Contribution short abstract

This poster presents insights from an ongoing survey exploring how rising far-right and authoritarian dynamics affect sustainability scientists - their work, well-being, and capacity to engage in transformative research.

Contribution long abstract

This poster presents the results of an international questionnaire conducted within the Pathways Deep Dive: Ecological Crises and Political Tensions project. This in-depth exploration seeks to understand how socio- and geopolitical tensions - including the rise of ‘far-right’ and ‘authoritarian’ movements, disinformation, and institutional weakening - are shaping the practices, priorities, and problems of researchers in sustainability science across diverse research communities and geographic contexts. Indeed, before imagining new alternatives, we must first understand the lived experiences of researchers working within these contested environments. Beyond impacts, the survey explores researchers’ understanding of the connections between authoritarian, populist, and far-right discourses and ecological issues, as well as the coping strategies they employ and the forms of support they would find most helpful. Such spaces for introspection are critical in a setting where the contribution of research to a desirable future risks being undermined by political dynamics.

To contribute to a critical understanding of these dynamics, we aim to identify both shared challenges and emerging strategies of resilience and resistance. Preliminary responses suggest that while many scientists report growing hostility toward environmental agendas and knowledge, they also highlight the growth of solidarity networks, interdisciplinary collaboration, and critical reflexivity as counterforces. The poster invites discussion on how aligned researchers can navigate and respond to these political pressures without compromising their ethical and transformative commitments. The poster reflects on what political ecology and related critical fields can contribute to this task and defend spaces for pluralism, democracy, and ecological justice amid intensifying far-right ecologies.