Dr Ed Atkins

Research summary

My research is based on the contested character of environmental and energy policy, politics and governance. This is with a particular focus on the local politics of energy generation and consumption – and moves across three interrelated themes:

1. The contentious politics of hydropower
   Current research explores the contested sustainability of hydropower in the Brazilian Amazon. In particular, I am interested in how social movements and civil society actors have contested the Belo Monte and São Luiz do Tapajós dams, exploring how such responses challenge dominant understandings of hydropower as a ‘sustainable’ energy source that has a role in energy transitions ...

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Biography

I am a Lecturer at the School of Geographical Sciences, leading and supporting units offered at undergraduate and postgraduate levels and conducting research into contemporary environmental and energy politics. 

I first arrived at the University of Bristol in Autumn 2013, to complete an ESRC-funded PhD in Environment, Energy & Resilience (awarded in 2018). In addition, I hold a BA (Hons) in History and an MA in International Relations and International Law from the University of Kent and an MRes from the University of Bristol.

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Recent publications

• Atkins, E, 2019, ‘Disputing the 'National Interest': The depoliticization and repoliticization of the Belo Monte Dam, Brazil’. Water, vol 11.
• Atkins, E, 2018, ‘Dams, political framing and sustainability as an empty signifier: the case of Belo Monte’. Area, vol 50., pp. 232-239

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View complete publications list in the University of Bristol publications system