Ask the Geographer

Terri Freemantle, Senior Earth Observation Specialist at Satellite Applications Catapult discusses how earth observation data helps us to understand locational change, from tackling rapid urbanisation, food security, to deforestation.

In January and February 2019, a major international scientific expedition explores one of the coldest, harshest and most remote locations in the world, the Weddell Sea. In November 2018, we spoke to one of the leading experts on the expedition, Professor Julian Dowdeswell, Director of the Scott Polar Research Institute and Professor of Physical Geography at the University of Cambridge. We discuss...

Dr Ann Rowan, Research Fellow, Department of Geography, University of Sheffield, joins us to discuss how glacier surfaces evolve over time, and specifically how Himalayan glaciers are responding to climate change.

The Arctic is a unique landscape experiencing physical, social, and political change. How is this governed, and how does this impact place identity? We discuss with Dr Ingrid A. Medby, Lecturer in Political Geography at Oxford Brookes University.

What are giant icebergs and how do they breathe life into the Southern Ocean? We discuss the carbon cycle and ice shelves with Professor Grant Bigg at the Department of Geography, University of Sheffield.

When places change how do young people negotiate space to maintain their sense of home and belonging? In this podcast we discuss with Dr Melissa Butcher, Birkbeck, University of London and peer researcher Shekeila Scarlett.

Can smartphone technology help geographers to monitor volcanic gases emissions? We discuss Dr Tom Pering’s innovative research on hazardous landscapes.

What is dust? How does it get into the atmosphere and shape our climate? Rob Bryant from the Department of Geography at the University of Sheffield joined us to discuss.

Geography translates literally as 'earth-writing'. But 70% of the world is water. How have oceans shaped global development? Dr Kimberley Peters from the School of Environmental Scientists, University of Liverpool discusses.

Can Venice be sustained as a living city for its residents? We discuss this UNESCO World Heritage Site and its fascinating lagoon landscape with Jane Da Mosto and Gabriella Gilmore from We Are Here Venice.

How do we predict earthquakes? They’re just like London buses, according to Rebecca Bell from Imperial College. In this podcast we discuss hazards, plate tectonics, and how they’re studied.

How have women shaped the discipline of geography? To celebrate International Women's Day, Dr Sarah L. Evans from the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) discusses female explorers, feminist geographers and gendered spaces.

How do Chinese cities challenge and develop geographical understanding of global urban spaces? We discuss place-making, urban life, and city twinning with Professor Mark Jayne, School of Geography and Planning, Cardiff University. The paper discussed in this podcast, is free to access until January 2017: Jayne, M. and Leung H, H. (2014) Embodying Chinese urbanism: towards a research agenda, Area 4...

How do plants and forest work within the carbon cycle? We discuss exciting new research from the Birmingham Institute of Forest Research (BIFoR) with Professor Rob MacKenzie and Professor Jeremy Pritchard.

How do human geographers use creative methods, such as poetry, to engage with changing places? We spoke to Dr Phil Jones, Senior Lecturer in Cultural Geography at University of Birmingham about his collaboration with a professional poet in Cardiff, Wales. Further Reading: Jones, P. and Jam, C. (2016), Creating ambiances, co-constructing place: a poetic transect across the city. Area, 48: 317–324....

The Muni-Pomadze Ramsar Site in Ghana is a coastal lagoon wetland system with rich biodiversity. How is it changing and how will this affect the ecosystem services it has to offer? We spoke to Dr Sian Davis Vollum, Head of Geoscience at Derby University about shoreline change and sea level rise in this fascinating location. Image: Andrew Moore (Flickr): http://bit.ly/2vdnY34

What are sustainable urban communities and how do these spaces interact with the everyday lives of young people? We discuss young people’s experience of changing places with Dr Sophie Hadfield Hill and Professor Peter Kraftl from the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Birmingham.

How can high resolution maps be used to illustrate population displacement and disaster response? Professor Andrew J Tatem, University of Southampton, discusses the World Pop project and data skills in geography.

How are high streets in the UK shaped by migration? Dr Suzanne Hall, Director of London School of Economics Cities programme, discusses how ordinary places are diverse and ever-changing. Image: M. Manze, Eel and Pie House High Street, Peckham, by Paul Farmer: http://bit.ly/2oURw19

Professor Georgina Endfield, University of Liverpool, explores local and regional climate histories and periods of unusual weather and extreme events. Image: Gareth Thompson (Flickr) http://bit.ly/2eqx8Pq

What does environmental justice mean and how do we define it? David Schlosberg and Luke Craven, from the University of Sydney, discuss their research into environmental justice and sustainable food communities.

The Long Live Southbank campaign successfully saved the oldest recognised skateboarding space in the world from destruction and displacement. Oli Mould discusses gentrification and creativity in urban spaces. Image: Gary Knight, Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/garryknight