2nd Edition of The Political Economy of Ecological Change and Economic Security in the Global South

2nd Edition of The Political Economy of Ecological Change and Economic Security in the Global South

The urgency of the climate crisis cannot be overstated, particularly given its disproportionate impact on vulnerable communities in the Global South. As climate change accelerates, these communities face extraordinary challenges threatening their ecological stability, economic security, and fundamental human rights. Understanding these issues requires a nuanced exploration of the intricate political economy within these countries. Contrary to the misconception of uniformity in production conditions and development trajectories, regional and local ecological specificities across the Global South have shaped distinct forms of livelihoods and resource management systems, particularly in South and Southeast Asia.

The ongoing climate crisis has wreaked havoc on these livelihoods, exacerbating vulnerabilities and deepening existing inequalities. The most disadvantaged communities are facing the gravest impacts, which pose a threat not only to ecological balance and economic stability but also to human security. The paradox facing the Global South is that, despite following different path-dependencies and minimal historical responsibility for ecological change, they find themselves disproportionately affected and often less equipped to mitigate its impacts. This paradox heightens concerns over economic security, as nations must divert limited resources from essential sectors towards adaptation and mitigation efforts.

Even though global actions to restrict warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels have been inadequate, the Global South has become a centre for creative and cooperative efforts, both among its nations and in collaboration with the Global North. Often backed by state actors, grassroots movements, and indigenous methodologies, these initiatives seek to address the complexities of ecological change and economic security. This is particularly true for South and Southeast Asia, where local ecological practices, democratic urban planning, gender empowerment, and land governance are shaping the way forward.

The solutions to these challenges may involve a blend of diverse approaches that ensure equitable resource distribution, resilience building, financial instruments and sustainable economic development, all while focusing on regional specificities.

Against this backdrop, we invite advanced doctoral students, postdoctoral scholars, and early career researchers to a three-day interdisciplinary conference, with particular attention to South Asia and Southeast Asia, to explore the following themes:

• Sustainability and Resilience: Analyse the interconnectedness of ecological, economic, and demographic resilience, focusing on how communities in South and Southeast Asia navigate ecological change and respond to its differential impacts, including, but not limited to, the food production and consumption system, urban and rural planning system, disaster management, management of flora and fauna, and economic security.
• Human-Environmental Interactions: Investigate the complex relationships between humans and their environments, emphasising innovative approaches that incorporate indigenous and local knowledge to address ecological and economic security. Examples may involve but not restricted to practices such as community-led reforestation, traditional water conservation, sustainable fishing techniques, and habitat restoration.
• Labour, Climate Refugees, and Ecological Change: Examine the linkages between ecological change and migration patterns, particularly the implications for labour markets, livelihoods, and economic adaptation in the Global South. This could involve understanding climate-induced displacement, shifts in labour market dynamics, challenges within the informal sector, and the redistribution of economic activities due to environmental changes.
• AI, Economic Security, and Ecological Change: Explore the role of artificial intelligence in predicting, mitigating, and managing the effects of ecological change, particularly in the context of ecological resilience and economic security. Applications might include AI-driven early warning systems, advanced climate modelling, agriculture management, and optimising energy use in rural and urban areas.
• Ecological Change, Social Security, and Social Protection: Examine the impacts of ecological change on social security, social protection and insurance systems, focusing on the development of social protection and insurance mechanisms to address vulnerabilities and inequalities. This can be seen in initiatives like climate-related insurance, healthcare schemes, welfare programs for climate refugees, disaster relief systems, and social safety nets designed to protect at-risk communities.
• Ecological Change and Legal Reform: Assess the legal reforms required to meet new demands for social security, individual rights, responsibilities, and regulations in response to climate-related challenges. Potential areas of reform include land tenure adjustments, environmental justice frameworks, legal provisions for climate compensation, and regulatory changes aimed at fostering climate adaptation.
• Ecological Change and Financial Instruments: Examine financial instruments, such as bonds or climate funds, that are essential for supporting resilient initiatives and long-term sustainability efforts. Submissions under this theme may include green bonds, carbon pricing strategies, climate adaptation funding, and investment in renewable energy infrastructure.

We encourage submissions that critically engage with theoretical frameworks, offer new methodological approaches, or present novel empirical findings relevant to these themes.

Abstract Submission Guidelines:

Submit an extended abstract of up to 1,000 words. The extended abstract should clearly align with one of the above themes and include theoretical considerations, research questions, methodology, and preliminary findings.

Eligible participants include PhD scholars in the final stages of their research, postdoctoral fellows, and those within seven years of completing their PhD.

Financial Support:

A limited number of travel and accommodation stipends are available for young scholars in the final year of their PhD and within seven years of completing their PhD.

Important Dates:

• Call for abstract closed: January 31st, 2025
• Notification to the section abstracts: February 15th, 2025
• Full Paper Submission Deadline: April 30, 2025
• Notification of Final Acceptance: May 15, 2025
• Conference Dates: July 9-11, 2025

For any further information, please contact us at southasia@youngscholarsinitiative.org

Organising Team

• Sattwick Dey Biswas, Arun Balachandran, Bikram Barman and Saswata Guha Thakurata, YSI
• Sunanda Nair-Bidkar, INET
• Rekha Bhangaonkar and Shailaja Fennell, University of Cambridge