In 2021, the Greek government and Volkswagen collaborated to promote electric vehicles and expand the use of renewable energy sources on the Greek island of Astypalea, near the Turkish border.
Andreas Lekkos' master thesis, based on seven months of fieldwork on the island, focuses on the social consequences of this process.
He is the winner of this year's Sustainability award.
«We often hear about the the European Green Deal, measures against climate change, the need for alternative forms of electricity production, and e-mobility. I wanted to investigate what this really means in practice,» says the award winner.
«On Astypalea, green development is an interplay between supranational institutions such as the EU, the Greek state and local government in tandem with foreign capital flows. For me, as an anthropologist, it seemed interesting to examine the sosio-economical implications for the people who actually live on the island.»
Wants to continue researching the energy transition
The Sustainability Award is given annually to the three best master theses at the University of Oslo with topics related to the sustainability agenda. The purpose of the award is to inspire originality and quality in master's works that contribute to knowledge and insight into sustainable development.
«I was so excited when I heard the good news! It took me a few hours to actually realise that it was true.», says the award winner.
After spending the last few years studying in Oslo, Lekkos has now moved back to his hometown, Athens. He says there is a lot to do these days, catching up with friends and family, and rediscovering the city.
«And most importantly, getting used to the heat!» Lekkos says.
«But I'm very keen to continue researching the energy transition and its socio-economic implications.»
The Sustainability Award will be presented at the University of Oslo's annual celebration on September 2nd in the Aula.