Faculty of Environment
Research project description
Seeking a highly motivated doctoral student to join an interdisciplinary research project examining the role of nature-based solutions (NbS) in addressing climate-driven vulnerabilities in informal urban settlements in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), with a primary case study in Mérida, Mexico.
Informality is the dominant mode of urbanization in the Global South, where most future urban growth is projected to occur. Rapidly expanding but underserved informal settlements are disproportionately exposed to climate risks, including extreme heat, flooding, and water insecurity. Many cities in the LAC region face the triple challenge of the aftermath of rapid urbanization, climate change, and inequalities in access to services, infrastructure, and political representation.
This project explores the potential for nature-based solutions—actions that protect, manage, and restore natural and modified ecosystems to the benefit of people and nature—to reduce climate vulnerabilities while supporting community-led, socially just pathways of urbanization. Working in close collaboration with local research partners and practitioners in Mérida (and potentially other cities), the project aims to develop a context-sensitive framework for accelerating the adoption of NbS in informal settlements. A central concern is ensuring that NbS are not simply transferred from Northern contexts, but are co-produced in ways that respond to local priorities and lived experiences.
Depending on the student’s interests and degree level, activities may include qualitative fieldwork, participatory methods, policy and planning analysis, and/or framework and theory development. There will be opportunities to collaborate with international partners, engage with practitioners, and contribute to academic publications and applied outputs.
Fields of research
- Social-ecological systems
- Nature-based solutions
- Informality
- Climate change
- Participatory action research
- Urban transformations
- Sustainability transitions
Qualifications and ideal student profile
Prospective graduate student researchers must meet or exceed the minimum admission requirements for the programs connected to this opportunity. Visit the program pages using the links on this page to learn more about minimum admission requirements. In addition to minimum requirements, the research supervisor is looking for the following qualifications and student profile.
- Applicants from a range of disciplinary backgrounds, including (but not limited to) geography, environmental studies, sustainability science, development studies, urban planning, or related fields are welcome
- A strong interest in climate adaptation, urban informality, and nature-based solutions
- Experience with, or interest in, qualitative, participatory, or mixed methods research
- Ability to work collaboratively and across disciplines
- Interest in engaged, place-based, and justice-oriented research
- Spanish language skills are an asset, but not required
Faculty researcher and supervisor
- Marta Berbes
Caivan Communities Assistant Professor, School of Environment, Resources and Sustainability (SERS)
View faculty profile →
Graduate programs connected to this project
Important dates
Nature-based solutions in the context of informality is an open and ongoing research opportunity. Expressions of interest can be submitted for any term.