The political economy of ecological change and economic security in the Global South

The intricacies of the political economy that play out across countries in the Global South have profound significance for understanding the nature of ecological change and economic security that confront our world today. In contrast to the misconception of homogeneity of production conditions and development trajectories in countries in the Global South, there have been regional and local specificities in ecologies that have given rise to particular forms of livelihoods and different types of natural resource management systems.

The current climate crisis has unleashed catastrophic effects on the livelihoods of these communities, the most vulnerable segments have been most adversely impacted and this has exacerbated existing inequalities in these nations. It also a grave threat to both economic stability and human security- and a paradox that faces the economies of Global South as they have minimal historical responsibility for climate change yet find themselves in a weaker position to mitigate its consequences. This paradox complicates economic security as countries must redirect resources towards adaptation and mitigation efforts, diverting already limited funds from essential social sectors. Despite these challenges and the arguably insufficient actions taken to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees celsius above pre-industrial levels, collaborations and mitigation initiatives are emerging within and between countries of the Global South, as well as between the Global South and North. Often backed by states or grassroots movements and indigenous methodologies, these efforts strive to address the crisis.

These efforts include enhancements in ecological practices, socioeconomic reforms, empowering women, democratic urban planning practices, and considerations regarding land ownership, management, and control of both surface and subsurface resources. A comprehensive solution may entail a blend of diverse approaches aimed at ensuring fair resource distribution, fostering resilience, and promoting sustainable economic development in the Global South. Against this backdrop, we invite advanced doctoral students and early scholars to a two-day conference fostering cross-cultural and interdisciplinary dialogues with particular attention to South Asia. The conference aims to explore the following themes:

• Sustainability and Resilience: Delve into the interconnectedness of sustainability and resilience (ecological, economic and demographic), dissecting how diverse communities in the Global South navigate ecologies and respond to the differential impacts of climate change.
• Human-Environmental Interactions: Explore the intricate relationship between humans and their environments, emphasising the need for innovative approaches that incorporate local/indigenous ecological knowledge to address the adverse effects of climate change while ensuring economic stability.
• Labour, Climate Refugees, and Climate Change: Investigate the nexus between climate change and migration patterns, examining the implications for labour in motion.

Instructions for abstract submission

Submit an abstract within 1000 words. The abstract should ideally fall under one of the themes. We will look for theoretical considerations/ assumptions, research questions, methodology, and findings when reviewing the abstracts.

We encourage PhD scholars in the final year of writing up their doctoral work, postdoctoral scholars, and early career Assistant Professors to submit their abstracts for consideration.

Financial Support:

A limited number of scholars will get financial support to cover travel and accommodation expenses. The travel stipend may not be enough to cover intercontinental travel.

Important dates

• Deadline for abstract submissions: February 5, 2024
• Notification of selected abstracts: February 15, 2024
• Full paper submission deadline: March 31, 2024
• Notification for final acceptance: April 15, 2024
• Conference in 1-2 July, 2024

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

Organising team

Sattwick Dey Biswas and Arun Balachandran, YSI
Sunanda Nair-Bidkar, INET
Rekha Bhangaonkar and Shailaja Fennell, University of Cambridge