Dr. Jeffrey Rosamond
Question & answer
What is your research about?
I research climate change politics and policymaking in the European Union. Specifically, I explore climate policy negotiations within and between the Council of the European Union and the European Parliament. I am further interested in understanding political ideas and narratives that underpin climate governance in the context of the European Green Deal. As such, my work often employs qualitative interpretive methodologies – discourse analysis and narrative analysis in particular.
Why the interest in that subject?
Comprised of 27 member states and several institutions involved in the policymaking process, the European Union is a complex political entity. And yet, it has regularly proved itself capable of generating policies that positively impact the lives of all citizens within the bloc. So many contemporary issues, climate change chief among them, cannot be solved by a few states taking action alone. As such, I believe it is imperative to understand processes of political integration –where they succeed and where issues arise – in order to develop stronger frameworks for addressing collective problems.
Why is your research socially relevant?
The climate emergency is, in my opinion, the greatest challenge facing the world today. If we do not take ambitious action in areas of climate change mitigation and adaptation, our economies and societies will pay an enormous price. As such, I try to play my small part in tackling this challenge by researching and writing on the political processes which accelerate or derail necessary climate action.
What do you hope to achieve in your academic career?
I hope to excel in both research and teaching. I find it incredibly rewarding to inspire my students to take interest in EU and climate change politics and to perhaps engage with these topics in their future careers. In order to achieve this, I believe it is imperative to regularly publish insightful work and strive for research excellence.
How would colleagues describe you?
Easy-going and social, I would say.
What is the first thing you do when you have unexpected free time in your agenda?
Sports for sure! Running, swimming, fitness, bouldering, & yoga are all things that help me disconnect from the constant thinking that accompanies an academic career.