Clare Richardson-Barlow

Profile

I am an interdisciplinary social scientist specialising in just transitions and industrial decarbonisation. With over 10 years of experience as a political economist, I have concentrated on energy transitions and climate-compatible development across the Asia-Pacific, Europe, and North America, with a particular focus on China's role in regional and global energy dynamics.

Most recently, I was awarded a British Academy grant for exploring just energy transitions in the Asia-Pacific, emphasising distributed energy systems in ASEAN. I also co-chair the University of Leeds’ Just Transitions Taskforce, aimed at integrating principles of justice into the university’s climate initiatives.

Before my tenure at the University of Leeds, I worked extensively with policy research organisations in Washington, D.C., including the National Bureau of Asian Research (NBR) and the Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS). As Assistant Director for Trade, Economic & Energy Affairs at NBR, I led a global network of experts focusing on the nexus of energy consumption and economic growth, with special projects examining China’s impact on regional markets. I continue to serve as a Non-Resident Fellow at NBR, offering insights on Chinese energy policy, the dynamics of energy transitions, and the broader political economy of decarbonisation. Additionally, I am a RESI Affiliate for the Resilient and Sustainable Islands Initiative at the Overseas Development Institute.

My work has resulted in contributions to five books and numerous policy briefs, reports, and articles focusing on the intricacies of energy and trade, particularly as they relate to China’s expanding influence. I regularly collaborate with international research organisations, lending expertise on climate, development, and energy policy at the intersection with China’s global initiatives. I am frequently called upon to engage with government bodies and media, providing analysis on issues that span global energy transitions influenced by China’s policies, with features in The Economist, The Wall Street Journal, and The Diplomat, among other notable publications.

Responsibilities

• Co-Chair, Just Transition Taskforce
• Member, Climate Plan Research Partnership Committee (CPRPC)

Research interests

My research interests converge on the themes of just transitions, industrial decarbonization, and climate-compatible development, with a specialized geographical focus that spans the Asia-Pacific region, the UK, and North America. Central to my work is the examination of China's pivotal role in shaping regional and global energy policies. This includes exploring how Chinese industrial strategies influence decarbonization efforts and just transition processes across diverse economies, particularly within Southeast Asia. My studies critically assess the interplay between China’s domestic environmental policies and its international engagements, aiming to provide insights into sustainable practices and equitable energy transformations globally.

I am interested in supervising student projects focused on a wide range of climate and energy transitions topics, particularly with a focus on China and Southeast Asia.

Qualifications

• PhD in sustainability research and East Asian studies from the University of Leeds
• MA in International Development and Public Policy from Tsinghua University in Beijing, China
• BA in Politics and Chinese from Pacific University in Oregon, USA
• Certificate, Development Project Management, Middlebury Institute of International Studies
• Certificate, Azerbaijan Diplomatic Academy in Baku, Azerbaijan

Professional memberships

• UK Higher Education Academy (UKHEA)
• The British Association for Chinese Studies (BACS)
• The Association of Southeast Asian Studies (ASEAS UK)

Student education

I currently teach on Chinese modules in POLIS, including PIED 2448, Politics of Contemporary China and PIED 5400M, The Rise of China. I also supervise undergraduate and MA final projects and act as an academic personal tutor for students in POLIS. I previously taugh in the School of Languages, Cultures and Societies in the programme on East Asian Studies on regional political economy topics.

Research groups and institutes

• Centre for Global Security Challenges
• Centre for Global Development