Dr. Marco Antonio Teixeira
Postdoc at the Heidelberg Center for Ibero-American Studies (HCIAS) at Heidelberg University, HCE member since 2023.
My key research interests are:
- How do social movements contribute to socio-ecological transformations through climate justice agendas?
- What are the contributions of social movements to the transformation of food systems, particularly in the Brazilian Amazon?
Why I joined the HCE
My primary motivation for joining the Heidelberg Center for the Environment (HCE) was to broaden my academic and research horizons by engaging in critical global discussions on environmental issues and climate change. Specifically, I aimed to join the HCE Delegation at COP 28 as an observer to gain insights into interconnected themes such as climate justice, food systems, gender dynamics, Amazonian challenges, and bioeconomy. By attending this event, my goal was to combine theoretical knowledge with practical global perspectives, directly relating the insights gained at COP 28 to my personal research project focused on activists' perspectives on food system transformation in the Brazilian Amazon, which is part of the BMBF Junior Research Group "Food for Justice: Power, Politics, and Food Inequalities in a Bioeconomy."
My highlights so far
My most rewarding experience with HCE was joining the Delegation at COP 28. This provided an exceptional opportunity to engage with colleagues and gain deep insights into global climate negotiations. Participating alongside experienced HCE members helped me understand the complex dynamics of international climate talks, stakeholder interactions, and alternative event spaces. This experience was particularly valuable as it prepared me for COP 30 in Belém, where I have conducted research and developed some academic and activist networks, aligning perfectly with my research interests and professional development goals.
My key partners
Most of my partners are located in Europe or Latin America, especially in Brazil. In Europe, I want to highlight my experience as part of the 2021-2023 cohort of the Robert Bosch Postdoc Academy for Transformational Leadership, an initiative of the Robert Bosch Stiftung, Humboldt University of Berlin, Leuphana University of Lüneburg, the Stockholm Resilience Centre, and the Dutch Research Institute for Transitions. During this experience, I received leadership training in interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research, focusing on sustainable development, just transitions, and transformative change. I collaborated with over 100 researchers from diverse disciplines and cultural backgrounds across Europe. In Brazil, I have academic and activist partners in all regions of the country, particularly those addressing issues related to ruralities, social movements, gender, and climate change.