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.

For any further information, please contact us; [email protected]

Organising team

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