Junior Mbangala
DPhil in Sustainable Urban Development
Thesis
Combating Western Post-Colonialism to Achieve Environmental Justice: Intersection of Poverty, Green Transition and Access to Solar Energy in Nigeria
Research abstract
Despite numerous post-independence strategies, cultural, social, psychological, and economic - the outcomes have largely been disappointing, often exacerbating existing problems. In the Niger Delta region of Nigeria, decades of oil extraction have resulted in widespread pollution of waterways, destruction of mangrove forests, and significant impacts on the health and livelihoods of local communities. According to Claude Ake (Ake, 1996), alternative visions of development that emphasize sustainable and equitable practices should prioritize local control over resources and advocate for development initiatives not solely driven by profit motives but that also consider the long-term ecological and social impacts. The 1960s were a landmark era for Africa, marked by numerous countries achieving independence from European colonial powers. Nonetheless, Western influence persists in shaping decisions and policies across the continent (Ndem-Okon & Ojakorotu, 2018). Nowadays in the fight against climate change and the willingness to transit to ecological energies the fundamental processes and aims of imperialism remain unchanged from the 19th and 20th centuries. The research urges Nigerian leaders to accelerate the process of integration and maintain a united front against imperialist practices. This research focuses the access to solar energy through solar PV in Nigeria.
Supervisor(s)
Pedro Marques, https://www.conted.ox.ac.uk/profiles/pedro-marques
David Howard, https://www.conted.ox.ac.uk/profiles/david-howard
Biography
Junior Mbangala earned his B.A. in Economics In Belgium. He graduated from a double master's degree in Public Policy & Human Development at Maastricht University in 2023. He graduated from a master's degree in Environmental Change and Management at the University of Oxford in 2024. Currently, he is pursuing a PhD (DPhil) in Sustainable Urban Development at the University of Oxford, which he began in October 2024.
Junior is an economist, passionate about addressing environmental issues and promoting social justice. His research focuses on access to solar PV energy in Nigeria. Fluent in English, French, Lingala and Spanish, his knowledge facilitate effective communication across cultures.
Inspired by Kate Raworth, he aspires to be a leader for global change worldwide, while contributing to academia. Junior is also a consultant for Manhattan Neighborhood Network.
Research interests
Solar PV, Energy Poverty, Energy Justice, Public Policy, Environmental Economics, Environmental Education, Health and Climate Change, Climate Diplomacy, Global Governance and International Development.
