Climate history of nineteenth century Mozambique

Project description

Aim of this research: develop new climate histories for Mozambique during the nineteenth century using historical documentary records, by (i)identifying the nature of historical rainfall variability prior to the systematic collection of instrumental meteorological data; (ii) examining changing patterns of response to recurring  climatic extremes amidst the expansion and intensification of colonial power; (iii) analysing how European environmental knowledges and discourses shaped these responses.

The work will thus contribute to a deeper understanding of the historical drivers of vulnerability to climatic extremes, including the origins and reproductions of climate and disaster ‘colonialities’, and will help ground present-day climate adaptation within historical context.