Partnerships for Climate Crisis Resilience

Lauren's research delves into the evolving dynamics of partnerships for climate crisis resilience building in the Pacific region, with a specific focus on Aotearoa and its engagement with Pacific nations. Through critical analysis, it will aim to uncover the benefits and challenges of the Aotearoa-Pacific partnership and shed light on its impact on the Pacific’s capacity to build resilience against climate-related challenges. Central to this, is the examination of resilience discourse in climate and development policy frameworks, addressing the complexities and critiques surrounding this concept in a pluralist social landscape. This research is grounded in qualitative methods and seeks to contribute to a deeper understanding of building valuable partnerships for climate crisis resilience. It aims to provide policy recommendations for meaningful collaboration in the Pacific region, with a strong emphasis on climate justice and more profound Pacific engagement by Aotearoa.

Originally from Ngunnawal (Canberra) having moved to Aotearoa in 2014, Lauren Bland is a PhD candidate from the University of Canterbury based in Ōtautahi (Christchurch). She has studied and worked both at home and abroad in the policy, development and environment spheres since 2016 and is passionate about social and environmental justice. She holds a BA in political science and media and communications and an MA focused on democracy and human rights development in Cambodia.