Spotlight on: Adam Barnett

We’re delighted to introduce Adam Barnett as part of our PhD/ECR Spotlight Series. Adam is a PhD candidate at the University of Lincoln, UK. His research looks at populist ecologies, with a particular interest in populism at the UN climate and biodiversity negotiations.

Find out more about Adam via LinkedIn.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

Hi! I’m Adam. Prior to my PhD I did a BA in Philosophy at the University of Bristol, then an MSc in Environmental Policy at LSE. I had a few years in between my Masters and PhD, during which I worked for the civil service in DEFRA, in Parliament for an MP as a researcher on environmental issues, and then for the RSPB and Friends of the Earth as a political campaigner on nature and fossil fuels-related issues. I started my PhD at the University of Lincoln in 2022, during which I was a visiting researcher at Utrecht University, and now for my final year I live in Amsterdam whilst writing up my results! In my spare time I love to read, go bouldering, running and hiking – anything outdoorsy is great.

What are your research interests?

My research area is looking at the behaviour, interventions and policy positions of populist-led countries at the UN climate and biodiversity negotiations (the UNFCCC and CBD). After conducting my literature review I analysed several quantitative datasets – the size of delegations sent to the COPs, and the timelines for countries’ ratifying agreements, before doing a content analysis of the Earth Negotiation Bulletins (a secondary report of the negotiations) regarding the interventions made by populist states. For my qualitative research I just recently finished interviewing several dozen people working in the negotiations – including UN staff, negotiators, journalists, academics and senior members of civil society.

What are three sources you’d recommend to others related to environment and climate politics?

I subscribe to a daily newsletter called International Intrigue – it’s not specifically climate politics, but covers wider international relations and geopolitics. I find it extremely informative, succinct, and easy to read, and would really recommend subscribing!

I really love this podcast called Outrage & Optimism, which is hosted by Christina Figueres. Each week they explore the realities of the politics behind different aspects of the climate transition. It’s very insightful and easy to pick up.

The Third World Network is a really useful resource for gaining an insight into climate and environment politics, especially around the UN, that is global-south and justice oriented, and a clear alternative from global north-oriented commentaries on the negotiations.

What’s next for you?

I’m hoping to submit my thesis in Autumn 2025 – so after that, either a post-doc, or a job in political campaigning for an international NGO (fingers crossed!).

The ECP WG’s Spotlight Series provides a platform for PhD and early-career researchers to introduce themselves and their work. If you're interested in participating, please get in touch at: ecp.group@bisa.ac.uk.

Photo by Paul Hudson via Flickr. Text has been added to the photo.