Capital

Capital takes many forms: not just financial, but natural, social, political, and fossil. The extent to which people can access some or all forms of capital has a direct impact on how the climate emergency is understood and addressed around the world. Capital is therefore a key concept for understanding the values placed on sustainability. These values are intensely political, cultural, and psychological in nature.  StACCS connects research on many aspects of capital:

• Material, spiritual, and cultural assets and wealth
• Hydrocarbon and transport infrastructure
• Land ownership and management
• Cultural and archaeological heritage
• Future econmies and finance

The ‘Capital’ cluster is led by Dr Kat Hunfeld, a political theorist and Associate Lecturer in the School of International Relations. For details of planned activities in 2026/27, see our blog post: https://staccs.wp.st-andrews.ac.uk/2026/04/28/staccs-welcomes-new-capital-cluster-lead/.