Michael Lomotey PhD, Geography & Environmental Science

PhD student

PhD project: Using the frame of antiblackness to interrogate environmentalism, looking at climate change and ecological solutions that are emancipatory, equitable, inclusive and therefore more efficient

I thank my supervisors for their guidance and support and equally, the Black Futures cohort tutors who have really been there for me.

The year up to my first progression review was an exciting but very busy time. Preparing for the PhD review, I admit some anxiety crept in, but comments from my assessor alleviated that: “very good progression” was one of the outcomes, and “particularly impressed by the firm grounding demonstrated in concepts of antiblackness, and how this lens can be innovatively brought to bear on environmental justice, and especially the field of disaster risk reduction”.

I’ve worked hard to develop a critical analysis in my work and to make clear the urgency and imperatives for my research, to expose the root causes of oppression that may contribute to environmental injustice in the UK.

During my first year, I have spoken at three conferences and delivered presentations and workshops for external organisations and industry. Notably was the Association of American Geographers Annual Meeting (AAG) where I gave a paper presentation on Antiblackness and climate coloniality.

Alongside was the Royal Geographical Society (RGS-IBG), where uniquely, I was allowed to present two single-authored papers. The AAG and RGS-IBG are the two biggest international meetings for geographers. The third conference was unique in its field too.

I was proud to be on a climate expert panel at the UK Africa Centre which was attended by the Nigerian High Commissioner. I’ve been a repeat guest lecturer at the Centre for Alternative Technology, Wales and was asked to write the Black Majority Churches’ political manifesto chapter on Climate Change and Climate Justice.

I’m proud to give back by demonstrating and lecturing here at Southampton too - I started as I meant to go on.