Advancing Inclusive and Equitable Approaches for Anticipatory Climate Change Actions

Information on this PhD research area can be found further down this page under the details about the Widening Participation Scholarship given immediately below.

Applications for this PhD research are welcomed from anyone worldwide but there is an opportunity for UK candidates (or eligible for UK fees) to apply for a widening participation scholarship.

Widening Participation Scholarship: Any UK candidates (or eligible for UK fees) is invited to apply. Our scholarships seek to increase participation from groups currently under-represented within research. A priority will be given to students that meet the widening participation criteria and to graduates of the University of Salford. For more information about widening participation, follow this link: https://www.salford.ac.uk/postgraduate-research/fees. [Scroll down the page until you reach the heading “PhD widening participation scholarships”.] Please note: we accept applications all year but the deadline for applying for the widening participation scholarships in 2024 is 28th March 2024. All candidates who wish to apply for the MPhil or PhD widening participation scholarship will first need to apply for and be accepted onto a research degree programme. As long as you have submitted your completed application for September/October 2024 intake by 28 February 2024 and you qualify for UK fees, you will be sent a very short scholarship application. This form must be returned by 28 March 2024. Applications received after this date must either wait until the next round or opt for the self-funded PhD route.

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Project description: Climate change brings with it a host of threats, including extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and ecosystem disruptions, necessitating the development of comprehensive strategies to effectively mitigate these consequences. For many years, the humanitarian community has stressed the importance of responding to emergencies in ways that can limit their severe and long-term impact on vulnerable populations. While the concept of acting early has long held intuitive appeal, a growing consensus has emerged in recent years regarding the value of anticipatory humanitarian action, in terms of both effectiveness and efficiency. Today, an increasing number of stakeholders in the humanitarian system recognize anticipatory action as a crucial opportunity to act proactively before the full impact of a disaster unfolds. Moreover, with the availability of advanced risk assessment and forecasting mechanisms, there is a consensus on the necessity of expanding anticipatory, forecast-based, and risk-informed interventions wherever feasible.

Anticipatory actions, as the initial defence against the impacts of climate change, demand a holistic and inclusive approach to ensure their effectiveness. Merely acting early does not guarantee that all individuals benefit equally from these actions. Hence, humanitarian actors must actively strive to be inclusive in all their efforts. Inclusive programming should also be conflict-sensitive to avoid causing harm and to seek opportunities for contributing to peace. This is especially critical for anticipatory actions, which aim to safeguard the most vulnerable by preserving their lives and livelihoods. An inclusive approach to anticipatory action requires a nuanced and context-specific understanding of how inequality influences vulnerability and resilience. Such an approach involves understanding how various social categories, such as gender, age, nationality, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and physical abilities, affect the extent to which vulnerable individuals or communities can access and benefit from anticipatory action.

To be effective, it is essential that the most vulnerable people in affected communities are included in the decision-making processes concerning the planning, design, and implementation of anticipatory action activities. Projects and programs should also integrate mechanisms capable of monitoring disparities that may emerge during the intervention. Inclusive anticipatory action must ensure that the most vulnerable can access and benefit from all aspects of the program, addressing their specific needs and priorities. At a minimum, inclusive and conflict-sensitive interventions aim to avoid harm to vulnerable groups, not exacerbate existing inequalities, and not create or worsen tensions or violence. Such approaches leave no one behind and reduce risks that could push vulnerable people further into poverty. The existing body of research underscores the importance of equitable and socially just responses to climate change, recognizing that vulnerable and marginalized communities are often disproportionately affected. Therefore, this Ph.D. project aims to bridge the gap between the increasing emphasis on anticipatory actions and the imperative to promote inclusivity and equity in their planning, implementation, and evaluation.

Expected Outcomes:

1. Review and Synthesize Existing Literature: A comprehensive review of the existing literature to establish the current state of anticipatory actions in the context of climate change. This will help identify gaps and areas for improvement in terms of inclusivity and equity.
2. Develop Inclusive and Equitable Frameworks: Based on the findings of the literature review, the project aims to develop frameworks and guidelines for planning, implementing, and evaluating anticipatory actions. These frameworks should prioritize inclusivity, ensuring that the most vulnerable communities are considered.
3. Case Studies and Fieldwork: The project will involve conducting case studies in regions impacted by climate change, where anticipatory actions are being taken. This will include on-the-ground fieldwork to assess the effectiveness of these actions and their impact on local communities.
4. Policy Recommendations: Formulation of policy recommendations at local, national, and international levels. These recommendations will be aimed at integrating inclusive and equitable anticipatory actions into climate change strategies.

Process:

Candidates interested in this self-funded Ph.D. opportunity are encouraged to submit their applications, including a research proposal and a statement of purpose. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview.