Rachel Harrington-Abrams

Rachel Harrington-Abrams is a Lecturer in the Department of War Studies at King's College London, affiliated with the Faculty of Social Science & Public Policy and the Centre for Climate Law & Governance. Her research focuses on climate change adaptation governance at national and international levels, particularly regarding multilateral negotiations, climate finance, and planned relocation in Small Island Developing States (SIDS). She holds a PhD in Geography from King's College London and a master's in Environmental Policy from Sciences Po Paris.

Rachel's teaching includes modules on climate change and international relations, and she serves as an MA dissertation supervisor. She has led King’s delegations to UN Climate Conferences (COP) and organized workshops on global climate negotiations. Her work emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, reflected in her leadership roles at the King’s Climate Hub and King’s Climate Research Hub.

Publications highlight her expertise in governance challenges of climate adaptation, including accountability mechanisms for planned relocation and institutional roles in climate policy. Her commentary on COP outcomes and climate diplomacy appears in academic journals and media platforms like Diplomat Magazine and Forced Migration Review.

Rachel’s research and advocacy extend to fieldwork in Brazil on community-led conservation and engagement with private sector clean energy transitions. She has been recognized for her contributions to King’s sustainability initiatives through awards and leadership in university sustainability programs.