Dr Federico Lopez-Terra
What Faculty do you work in?
FHSS
What is your main area of research?
Cultural semiotics, representation of crises, narrative understanding, storytelling and perception.
Why is your research important?
The integration of cultural studies with climate crisis research is crucial for tackling the environmental challenges we face today. While the climate crisis is often viewed through a scientific or technological lens, it is, at its core, a deeply cultural issue. The dominant narratives that have shaped our societies—steeped in colonialism, capitalism, and the exploitation of both human and nonhuman resources—have significantly contributed to the environmental degradation we now observe.
By examining the cultural narratives, power dynamics, and historical contexts that underlie our ecological situation, we gain a clearer understanding of how societal values and beliefs shape our interactions with the environment. This approach reveals that the environmental crisis is also a crisis of representation and, hence, a crisis of perception too. Both are heavily influenced by exploitative power structures, which perpetuate unsustainable practices, including some techno-optimistic solutions that continue to prioritise growth.
Recognising that unsustainability is embedded within the very fabric of our dominant culture suggests that superficial policy or technological changes will not suffice. A deeper transformation is necessary—one that redefines the stories, metaphors, and frameworks through which we understand and engage with the world. This calls for a cultural shift that challenges the prevailing assumptions of progress, growth, and human dominance over nature.
Incorporating cultural studies into climate research not only provides a more nuanced understanding of the crisis but also fosters culturally sensitive approaches to solutions. By doing so, we can develop strategies that address the root causes of environmental degradation, rather than merely addressing its symptoms.
What SDG is your research most closely aligned with?
3, 4, 10, 16
What do you hope to accomplish with your research?
We aim to achieve a more comprehensive and empathetic approach to addressing global challenges by deepening our understanding of the issues at stake. This involves examining the cultural narratives, power dynamics, and historical contexts that underlie our ecological situation, enabling us to gain a clearer understanding of how societal values and beliefs shape our interactions with the environment. By recognising that the environmental crisis is also a crisis of representation—and, consequently, a crisis of perception—we can better understand how these perceptions are heavily influenced by exploitative power structures that perpetuate unsustainable practices.
Our goal is to bridge the gap between diverse perspectives, particularly from the Global North and South, to foster collaboration and develop more inclusive, equitable, and effective solutions. By integrating these varied viewpoints and addressing the root causes of these issues, we strive to promote lasting, positive change that is sensitive to cultural, historical, and geopolitical complexities.
Is there a cross-disciplinary element to your research? If so, who else at the University is involved?
Yes: Dr Amy Isham, Professor Andrew Kemp, Dr Geraldine Lublin, Dr Chris Pak, Dr Alex Southern, PhD candidate Rory Tucker, MA candidate Rob Yarr.
Are there any external collaborators involved?
Yes, several partners in Europe and Latin America.
What is next for your research?
Keep expanding the research to other countries, especially in the Global South. Develop pedagogical materials based on the findings.