
ecology – iˈkɒl.ə.dʒi:
deals with the relations of organisms to one another and to their physical surroundings

politic – pɒl.ɪ.tɪk:
wise and showing the ability to make the right decisions – being judicious, tactful
who we are
We are a specialist advisory firm that supports communities, governments and organisations to address current and potential conflicts and suboptimal outcomes arising from climate change impacts and policies. For organisations, mapping and analysing the growing climate change-related risks (e.g. droughts, floods, sea-level rise, natural disasters) is crucial to be able to prepare and respond to fault lines in supply chains, systems and broader community impacts. For current conflicts, facilitation and dialogue between conflicting parties affected by environmental stressors, including Indigenous groups, non-state actors, and government bodies requires timeliness and sensitivity. In all, we look to engage in conflict resolution mechanisms that nurtures respect, negotiation and opportunity.
We also support the integration of climate change and other environmental security considerations into conflict prevention and management programming, as well as understanding how non-state actors may engage in forms of security governance for nefarious purposes. Legally and from a governance perspective, we provide guidance on emerging legal debates (e.g. climate justice, climate refugees, liability for conflict damages).
In that vein, our theory and approach is based on three areas of research and enquiry:
- Political Ecology – examines how and why economic structures and power relations drive environmental change in an increasingly interconnected world.
- Political Economy – focuses on the interrelationships of individuals, governments, and public policy.
- Complexity Science – allows us to better understand systems as diverse as cells, human beings, forest ecosystems, and organizations, that are only partially understood by traditional scientific methods but perhaps more so by indigenous wisdom.
our values
- We are intellectually curious and fearless.
- We demand open-mindedness, imagination and courage.
- For us, nothing is impossible and unchallengeable.
- Analytical rigour defines our approach and results.
- We’re firm on our views but equally accept and learn from our mistakes to continually improve.
- We firmly believe in the power of diversity in all aspects where it brings powerful ideas to the table for our clients and energy for our company.
- We act as planetary soldiers – we care a lot for our ‘blue dot’ and how humanity could and should ‘play’ on it to obtain perpetual harmony.

Shaun Deverson
Founder & Principal Consultant
Shaun Deverson is a civil and environmental engineer with a Master’s in Sustainability and a career defined by tackling the world’s most complex and interconnected challenges—climate change, conflict, and systemic risk. With a unique blend of technical expertise, strategic insight, and operational discipline, Shaun brings over three decades of experience across defence, government, commercial enterprise and international development.
Shaun began his career in the Australian Defence Force, where he developed a deep understanding of leadership under pressure, systems thinking, and the realities of operating in volatile and high-stakes environments. This military foundation continues to inform his approach to complexity, resilience, and decision-making in uncertain contexts.
As the founder of Ecolitic, Shaun leads a practice dedicated to making sense of climate change’s evolving complexities. He helps clients navigate the intersections of environmental risk, social tension, and institutional change—translating global challenges into actionable, strategic pathways. Whether it’s advising on policy and governance, guiding cross-sector collaboration, or building resilience into supply chains, communities and infrastructure, Shaun is committed to delivering insight, clarity, and confidence in an increasingly uncertain world.
Some fun ‘Shaun’ facts:
Favourite Movie: Shawshank Redemption
Favourite Novel: Devils, Fyodor Dostoevsky
Favourite Quote: “Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go”. T.S Eliot
Hobbies: Diving, Reading, Running, Eating (and running again because I’ve eaten too much!)
Three personal adjectives: Determined – Curious – Playful

Dr. Richard Hames
Associate, Principal Consultant
Described by Forbes Asia as “one of the smartest people on the planet”, Richard’s groundbreaking insights challenge the boundaries of conventional thinking and inspire us to reimagine our collective future.
A polymath, dynamic public speaker, and visionary entrepreneur, Richard stands as a trailblazing force in global leadership, constantly sought by governments and business leaders for his searing intellect and remarkably accurate foresight on all issues concerning the future of humanity.
As well as his advisory services to clients, Richard will be supporting the development of Ecolitic’s training arm, EAGLe – Ecolitic Academy of Governance and Leadership.
Some fun ‘Richard’ facts:
Favourite Movie: Coming Home by Zhang Yimou
Favourite Novel: Things Fall Apart, Chinua Achebe
Favourite Quote: “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken”. Oscar Wilde
Hobbies: Parenting, philanthropy, and sitting in solitude
Three personal adjectives: Unassuming – Inquisitive – Pensive

Sally-Anne Kasner
Associate, Principal Consultant
Sally-Anne is a Director of Circular-Vision, a Circular Economy strategy and design consultancy. She is passionate about making a positive impact by identifying opportunities to shift circular economy principles into implementation. Her focus is on driving economic, social and environmental prosperity through connecting across the value chain; collaborating on projects; creating new business models that respond to circular economy principles, leading to a thriving and inclusive economy. A background in waste minimisation and many years in the resource efficiency and cleaner production consulting environment, has provided a sound base from which to work.
She is also a founding member of the African Circular Economy Network and remains on the executive team (NPC 2020/115399/08 – www.acen.africa). Africa is in her heart forever and whilst she is on a different continent, she will always look for opportunities to help shape an #Africawewant for all.
She was previously an Executive Associate at JG Afrika (an engineering and environmental consultancy), a founding member of EcoStandard (083-558-NPO – www.ecostandard.co.za), and a Non-Executive Director of Polyco (www.polyco.co.za ).
Some fun ‘Sally-Anne’ facts:
Favourite Movie: Love Actually
Favourite Novel: The Omnivores Dilemma, Michael Pollan
Favourite Quote: “If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together”. African proverb
Hobbies: Camping, Reading, Running (although since having children this is more like fast walking!)
Three personal adjectives: Inquisitive – Impulsive – Optimist