Racism, Rights and Climate Justice: Where is race in climate change scholarship?

Overview

As the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Contemporary Forms of Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance powerfully stating that “the global climate crisis is a racial justice crisis” (Achiume, 2022). This VRES project will conduct a review of current academic scholarship and policy to see whether and how race and racial injustice is addressed. It considers how we might better understand and respond to demands for ‘climate justice’ by attending to racial injustice, particularly in the context of settler colonialism in Australia. The VRES project will take as its focus the work of Torres Strait Islanders to consider how racial injustice has given rise not only to the ecological crisis, but also the solutions that are currently proposed.

Research engagement

• Literature reviews, drafting articles/papers
• Participate in workshops
• Participate in research experience outputs, including a written essay and oral presentations presenting their research findings.

Research activities

Students will work with Francis Nona. He brings to academia a strong understanding of cultural engagement and protocol from his Country, an understanding of the health system as it applies to First Nations and other Australians.

Outcomes

Research assistant experience in Indigenous Australian led research. Students gain hands-on experience in research, which can enhance their employment prospects, inspire them to pursue higher research degrees and contribute to the development of knowledge in their areas of interest.

Skills and experience

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students are welcome.

Start date

4 November, 2024

End date

19 January, 2025

Location

Carumba Institute - Gardens Point Campus

Keywords

• Climate Justice
• Climate Change
• Indigenous
• Sovereignty
• Race

Contact

Talitha Love or Francis Nona

carumbainstitute@qut.edu.au