Phoebe King

I am a PhD researcher in the Centre for Social and Economic Research of the Global Environment (CSERGE) and the Science, Social and Sustainability (3S) research group. I have spent four years of study in the field of environmental science, exploring my research interests in climate change adaptation. I have developed a particular interest in nature-based solutions (NBS) and their application to address societal challenges in an increasingly warming world. My research so far has focused on natural flood management (NFM), a type of NBS, where I have explored challenges to its uptake among the current UK flood management agenda.

NFM represents a different approach from working against water (e.g. installing flood defences) to working with water (e.g. restoring floodplains). The wide uptake of NFM would lead to visual changes in our landscape and potentially challenge public attitudes towards risk. Therefore, I aim to scope and quantify the views and attitudes of the general public to the wider implementation of NFM in the UK. I apply theory and practice from natural science, social science and environmental economics. This interdisciplinary approach will allow me to capture the economics of NFM and public perceptions of risk and preferences for these measures within UK river catchments. Project contributions will support Agri-environmental industries to deliver NFM with minimal public opposition, help shape new environmental policies, and ensure societal values are kept at the core of risk management decision-making. 

Prior to starting my PhD, I worked as a research assistant with the Integrated Catchment Solutions Programme at the University of Leeds. I have worked on projects which aim to translate existing environmental science to address complex catchment challenges in Yorkshire, including flooding, drought and water quality issues. In November 2020, I graduated from the University of Leeds with a MSc in Climate Change and Environmental Policy. I also hold a First Class Degree in Geography from Newcastle University.