Water re-use and resource recovery in arid countries – a climate justice analysis

REFERENCE NUMBER

Please select SCEBE/23Stu/Helwig

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Re-using wastewater has been proposed as a solution to increasing water productivity and reducing sensitivity to climate change, as effluent can provide a steady supply of water and resources contained within where other sources become unreliable. However, information on contaminants and associated risks is still scarce, and risk perceptions do not just relate to potentially toxic contaminants and health risks but also risks to livelihoods. 

Water re-use is predominantly driven by a water scarcity narrative. The water justice literature critiques this narrative and deconstructs concepts such as water scarcity and efficiency by reframing both challenges and solutions. A justice perspective places people at the centre of the analysis and examines power and inequalities in decision-making as well as the distribution of benefits and risk. 

The project will examine the risks and benefits of water re-use through a water justice lens and address the following objectives: 

• examine the drivers of water re-use and understand risk perceptions relevant to water re-use in arid countries especially in the Global South; 

• analyse water re-use policies and practices using a water justice framework;

• make recommendations on whether and how water re-use can make a contribution to water justice;

• evaluate the technical options for water re-use and resource recovery, as indicated by perceived risks and needs.

Building on the work by the Mary Robinson Centre for Climate Justice  (https://www.gcu.ac.uk/research/researchcentres/climatejustice) this project has the potential to bridge social sciences with technological investigation, for example chemicals recovery from wastewater, making for a project with scope for the successful candidate to draw on their strengths and develop their own inter-disciplinary approach. 

Candidates must include an outline of their ideas for exploring climate/justice/water/circular-economy linkages, drawing on relevant literature (via the ‘research proposal’ section of the application form; maximum of 750 words excluding references).

SUPERVISOR INFORMATION

Name: Karin Helwig

Email:  [Email Address Removed]

GCU Research Online URL:  https://researchonline.gcu.ac.uk/en/persons/karin-helwig

HOW TO APPLY

This project is available as a 3 years full-time PhD study programme with expected start date of 1 October 2023.

Candidates are encouraged to contact the research supervisors for the project before applying.

Please note that emails to the supervisory team or enquires submitted via this project advert do not constitute formal applications; applicants should apply using the Application Process page, choosing a October 2023 Start.

Applicants shortlisted for the PhD project will be contacted for an interview within six weeks from the closing date. 

Please send general enquires regarding your application to: [Email Address Removed]