Climate policy uncertainty, environmental performance and firm level outcomes

About this project

If you are motivated to build your career in public policy and concerned about addressing climate change issues, the University of South Australia – Australia’s University of Enterprise – is offering a hands-on project-based PhD within the Centre for Markets, Values and Inclusion (CMVI).

Prior research posits that climate change has a significant negative impact on earnings and managers underestimate the negative impact in locations with higher climate change scepticism.  

While the impact of climate change on societal outcomes is increasing, a significant segment of the political elite continues to question climate change impact. This polarisation leads to shifting the beliefs of the public in human-caused global warming. Since belief formation plays a significant role in policy formation, the corporate sector needs to respond to societal pressures.  

Our project examines the impact of political polarisation, and citizen attitudes in driving corporate environmental performance. This study will inform policy debate and influence investors and corporates. The objective of the project is to examine the role of political polarisation on environmental outcomes measured at the firm level.  

You will be based within the CMVI, becoming part of a collegial and supportive research environment. With mentoring from thought leaders in their fields, and access to outstanding facilities, equipment and data, you will have every opportunity to thrive in your studies.

What you’ll do

In this project-based research degree, you will consult with industry, regulators, practitioner and community to create research papers on issues such as how attitudes of citizens are affected by prevailing political environment, how citizens' view corporate climate change adaption strategies and their environmental performance. You will have access to current datasets on financial markets and corporate performance and excellent computing facilities.  

You will be guided by world-class researchers with expertise in environmental, corporate social responsibility, finance, business and economic research. During the project you will be supported and encouraged to disseminate your work to the academic and business communities via research papers and presenting at internal seminars and external conferences. 

Upon completion of the project, the skills you will gain through your project-based research degree will prepare you to be a leader in your field, with practical experience and skills in the rapidly growing field of public policy, and environment and climate finance.

Where you’ll be based

You’ll be based within the Centre for Markets, Values and Inclusion (CMVI). We combine specialist skills and multidisciplinary perspectives to provide a trans-disciplinary approach to delivering meaningful research, which informs innovative, evidence-based solutions for a more inclusive and sustainable future. 

Operating locally, nationally and internationally, CMVI researchers provide evidence to inform public and private sector choices and policies, resolve global development and governance issues in populations experiencing inequity, and develop incentives for business and not-for-profits to develop, monitor and report on socially responsible enterprises 

Our vision is a world in which social and economic development is sustainable and inclusive of all in society. Our mission is to combine specialist skills and multidisciplinary perspectives to provide innovative and enterprising solutions that support inclusive and sustainable communities locally, nationally and internationally. Financial Support

This project is funded for reasonable research expenses. Additionally, a living allowance scholarship of $32,500 per annum is available to Australian and New Zealand citizens, and permanent residents of Australia, including permanent humanitarian visa holders. Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants will be eligible to receive an increased stipend rate of $46,653 per annum (2023 rates). A fee-offset or waiver for the standard term of the program is also included.  For full terms and benefits of the scholarship please refer to our scholarship information. International applicants are not invited to apply at this time.

Eligibility and Selection

This project is open to applications from Australian or New Zealand citizens, and Australian permanent residents or permanent humanitarian visa holders. International applicants are not invited to apply at this time.

Applicants must meet the eligibility criteria for entrance into a PhD. All applications that meet the eligibility and selection criteria will be considered for this project. A merit selection process will be used to determine the successful candidate.

The successful applicant is expected to study full-time and to be based at our City West campus in the heart of Adelaide.

Essential Dates

Applicants are expected to start in a timely fashion upon receipt of an offer. Extended deferral periods are not available. Applications close on Monday 2 October 2023.