Dr Hillary Briffa
Senior Lecturer in National Security Studies, Department of War Studies
Expertise: Small states, Climate security, defence and foreign policy, maritime security, strategic foresight
As a Senior Lecturer in National Security Studies at King’s College London, my work focuses on the security dimensions of climate change, with a specific emphasis on Small Island Developing States on the frontlines of the climate emergency (ranging from the dangers of sea level rise to the need to restructure the international financial architecture to enable more equitable access to climate finance).
Together with my colleague Clement (also joining us this year at COP) and other King's colleagues, we serve as leads on the interdisciplinary project, “The Politics of National Energy Transitions: Sites of Contestation, Compliance, and Disregard for Global Climate Action.” Funded by the King's Climate & Sustainability Seed Fund, we examine the drivers behind national energy transitions (NETs) across geopolitical contexts. This directly relates to COP29’s focus on Article 6, which seeks to facilitate international cooperation through carbon market mechanisms. Our research provides insights into how political and economic factors influence NETs in countries such as Barbados, Denmark, Ghana, Nigeria, and the UAE, impacting adherence to Nationally Determined Contributions.
In my role as the Climate and International Order portfolio lead for the Centre for Grand Strategy at King's, and Chair of the Knowledge Hub on Climate for Circle-U (a European alliance of nine research-intensive universities), I also develop interdisciplinary courses that bridge social and natural sciences. This includes our flagship annual summer school on Climate Change for BA students. This supports the enhanced technical capacity and knowledge sharing needed for implementing Article 6.
Social media
X: @h1llz
LinkedIn: Hillary Briffa
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Fanny Dreyer
Student, MSc Climate Change: Environment, Science and Policy, Department of Geography
Expertise: Climate adaptation and resilience, environmental governance and justice, sustainable development, nature-based solutions, and indigenous knowledge systems
My dissertation research focused on integrating indigenous knowledge systems into climate change adaptation strategies and biodiversity conservation. I examined how local communities, particularly in southern Africa, contribute to climate resilience and sustainable development. More specifically, I compared the utilisation of San knowledge in Botswana and Namibia, highlighting the importance of nature-based solutions in addressing biodiversity loss. For COP29, I hope to further discussions on how these knowledge systems can shape inclusive and effective climate action, ensuring that environmental justice is central to global decision-making.
Social media
LinkedIn: Fanny Dreyer
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Şimal Efsane Erdoğan
PhD student, Dickson Poon School of Law
Expertise: Climate Law; Climate Finance; Sustainable Public Procurement; Just Transition; European and Administrative Law
My research explores the role and potential of EU public procurement law as a tool for environmental management, particularly within the framework of the European Green Deal. I examine how public procurement can contribute to achieving net-zero targets, while addressing its inherent limitations and challenges. My research is directed at policymakers, providing critical insights into how procurement can function as a regulatory lever to facilitate a just and green transition. There will be a focus at COP29 on climate finance for developing countries and it will serve as the final conference before the submission of new nationally determined contributions (NDCs) for the 2035 period. This presents a critical opportunity to advocate for more ambitious NDCs and to diversify climate policy tools, including public procurement, to enhance global climate action.
Social Media
X: @simalefsane
LinkedIn: Simal Efsane Erdogan
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Anna Goodden
PhD student, Departments of Political Economy and Geography
Expertise: Climate Resilience to Hazards
My research focuses on climate resilience – to understand how different definitions of resilience can impact who is (or is not) categorised as being resilient to a flood. This is vitally important to understand, as the definition of 'resilience' that the UK government uses will impact which communities are chosen for investment for future flood management strategies. Consequently, at COP29 I am excited to learn more about what other countries are doing to promote climate resilience, and hopefully use these findings to inform my own research about best strategies to promote (and measure) resilience.
Social media
X: @AnnaGoodden
Linkedin: Anna Goodden
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Richard Kalu
PhD student, Department of Geography
Expertise: The Climate-Security-Social Justice Nexus
My research explores the geographies of subaltern insurgency in Nigeria’s postcolonial context, focusing on how insurgent violence becomes comprehensible, albeit catastrophic, in response to protracted injustices, environmental degradation, and colonial continuities. It develops the theory of Cynical Necropolitical Modernism, analysing how modern governance systems exacerbate climate-related “death-worlds.” In the lead-up to COP29, my work critically engages with global climate governance, highlighting the disconnect between state-led securitisation frameworks and the grassroots mobilisations of marginalised groups. By examining how environmental injustice fuels conflict, my research speaks to the urgent need for inclusive climate solutions that address historical and structural inequities.
Social media
X: kalu_rixhard
LinkedIn: Richard Kalu
Instagram: kalurichard
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Anna Romano
Student, MA Global Media Industries, Department of Culture, Media & Creative Industries
Expertise: Strategic Communications and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance)
My research focuses on the intersection of strategic communications and ESG issues, particularly how companies and organizations can authentically communicate their sustainability goals and navigate reputational risks. In light of COP29, my work is especially relevant as businesses face increasing pressure to align with global climate goals and avoid greenwashing. By exploring how transparent and data-backed communications can help organizations build trust and contribute to the fight against climate change, I aim to help companies transition into responsible and impactful leaders in sustainability.
Social media
LinkedIn: Anna Romano
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Dr Clement Sefa-Nyarko
Lecturer in Development, Security and Leadership in Africa, African Leadership Centre
Expertise: Energy Justice; Contestations and politics of energy transitions; Critical minerals governance; Institutional Design in the realms of climate and sustainability.
Dr Clement Sefa-Nyarko is an expert in research design and methodology, focusing on resource governance and energy transitions in Africa and Australia. His recent research addresses National Energy Transition frameworks, leadership, and environmental sustainability. He also leads impact and innovation initiatives at Global Institutes at King’s and is researching critical minerals governance for energy transitions. At COP29, Clement hopes to distil some of the politics and geostrategic conversations that happen during the negotiations, and to assess how this influences progression towards the net zero ambitions globally.
Social media
X: @sefanyarko
LinkedIn: Clement Sefa-Nyarko
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Gefion Thuermer
Research Fellow, Department of Informatics
Expertise: Participation, citizen science
I am the technical coordinator of the IMPETUS project, which funds and enables citizen science initiatives all over Europe. Our projects conduct research in many fields (biodiversity, soil and water quality, waste, food, transport) directly relevant to climate change and climate resilience. Their insights are well-aligned with the needs of policy makers, and we want to ensure we can address national and international policy questions even better. By attending COP, I hope to understand what data will be valuable for policy and other stakeholders; network with other researchers and stakeholders; and tell the success story of our work with citizens.
Social media
Mastodon: @GefionT@uxp.de
BlueSky: gefiont.bsky.social
LinkedIn: Gefion Thuermer