations on urban services, energy, mobility, and digital innovation. Examining system-wide enablers and barriers for scaling up resilient, equitable and sustainable transitions.

Energy Systems Innovation and Just Transition governance

Analysis of uptake of low-carbon energy technologies, smart infrastructure, and green business models. Explores socio-technical dynamics, governance, and implementation challenges in achieving just and sustainable energy transitions.

International Climate Governance and Assessment

Contributions to international climate science through IPCC and global assessments. Focus on comparative policy analysis, sustainability metrics, and science-policy interfaces shaping pathways to climate-resilient development.

I bridge science & policy for just, resilient climate action

I research how cities, business, institutions, and communities can lead the way in tackling climate change through fair, inclusive, and science-based solutions. My work focuses on identifying pathways for energy system’s just transitions, circular economy, and sustainable development. 

I help advancing climate-resilient transitions by identifying barriers and enablers for low-carbon innovation—such as clean energy, smart mobility, and green business models—I contribute to national and international climate assessments like the IPCC Assessment reports. 

My research supports policymakers, companies, and civil society in making informed decisions that address both environmental challenges and social equity. I believe that climate action must be systemic, inclusive, and grounded in real-world solutions. 

At CBS, I collaborate across disciplines and borders to co-create knowledge that accelerates sustainability transitions at local, national, and global scales. 

Outside activities

Review Editor, IPCC AR7, 2023–present

As Review Editor, I will support the IPCC’s commitment to scientific integrity by ensuring that expert and government comments are thoroughly addressed, and that diverse scientific perspectives—including points of disagreement—are fairly reflected in the final report.
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Lead Author, IPCC AR6, WGIII , 2018–2023

Lead Author for chapter on mitigation in IPCC’s 6th Assessment Report
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UN-Habitat Cities & Climate Report Advisory Board, 2022–2024

Served on expert advisory board for UN-Habitat’s 2024 climate report.

This Report showed how climate action can bring an array of benefits to cities and residents, from poverty reduction, employment, resilient infrastructure, improved public health and well-being to the restoration of fragile ecosystems.
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EU-AU High-Level Commission on Climate Change and Sustainable Energy, 2021–present

Serve as expert member in this High-Level Policy Dialogue Africa-EU AU-EU R&I Partnership on Climate Change and Sustainable Energy of the AU-EU High Level Policy Dialogue on Science and Innovation
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Leadership Council Sustainable Development Solutions Network SDSN Northern Europe Leadership Council , 2020–present

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Associate Editor Journal Frontiers in Climate Change , 2024–present

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