Ask the Geographer

Epizódy

• 
  Russia-China Migration with Professor Elena Barabantseva 28.08.2026 16min

  Elena is a Professor of Chinese and International Politics at the University of Manchester. Elena discusses how migration connects with issues of citizenship, race, identity, and belonging, particularly in the context of China and the Chinese Russian borderlands. Elena looks at marriage migration, the experiences of culture on migrant communities. This podcast highlights power, relationships, and cultural change, how migration shapes societies, the importance of identity in a globalised world, and why studying migration helps us better understand the challenges of the 21st century.
• 
  Exploration of Antarctica with Max Worsley 14.08.2026 30min

  This podcast looks at the most extreme environment on Earth – Antarctica. Max Worsley who is planning an expedition to ski over 1,300km across Antarctica in November 2026 - a 2 month unsupported two person trek to raise awareness about Antarctica’s role in global systems from sea level to climate regulation.
• 
  Managing risk with Dr Tina Thomson 07.08.2026 35min

  Risk assessment in insurance and reinsurance relies on many of the skills developed through studying geography. This podcast explores how insurers evaluate risk and how it is evolving with growing threats from climate change and urbanisation. Dr Tina Thomson also shares real-world examples of where hazards have - and have not - been effectively managed from an insurance perspective.
• 
  Disaster Management with Professor Ilan Kelman 21.07.2026 19min

  Join us in our podcast where we speak with Professor Ilan Kelman on the role people play in hazard management. Ilan uses well known examples such as the 2010 Haiti earthquake to show the impact of poor planning and management has affected communities long after the hazard event.
• 
  Fluvial Geomorphology with Chrystiann Lavarini 03.07.2026 26min

  This episode of ask the Geographer features a discussion with Chrystiann Lavarini, a senior fluvial geomorphologist at the environmental and engineering consultancy - WSP. The conversation explores how rivers behave, the impact of human activities on them, and sustainable management practices in the context of climate change. Chrystiann shares insights on river regimes, systems, and the factors influencing them, such as climate, geology, and human intervention. He highlights examples of river restoration projects, and discusses the challenges and successes in balancing environmental recovery with community needs.
• 
  Fieldwork with Chloe Searl 05.06.2026 27min

  Join us as we talk to Island Geographer - Chloe Searl on all things fieldwork. From why it is more important than ever to how schools can weave it into their curriculum Chloe explains how fieldwork can help students learn beyond the classroom and how participating in meaningful fieldwork they can develop valuable skills for working life.
• 
  Embedding Sustainability and Climate Change into the Curriculum with Paul Turner 01.05.2026 22min

  In this episode, Paul Turner discusses his journey in integrating climate and nature education into the core school curriculum through the Ministry of Eco Education. Paul gives examples of places which are becoming more sustainable using practical measures. He also gives advice to students who are thinking of entering a green career.
• 
  Coastal Geomorphology with Professor Larissa Naylor 03.04.2026 25min

  Discover how climate change is reshaping our coastlines and what strategies can help us adapt. Larissa Naylor, a professor of Geomorphology and Environmental Geography at the University of Glasgow, shares insights on coastal processes, landform creation, human impacts, and future management.
• 
  Nature based solutions to climate change with Dr Stephen Cornelius 06.03.2026 16min

  In this episode of Ask the Geographer, we look into the role of nature-based solutions in addressing climate change. Join us as Dr. Stephen Cornelius from WWF explains how ecosystems can be part of the response and why this is crucial for sustainable geography practices.
• 
  Fossil Fuel Pathways with Dr Angus McNelly 06.02.2026 43min

  In this episode of Ask the Geographer podcast, Dr. Angus McNelly, a lecturer in international development at King's College London, discusses the intricate relationship between fossil fuels and the development of countries, particularly in China and Latin America. He explains how the post-World War II era marked a significant shift in global politics and economics, leading to the rise of fossil fuels as a cornerstone of development. Angus highlights the geopolitical transformations that occurred during this time, including the formation of OPEC and the emergence of new nations that sought to control their natural resources for economic growth. Angus also discusses how developing countries and emerging economies can path the way to reducing fossil fuel dependency for a more sustainable future.
• 
  Wetlands with Dr David Anderson 08.01.2026 28min

  Dr David Anderson joins us to talk about wetlands; how they can provide a nature-based solution to climate change and their importance to an abundance of different species which use them. He reflects on their current status and methods which are being adopted to restore them.
• 
  Climate Adapted Pathways in Education (CAPE) 31.12.2025 40min

  In this podcast we hear from members of the Climate Adapted Pathways in Education (CAPE) and how it is working to improve today’s education for tomorrow’s climate. This podcast aimed at teachers and educators talks about their vision to equip teachers and school leaders with the knowledge and skills to help all children and young people take climate action and protect the environment.
• 
  Climate Action in Education with Professor Andrew Charlton-Perez OBE 19.12.2025 18min

  Professor Andrew Charlton-Perez OBE, Head of the School of Mathematical, Physical & Computational Sciences at the University of Reading. He has played a key role in shaping the National Climate Education Action Plan (NCEAP), which brings together more than 80 organisations working on transformative climate education. As chair of the NCEAP Group, he helps ensure that these organisations’ efforts support the Department for Education’s wider Sustainability and Climate Change strategy. In this podcast, we talk to Andrew about his role in climate education, the actions people can take as well as conversations around green careers.
• 
  Climate Change in Central Asia with Dr Kate Leeming 01.12.2025 32min

  In this podcast we welcome back Dr Kate Leeming who embarked on a 5-month, 9000km bicycle expedition following the Syr Darya River from its source in Kyrgyzstan to the Aral Sea and from there along the Amu Darya to discover its true source into the Wakhan Corridor in Afghanistan. This amazing feat was conducted by a small team where the use of a bike meant that Kate could make connections with people that are not easily done when in a car. Kate talks about her experiences out in the field, the impacts climate change is having on the region as well as how people are working to try and mitigate these challenges.
• 
  Climate Education with Dr Andrew Lee 21.11.2025 11min

  Dr Andrew Lee has been a geographer and geography educator for more than 25 years. He holds a doctorate in Geography from the University of Oxford, a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and a Chartered Geographer. He is an Associate Fellow and Honorary Lecturer at the Centre for Climate Change and Sustainability Education at University College London.
• 
  21st Century Challenges with Professor Mark Maslin 13.11.2025 16min

  Mark Maslin is a leading scientist with expertise in climate change and the major challenges facing humanity in the 21st century. He has published over 230 papers in journals, is a Professor of Earth System Science at UCL and the Lead for Climate, Health and Security at the United Nations University. In this podcast, Mark talks about the ways in which we can make a difference to changing the impacts of climate change.
• 
  Interview with David Burnip (The Wandering Turnip) 23.10.2025 34min

  David Burnip ('aka' The Wandering Turnip) explores different aspects of places and life in the UK, documenting his findings on YouTube. In this podcast he shares insights from his vast and fascinating wandering to many different places - including discussions about the decline of the High Street, regeneration, sense of place and coastal erosion.
• 
  World Bank: Environment and Development 15.10.2025 17min

  Environmental degradation of our land, water and air is not just an ecological but an economic issue which in turn has an impact on development. The World Bank has recently released a report into the connection between the economy and the environment. The report titled ‘Reboot Development - The Economics of a Livable Planet’ explores the issues around a declining environment, its connection to the economy as well as how futures could be managed to improve both areas for everyone. This episode of Ask the Geographer speaks to Richard Damania - the Chief Economist of the Sustainable Development Practice Group for the World Bank who explores these issues as well as how geographers can use the findings from the report.
• 
  Sustainable Cities 20.08.2025 20min

  Join Professor James Evans – Associate Dean for Research at the University of Manchester and a former Head of the Department of Geography and Director of the Manchester Urban Institute, whose specialism focuses on the development of smarter and more sustainable cities.
• 
  National Education Nature Park (NENP) 10.07.2025 32min

  Listen to Dr. Jessica Tipton and Richard Irvine talk about the National Education Nature Park - an initiative to change school spaces into a biodiverse landscape and encourage children to be more engaged with nature.