PhD in Climate Law & Economics Adaptation

The University of Essex offers a fully funded PhD opportunity in Climate Law & Economics for candidates from underrepresented groups. Applicants must be UK domiciled, without a master's degree, and from low-income backgrounds or specific ethnic categories. The research will focus on legal and economic interventions for climate change adaptation. Scholars receive interdisciplinary training and support through the Sustainable Transitions program, with access to funding for courses and research.
Position: PhD in Climate Law & Economics for Adaptation Project OverviewThis is an opportunity for a person from an underrepresented group to undertake a fully funded master’s degree followed by a fully funded interdisciplinary PhD research degree 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 degreeAndBe 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/orBe one of the following categories of ethnicity:Black AfricanBlack CaribbeanBlack OtherMixed – White and Black CaribbeanMixed – White and Black AfricanOther mixed background (including Black African, Black Caribbean and Black Other)The successful applicant would study an appropriate master’s degree, such as:LLM LawThe subsequent PhD project would focus on the relationship between legal and economic interventions concerning climate change adaptation. Owing to the recognition that many countries and communities are needing to adapt rapidly to climate related events such as storms, flooding, sea-level rise, desertification, drought and crop failure there is now much greater pressure for legal and policy interventions. Many countries have framework laws that provide for adaptation but there are significant gaps in areas relating to financing, investment and infrastructure development. This means that there is an urgent need for more research relating to the law and policy that would contribute to effective climate change mitigation in that space. This project would undertake analysis in this field to contribute to the provision of practical and effective solutions.Interdisciplinary Focus and MethodsThe interdisciplinarity of this project lies at researching the interface between the development of law that is required to respond adequately to climate change adaptation and the economic requirement to invest in appropriate responses. This means that the project will involve legal analysis combined with analysis of a variety of different types of adaptation mechanisms such as investment, financial and governance strategies that can be employed, but which require legal frameworks to function effectively.Training and SupportYou 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 SpecificationThis opportunity would suit a candidate with a degree/ background in law and the successful candidate will be expected to develop their knowledge of international environmental law. It is not necessary for the candidate to have prior training in development studies, government, business or economics as any relevant training will be provided on the programme.Research ProposalThe 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.Funding DetailsHome tuition fee waiver.A research allowance of £10,000 (in total) to be spent on authorised research costs, for example supplies and equipment, fieldwork etc.Closing Date11:59 pm BST on Monday 14th September 2026£21,805. Living costs stipend at the UK Research and Innovation recommended level per year. The stipend for 2026-27 is £21,805.#J-18808-Ljbffr