I am a SEED-funded PhD Student in Human Geography. My research investigates the political ecology of climate-resilient development in Sri Lanka. My research attempts to unpack: first, the discursive politics of water, climate-resilience and rural development that shape climate-resilient development interventions in Sri Lanka’s water scarce dry zone region; second, the localised experiences and political-ecological effects of climate-resilient development interventions; and third, understanding localised experiences and practices of climate-resilience and how they may better inform ongoing and future climate change actions in Sri Lanka. By deconstructing the politics at the heart of climate-resilient development interventions and elevating localised understandings and practices, I hope to offer more politically sensitive, relevant and socio-ecologically just alternatives to the dominant technocratic approaches to climate change, water and development challenges in Sri Lanka.

My PhD builds upon a research connection with Sri Lanka that began in 2018. I have interned with the UNDP Sri Lanka on a climate resilient integrated water resource management project and conducted my Masters thesis research on climate change adaptation and smallholder vulnerability. From February to October 2023, I will be undertaking a Visiting Research Fellowship at the University of Colombo, while also conducting my PhD fieldwork in Sri Lanka.

I am lucky enough to be undertaking my PhD under the supervision of Dr. Nate Millington, Dr. Alison Browne, and Prof Erik Swyngedouw. I am a member of the Society and Environment Research Group (SERG) and the Agrarian Change and Political Ecology Research Group (within the Global Development Institute).

Contact: harry.quealy@postgrad.manchester.ac.uk

• Human Geography tutorials (first year undergraduate students)
• Nature, Society and Social Power (third year undergraduate students. Supporting Prof. Erik Swyngedouw and Dr. Mark Usher)
• Researching Manchester (first year undergraduate students. Supporting Dr. Pete Ryan and Dr. Martin Dodge)

Research Assistant (2022/2023):

• Editorial Support for a book project "Aesthetics and the City" (Supporting Dr. Joe Blakey and Dr. Amy Barron)