This novel research project aims to explore the growing 'decarbonisation divide' within the United Kingdom’s housing sector. The divide arises from greater accessibility of modern climate technologies to affluent households, potentially excluding lower-income communities and places in the transformation to a low-carbon economy. With climate interventions being overrepresented among better-off groups, this creates new forms of structural inequality within society that are challenging to overcome (Bouzarovski 2022).The project seeks to develop new conceptual and policy tools to analyse the legal frameworks, strategic decisions, policy practices and spatial patterns linked to the shift away from fossil fuel use in the residential housing stock. This involves several aspects, including how governance practices impact the promotion and regulation of low-carbon energy technologies, the changing nature of cities and towns (involving, also, dynamics of ‘renoviction’ and low-carbon gentrification – see Bouzarovski et al. 2018), as well as the unequal lived experience of fossil fuel phase-out.The United Kingdom is not alone in addressing fossil fuel use in homes – Australia is also pursuing similar initiatives. In the UK, the project aligns with the government's plans to prohibit gas boilers in all new-build housing from 2025 and the subsequent phase-out of natural gas boiler installations beyond 2035, all aimed at achieving the country's Net Zero 2050 goals. However, the transition away from gas heating is complex and contentious due to the high initial costs of alternative technologies, which are not universally suitable for all types of housing. Evidence suggests that households adopting these alternatives, such as heat pumps and electricity, tend to be on the higher end of the income scale, reinforcing existing inequalities (Chandrashekeran et al. 2022).The project will involve an independent course of work relying on qualitative research methods, including a documentary analysis of relevant policy acts, interviews with decision-makers, practitioners, business sector representatives, and policy advocates. Other methods could include deliberative mapping or institutional ethnographies to illuminate the decision-making practices and choices regarding equitable low-carbon transitions (Bellamy et al. 2022).In the final six months of the project, a policy toolkit will be developed, emphasising the importance of a combination of strategies involving resource building and technical measures. The project will disseminate its findings through various channels, such as conference presentations, websites, and social media, contributing to ongoing Net Zero policies in the UK and globally. It aims to empower citizens to engage and take co-ownership in low-carbon interventions.The project's timeline spans several phases, including a literature review, data collection, comparative case studies, policy brief issuance, and dissemination activities, conducted both in Manchester and Melbourne, Australia, over a period of 42 months.Eligibility criteriaCandidates will need to meet the minimum entry requirements of both Universities to be accepted and will be registered at both institutions for the duration of the programme. The entry criteria for the University of Melbourne can be found on their ‘How to Apply’ webpage.Entry Requirements for PhD Human Geography, University of Manchester:Bachelor's (Honours) degree at 2:1 or above (or overseas equivalent); andMaster's degree in a relevant subject - with an overall average of 60% or above, a minimum mark of 60% in your dissertation (or overseas equivalent)English languageIELTS test minimum score - 7.0 overall, 7.0 in writing, 6.0 in other sections.TOEFL (internet-based) test minimum score - 100 overall, 25 in all sections.Pearson Test of English (PTE) UKVI/SELT or PTE Academic minimum score - 76 overall, 76 in writing, 70 in other sections.To demonstrate that you have taken an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in a majority English-speaking nation within the last 5 years.Other tests may be considered.Application procedureThe application deadline will be Midnight (BST) on 16/09/2024Apply online for PhD Human Geography at the University of Manchester.Please indicate in section 9 your intention to apply for the Manchester-Melbourne project ‘The Decarbonisation Divide: Emergent Socio-Spatial Inequalities on the Path to a Low-Carbon Future’Please ensure you include all required supporting documents at the time of submission, as incomplete applications may not be considered. The application must include:Copies of the academic transcript and certificate from both your Bachelor's and Master's degrees. If your Master's degree is pending, please provide an interim transcript;An up-to-date academic CV, detailing your education and qualifications; employment history; publications; and any other relevant information.Supporting statement of a maximum of 700 words indicating the provisional research question that would guide your independent programme of work, an explanation of the significance of the research question, as well as a broad outline of the qualitative research methods to be used, and your previous experience in applying them.You must nominate two academic referees (including one from your most recent institution). Your referees will be contacted directly via the Referee Portal following the submission of your application form.A Phd Proposal is not required - select applying for an advertised project on the application form.Further informationIf you have any questions or would like to discuss this further, please contact Professor Stefan Bouzarovski ([email protected]).Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester and is at the heart of all of our activities. We know that diversity strengthens our research community, leading to enhanced research creativity, productivity and quality, and societal and economic impact. We actively encourage applicants from diverse career paths and backgrounds and from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit. The University of Manchester and our external partners are fully committed to equality, diversity and inclusion.