PhD Studentship: Permissible Population Policy as a Means of Averting Harmful Climate Change

Project Overview

Under the ‘Sustainable Transitions – Leverhulme Doctoral Training Programme’ at the University of Essex, this project will examine how the size and structure of the global human population exert a profound impact on climate change. The aim of this research project is to explore the range of morally defensible national and global policies for managing the size and structure of the global population that could reasonably be considered to contribute to climate change mitigation. Although some policies for managing population are clearly indefensible (e.g., enforced sterilisation), there is scope for morally defensible population policies. To explore the range of morally defensible population policies, this research project will combine normative and empirical scholarship. It will explore and advance existing research in ethics and political philosophy on the moral goals and constraints that should guide and limit population policies. It will also draw on research in sciences, including demography and climate science, to analyse the impact that population size and structure, as well as distinct population policies, can have on climate change. 

Interdisciplinary Focus and Methods 

The research project’s interdisciplinary focus arises from the fact that it must explore moral as well as empirical claims: population policies will be permissible only if their goal justifies the burdens they impose and if they do not violate individual rights. Their permissibility depends, also, on empirical evidence related to the overall impact they are likely to have on climate change. 

Training and Support

You will be supported through the Sustainable Transitions training programme which provides initial training in interdisciplinary research methods, training in the secondary discipline within the project area and ongoing training throughout the duration of the programme. All doctoral scholars benefit from the support of Proficio which entitles you to £2,500 that can be used to purchase training courses either within or external to the University. Additionally Sustainable Transitions scholars are entitled to £10,000 that can be used to cover research costs and further training. Scholars are encouraged to audit masters and degree level course where appropriate. You will also have the support of the Sustainable Transitions management team, as well as your own supervisory team. All Sustainable Transitions scholars will become part of the University of Essex ‘Centre for Environment and Society’ through which ongoing events and networking opportunities are available.  

Person Specification 

This opportunity would suit a candidate with a degree or background in international relations, political science, political economy, public policy or political theory. The successful applicant should have a solid grounding in political theory, ethics or normative political philosophy, and a clear interest in climate change and population policy; further training in healthcare, educational policy or population science can be provided on the programme as needed.  

Research Proposal

The 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.  

Additional Funding Information

Home tuition fee waiver.  

Living costs stipend at the UK Research and Innovation recommended level per year. The stipend for 2025-26 is £20,780. The stipend for 2026-27 is TBA.

A research allowance of £10,000 (in total) to be spent on authorised research costs for example supplies and equipment, field work etc. 

Closing Date: 11:59pm GMT on 13^th April 2026.

Advert information