PhD Studentship Public and Stakeholder Responses to the Risks of Future Sea Level Rise in the Severn Estuary
Within the Severn Estuary area a number of communities and sectors will face increasing climate related risks during the next 90 years, from the combined impacts of sea level rise and the more extreme weather projected for the South Western region of Great Britain.
The more pessimistic climate projections additionally suggest that vulnerability might extend to aspects of major infrastructure, industry and some larger coastal populations. At present we have very little information on the responses of vulnerable communities and sectors to rising sea level risk, and addressing this knowledge gap is the main priority of this project.
The work stems directly from the previous, successful track record of the supervisors. Dr Ballinger is currently researching climate change adaptation in the Severn and across North West Europe (a major EU INTERREG IV project) while Professor Pidgeon and Dr Whitmarsh both have extensive prior experience of societal responses to climate change risk and mixed-method deliberative research.
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To improve interdisciplinary and professional skills, the PhD will be expected to present research findings at seminar series in both Schools and at international science conferences, such as of the Society for Risk Analysis, and will utilise the Research Students’ Skills Development Programme of the University. The PhD will be affiliated to the Climate Change Consortium of Wales and will collaborate with policy-makers involved in flood protection in the Severn Estuary.
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Supervisors: Dr Lorraine Whitmarsh (PSYCH), Dr Rhoda Ballinger (EARTH) and Professor Nick Pidgeon (PSYCH)
This award will cover UK/EU Fees plus a Stipend matching the UK Research Council minimum (£13,590 for 2010/11).
Residency: This award is available to all UK and EU students.
Academic Criteria: First Class Honours degree or a 2.1 plus a postgraduate Masters degree at Distinction level (or their equivalents
Application Deadline: 28/01/2011
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