Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships recipient, Dr. Nicolas Graham's research examines the construction and evolution of a 'clean growth' approach to climate change action in Canada.
Research topic
Research Description
My research examines the construction and evolution of a 'clean growth' approach to climate change action in Canada. Clean growth typically focuses on carbon pricing, alongside technological changes, such as efficiency enhancement, to reduce carbon emissions and encourage an energy transition. It frames climate change as involving new economic opportunities, particularly in green technology sectors. I provide an empirical examination of this emerging project, consisting of three main components. First, I examine clean growth policy networks that span business, government, and non-government organizations and analyze the development of this network over time. Second, I provide a frame and discourse analysis of clean growth research outputs produced by key civil society organizations, advancing the understanding of the interpretations, policy measures, and rationales advanced by clean growth proponents. Third, I study news media representation of key clean growth policy groups and authors, providing a measure of impact in this field, and enhancing the examination of clean growth discourse. While Canada is currently a major fossil fuel producer and outsized carbon emitter, clean growth has emerged as a leading decarbonization pathway, figuring prominently in federal policy and gaining support of actors across industry and civil society. By analyzing core policy networks through which the project is organized, alongside the discourses and news media representation of key policy groups, I aim to provide deeper insight into its nature, prospects, and limitations as a framework for addressing climate change.
Why did you decide to pursue a postdoctoral fellowship at UBC? Did you consider other opportunities?
UBC offers an exceptional research environment. I’ll be working with David Tindall, who has closely related research interests and deep knowledge of the methods I will use in my study. The department of sociology at UBC is a top department in environmental sociology in Canada with numerous faculty members engaging with energy and climate issues. UBC more broadly is a hub for climate change research and is home to numerous exciting research centres and initiatives, such as the newly announced Centre for Climate Justice. At UBC I’ll be able to connect with and share work and ideas with leading climate social science researchers. Vancouver, my home city, is also a very desirable place to live and I look forward to being close to friends and family.
What advice do you have for new postdoctoral fellows?
I’m yet to begin the fellowship, but to prospective postdoctoral researchers, I would say that some perseverance is likely called for (it’s unlikely that every application will be successful). In my experience, developing and maintaining relationships with faculty, including through conferences and workshops, is an important part of identifying future postdoc opportunities.
What do you like to do for fun?
I play and watch soccer. Hopefully by the time you read this Arsenal will have been crowned 2023 EPL champions.
What does receiving this award mean for your career?
The fellowship provides time and resources for me to engage deeply in this research project and further establish a research program. Receiving an esteemed fellowship and working at internationally known university like UBC enhances my job prospects.