Climate change impacts on biodiversity targets and international cooperation on biodiversity action

Overview

This is an opportunity for a person from an underrepresented group to undertake a fully funded masters degree followed by a fully funded interdisciplinary PhD under the ‘Sustainable Transitions – Leverhulme Doctoral Training Programme’ at the University of Essex.

Only UK domiciled applicants who meet the following criteria may apply:

• Not already have a Master’s degree
• Be from a low-income household background as evidenced by, for example, being in receipt of a full maintenance loan or Special Support loan during their undergraduate studies.

and/or

Be one of the following categories of ethnicity:

• Black African
• Black Caribbean
• Black Other
• Mixed – White and Black Caribbean
• Mixed – White and Black African
• Other mixed background (including Black African, Black Caribbean and Black Other)

The successful applicant would study an appropriate masters degree, such as:

• MSc Environmental Futures with Climate Change
• MSc Marine Science and Sustainable Development
• MSc Tropical Marine Biology

In 2022 world leaders agreed targets to reverse biodiversity loss by 2050. We know that climate change has impacts on biodiversity, with some regions and species benefitting while others decline due to warming, intensifying floods and droughts, and ocean acidification. This project focuses on the likely consequences of climate change for global biodiversity targets and future international cooperation on biodiversity action.

The candidate will be supported to develop the project. However, likely methods include systematic literature review, ecological modelling and policy analysis. The research is expected to produce an assessment of climate change impacts on biodiversity targets, identification of vulnerabilities and adaptation strategies, and recommendations for strengthening international cooperation on biodiversity conservation in a changing climate.

Interdisciplinary focus

This project will benefit from an interdisciplinary approach that integrates concepts and methods from environmental science (e.g. statistical modelling of climate and biodiversity) and political science (e.g. empirical political analysis). By synthesising approaches and insights from these fields, we can develop a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities for biodiversity conservation and international cooperation (e.g., bilateral or multilateral agreements) in a changing climate.

Training and support

You will receive support through the Sustainable Transitions training program, which offers interdisciplinary research methods, secondary discipline training, and ongoing development. Doctoral scholars also have access to £2,500 through Proficio for training courses and £10,000 for research and additional training. You may audit relevant courses and will be supported by both the Sustainable Transitions management and your supervisory team.

Additionally, all scholars join the University of Essex’s Centre for Environment and Society, providing events and networking opportunities. 

Person specification

This opportunity would suit a candidate with a degree/ background in ecology, environmental science or climatology, with a strong interest in biodiversity conservation and international cooperation.

It is not necessary for the candidate to have prior training in political science or social science methodologies as this will be provided on the programme.

Research proposal

The project area is broadly defined, leaving scope for the applicant to develop their own specific research proposal as part of the application. The successful candidate will further develop their proposal in close consultation with the supervisory team.

Supervision

The primary discipline supervisor takes the lead responsibility for supervising the project. For further detail relating to supervision see the Guidance for Applicants (.docx) document.

Additional background information

This project will investigate the consequences of climate change for the achievement of global biodiversity targets. The research aims to contribute to the development of resilient conservation strategies by examining the direct and indirect biodiversity impacts of climatic changes such as warming, intensifying floods and droughts, and ocean acidification, as well as the potential challenges and opportunities for future international cooperation on biodiversity action.

Before embarking upon the PhD research, the successful candidate will develop interdisciplinary capacity through a one-year MSc. Their MSc-level study will develop the candidate’s knowledge and skills in quantitative skills and data analysis, environmental policy, climate change and pollution, and research design, giving them insights and tools with which to further develop their PhD project proposal.

Potential research questions

1. What are the direct and indirect impacts of climate change on the metrics used to assess progress towards national biodiversity targets?
2. What are the likely implications of climate change for the future achievement of global biodiversity targets, such as those outlined in the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework for 2030 and 2050?
3. How might climate change affect international cooperation on biodiversity conservation, including resource access, equity concerns, and the effectiveness of existing agreements?
4. What are the potential opportunities for international cooperation on climate change to contribute towards the achievement of biodiversity targets?

Methodology

This project will employ a mixed methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative research methods. Potential methods include:

• Systematic literature review to identify and analyse existing research on the impacts of climate change on biodiversity and international cooperation
• Ecological modelling of the relationships between climate variables and biodiversity indicators
• In-depth analysis of case studies on biodiversity conservation initiatives in climate-vulnerable regions
• Scenario analysis to explore potential future scenarios of climate change and its impacts on biodiversity and international cooperation
• Policy analysis to examine international agreements and national policies related to climate change, biodiversity, and sustainable development
• Semi-structured interviews with policymakers, diplomats, conservation practitioners, and researchers.

Expected outcomes

This research is expected to produce the following outcomes:

• A comprehensive assessment of the direct and indirect impacts of climate change on a specific facet or metric of biodiversity within a major ecosystem type (e.g., freshwater species abundance, forest species extinction risk)
• Identification of key vulnerabilities and adaptation strategies
• Recommendations for strengthening international cooperation on biodiversity action in a changing climate
• Recommendations on the development of more effective and resilient biodiversity conservation strategies.

How to Apply

Full details available at Sustainable Transitions Leverhulme Doctoral Training Programme.

Supervisory team references

1. Wilkes, M.A., Carrivick, J.L., Castella, E., Ilg, C., Cauvy-Fraunié, S., Fell, S.C., Füreder, L., Huss, M., James, W., Lencioni, V. and Robinson, C., 2023. Glacier retreat reorganizes river habitats leaving refugia for Alpine invertebrate biodiversity poorly protected. Nature Ecology & Evolution, 7(6), pp.841-851.
2. Wilkes, M.A., Mungee, M., Naura, M., Bell, V.A. and Brown, L.E., 2024. Predicting nature recovery for river restoration planning and ecological assessment: A case study from England, 1991–2042. River Research and Applications. 
3. Wilkes, M.A., Bennett, J., Burbi, S., Charlesworth, S., Dehnen-Schmutz, K., Rayns, F., Schmutz, U., Smith, B., Tilzey, M., Trenchard, L. and Van De Wiel, M., 2020. Making way for trees? Changes in land-use, habitats and protected areas in Great Britain under “Global tree restoration potential”. Sustainability, 12(14), p.5845.
4. Bakaki, Z. and Bernauer, T., 2017. Do global climate summits influence public awareness and policy preferences concerning climate change?. Environmental Politics, 26(1), pp.1-26.
5. Bakaki, Z. and Haer, R., 2023. The impact of climate variability on children: The recruitment of boys and girls by rebel groups. Journal of Peace Research, 60(4), pp.634-648.