Alex is a PhD student in social philosophy at Tampere University and an associate director - social specialist at Wardell Armstrong International. His research involves introducing critical theory approaches (e.g., Recognition theory, decolonial and critical gender theories), to implement novel practices in environmental, social, community health and human rights impact assessment studies. His work in ESG consultancy is largely conducted in the Global South, evaluating impacts from renewable energy, oil and gas, mining and infrastructure projects, with a focus on vulnerable groups.

Jaana Jarva is a senior scientist in environmental geology at the Geological Survey of Finland (GTK). She holds a PhD in geology from the University of Turku, Finland. She is specialized in the fields of environmental and urban geology, geochemistry, land use planning, geological risk assessment and climate change adaptation. She has worked as a project manager in several European research and regional development projects, as well as in national and international research and consulting assignments. She is currently acting as a project manager of four international projects on hydrogeology, climate change adaptation and environmental impact assessment. She holds IPMA Level C certificate.

Projects

The politics of impact assessment in framing community 'development' in extractive projects

The overarching aim of my research is to develop new, sustainable forest management practices and policies that can pave the way for energy transition, climate change mitigation and adaptation, without compromising ecosystem services or the implementation of biodiversity targets. I have expertise in dynamic forest carbon cycle modeling, systems analysis, climate impact assessment, ecosystem service and biodiversity modeling as well as in policies related to climate change mitigation and the sustainability of bioenergy.