Geographical talks

In her last lecture as Director, Rita draws on her physical geography background and experience of leading the Society to explore the place of the discipline in a rapidly changing world at home and abroad.

Rod Downie shares his experience in developing innovative solutions to better understand and conserve polar bears in the rapidly changing Arctic.

Faced with doubts and depression, Charlie took the ‘black dog’ for a walk through America.

With a cinema in her pack, Emma travels to remote communities in the mountains, sharing stories at nomadic camps and monasteries.

Undeterred by local conflict and brutal terrain, Chaz’s source to sea walk along the wildest river was far from easy.

The first woman to complete this journey, Elspeth ran the spine of Scotland, surrounded by bogs, rain and beauty.

The steppe is changing and rural nomads are moving to the cities. Hattie spent two months finding out why.

Val's solo through-hike of the Transcaucasian Trail turned into an unexpectedly emotional journey, featuring lone shepherds, hospitable families, and homemade vodka.

Markus tackles the challenges posed by one of the world's most written about and most misunderstood countries – from nuclear threat, to refugees and the media frenzy.

The remarkable growth of Chinese cities in the last 30 years is the biggest, and possibly most rapid, process of urbanisation the world has ever seen. It has transformed China, its environment and people.

In 2014 Ben led the longest ever polar journey on foot, completing the South Pole return that defeated Scott and Shackleton. In 2017 he attempted the first solo, unsupported and unassisted crossing of Antarctica.

Levison talks about his latest expeditions, his early travels and his motivation. In considering the age old question of why people explore, he explains what draws him to the wilderness.

Devastating hurricanes, forest fires, flash floods. Vulnerable communities across the world have succumbed to all of these and more in recent months. Increasingly they are asking the question, "Is this linked to climate change?"

Declining retail poses fundamental questions to the future of places where we live, work and socialise. How have these places been managed so far - and how can geographers envisage brighter futures for their development?

Dr Barbara Bond investigates MI9’s wartime escape and evasion mapping programme including how maps were smuggled to prisoners and how they helped orchestrate some of the most famous escapes in history.

With basic geographic data lacking in many low income countries, Andy explores how cell phone and satellite technologies offer new ways to help achieve and monitor the Sustainable Development Goals.

Patrick talks about his journey from sizeable small islands to ever tinier islets in search of the special quality of island life. Do small islands have big lessons for us on the mainland?

Straightforward honesty is rarely the default setting for political and business communication; Evan looks at the effect this has on the conduct of business and politics generally, and on the rise of populism in particular.

A vibrant portrait of the “original affluent society”--the Bushmen of southern Africa--by the anthropologist who has spent much of the last twenty-five years documenting their encounter with modernity.

Each year more than 300,000 people are reported as missing in the UK. Hester considers where missing people go, their experiences, and the complexities of what happens after they return.

Professor Matthew Goodwin examines the drivers of the vote for Brexit, what it tells us about public opinion and party politics in Britain and what might happen next.

BAFTA award winner Bruce talks about his four-year journey among indigenous peoples across the world – from Borneo to India and the Amazon - exploring their wisdom and inner feeling of connections to nature.

Introducing the Society's newly digitised film collection, and a deeper look at R.A. Bagnold's 1932 expedition – the first east-west crossing of the Libyan Desert as captured on film.

Kevin talks about the issue of slavery in the 21st century, focusing not only on human rights violations, but the link between slavery, environmental destruction and climate change.

David and Adrian examine contemporary changes in these fascinating and enormous features, drawing on the latest evidence from the Larsen Ice Shelf, and exploring both the causes and implications of ice shelf decay.

Frank discusses the nature of and trends in London's air quality in recent years, the impact of air quality on health and how public understanding of the issue is changing.

Kerstin talks of her project to understand more about, and to protect, these extraordinary and beautiful marine creatures off the coast of Peru; working with local communities and supported by a Rolex Award for Enterprise.

Anthony follows young T.E. Lawrence on the series of extraordinary journeys across Europe and the Middle East that transformed him from the bright but troubled second son of an Oxford-based family into Lawrence of Arabia.

Jenny discovered the remarkable illustrated journals of Thomas Machell in the British Library. She will interweave their adventures as she seeks this forgotten explorer in India's Raj, the South China Sea, Polynesia and Arabia.

To outsiders, Sri Lanka's civil war (1983-2009) remains perplexing. Award-winning author John describes a journey that begins with Tooting's 8,000 refugees, and ends on the battlefields of Mullaitivu. There's horror here, beauty and hope.

Space and time on Earth are regulated by the prime (Greenwich) meridian, 0'. Before the 1880s more than 25 prime meridians were in use, resulting in problems of global measurement that engaged geographers, astronomers and navigators.

Over three decades, tiger populations in the Western Ghats have recovered to be the largest in the world. Ullas explains the tiger conservation strategy, blending science with social interventions.

The Aztec city Tenochtitlán was the largest and best-run on Earth. In Mexico John discovered that Hernán Cortés conquered not by guns and horses, but language, diplomacy, obsidian and a little steel.

James Raffan circumnavigated the Arctic Circle to put a human face on climate change. His rare and insightful story touches the Earth's last wild places revealing the breadth of human adaptation and ingenuity.

Seeking adventure and stories to inspire young people, Sarah set out from London in 2011 to circle the northern hemisphere – travelling 25,000 miles – using a rowing boat, a bike and a kayak.

The most distinguished foreign correspondent of our time talks through a fascinating history of what it is to risk life and limb to bring home news of the troubled world beyond our shores.

Rory recounts the journey with his father through the mountains and valleys, across Hadrian's Wall and housing estates to uncover the "forgotten land" where England meets Scotland, re-evaluating history, geography and life as they go.

This talk explores what the future holds for satellite applications and the opportunities it presents to improve lives everywhere - a new role for space technology in the 21st century.

From shadowy mangroves to the deep oceans, Helen will chart the course of seashells through history. She will explore their use as currency to their impact on modern-day technologies.

In January 2016 the Coxless Crew completed their double world record-setting Pacific Ocean row. The crew will talk about the challenges they faced and share their experiences of this epic journey.

The UK Overseas Territories include vast wilderness areas across three oceans. Mark will explore these, describing transformative approaches to conservation being tested in the British Indian Ocean Territory and elsewhere.

Each region of the world faces different population challenges – reducing fertility, employing a ‘bulge’ of young people or managing ageing populations. Sarah explores these and the global implications for the future.

David will explore the future prospects of younger people, and the state, looking at the long-term demographic, economic and political drivers of differences between the generations – one of the key issues of our time.

Drawing on a lifetime exploring British landscapes, Nicholas will describe how we have modified our habitat since the tundra thawed 12,000 years ago and why we should value our island story.

There's too much plastic in our oceans, much of it as microscopic particles. Where does it come from? Where does it do most harm? And what can we do about it?

Featuring some beautiful imagery, Melanie takes us on a scientific journey into Arctic lands to learn about the spectacular aurora.

Geography is the discipline of our future. Humanity has become a geological superpower. Acknowledging and embracing this new idea will allow us to protect Earth's environment and its peoples.

Tristan explores how to spot the clues, signs and patterns in water; from puddles to lakes and from streams to oceans, using examples from across the world.

This illustrated assessment of Britain's impact on the world marks the 400th anniversary of the death of Richard Hakluyt, one of the UK's most influential early geographers and a historian of exploration.

An ancient eternal fuel, the highest snow passes on Earth, and the last of the great Himalayan muleteers – told by the only known westerner to travel the entire Tea Horse Road by foot.

The experiences of a two-month crossing of Southern India: heat stroke, leopards, mountains, mosquitos, sleeping rough, and why it was all completely brilliant.

Crossing deserts, mountain ranges and the Atlantic on a cargo ship, all in a 30 year-old Renault 4, Matthieu redistributed €25,000 to people actively excluded from the formal financial sector.

Travelling across a country with a 33-letter alphabet and the highest mountain range in Europe has its fair share of obstacles. Grab a glass of chacha and say supra!

James travelled to the Horn of Africa in search of a lighthouse that might not even exist. This is a journey that goes to the heart of why we wish to explore.

Retracing the steps of the 1938 Haig-Thomas British Arctic Expedition, Alec observed how the social and environmental factors affecting the region have changed over the last eight decades.

In 2015 Fearghal climbed, hitched and paddled across the Bolivian Altiplano. Fearghal examines this journey making a passionate case for why experience is essential to understanding the world.

Paddle boarding the length of the Thames, Michelle and Mel tested the water quality, raising awareness about the health of the river and inspiring others to give paddle boarding a go.

Bob explores the significance of the archaeology in the Middle East and North Africa, the current threats and pressures it faces, and the work to document and preserve sites at risk.

The former British High Commissioner to Australia and Singapore explores the many ways in which geography features in the working of modern diplomacy, illustrated with personal experiences from postings overseas and at the FCO in London.

Alexander von Humboldt is the great lost scientist. Historian Andrea will talk about how his ideas revolutionised science and why he is the forgotten father of environmentalism.

One of the world’s leading high-altitude climbers shares his personal stories of a lifetime of mountaineering, including the Himalayan Triple Crown in 2013, and what drives him to do it.

Dark, forgotten, golden, hopeless, wild, rising, new… The Director of the Royal African Society examines why every label diminishes Africa.

For 10 years scientists have warned of the potential for a massive earthquake in Nepal. Was the April 2015 earthquake that event or an indicator of a larger disaster to come?

An eye-opening tour of a hidden world: wannabe and might-have-been countries that, lacking diplomatic recognition or UN membership, inhabit a realm of shifting borders, idealistic leaders and forgotten peoples.

In the wake of last month’s critical UN conference in Paris, what are the prospects that the world will tackle climate change? Should we be hopeful – or despairing?

Shepherd and bestselling author James speaks about farming life in the Lake District fells, why historic farmed landscapes matter and are loved by people, and how they might survive in the future.

Using expert photographic reportage, over the last decade Nick has followed the lives of the same individuals and families in eight countries, across four continents, to show how they have been affected by the Millennium Development Goals.

Drawing on personal experiences, Niall describes the challenges and opportunities of biodiversity research where rapid development and illegal activities pose an immediate threat to the conservation of many endangered species.

Antonia tells the story of her solo exploration of Indochina’s legendary, yet fast-vanishing, Ho Chi Minh Trail, battling inhospitable terrain and multiple breakdowns on a motorcycle.

An account of the achievements and adventures, in the 1840s, of three self-educated, young British naturalists who became outstanding explorers of the Amazon, the world’s greatest river and ecosystem.

Caroline explores the presence and diverse experiences of black people in the multicultural city of London, from barmaids to servants, nurses and labourers, through asylum archives, family history and the press.

Cities in low-income countries are the most dynamic places on earth and will be for decades. What makes people move, how is this changing, and what do they do when they get there?

Bob Geldof takes the stage to speak about his extraordinary lifetime of humanitarian activities and adventure, from his work in Africa to training for his future travel into space.

As we become an urban species, how can our cities grow and become more resilient to climate change? Alex looks at the lessons London can learn, and apply, from international cities.

Researcher and television presenter Nick Barratt explores the 600 square miles of London’s suburbs, throwing new light on the forces that turned a scattering of villages into a global metropolis.

The Silk Road boasts some of the world’s most spectacular and legendary environments. Christopher Gardner will talk about its stunning flora, embracing areas such as Central Asia, Turkey and China.

Explorer Levison Wood will be speaking about his nine month expedition walking the length of the Nile through six countries; encountering civil war, close calls with crocodiles and much more.

Was Siberia just a frozen wasteland, a place of exile, prison and suffering? Janet investigates the settlers over four centuries of Russian expansion, throwing light on the lives of the people of this inhospitable land.

Born in Iran, Shirin spent most of her childhood trekking with her father; however, her most life-changing journey was to go from being a full-time mum to leading an expedition to climb Iran’s highest peak, the 5,671m high Damavand. This was a journey intent on changing perceptions about modern day Iran, its people and its heritage.

Last year Rwandans commemorated the 20th anniversary of the 1994 genocide. Fergus was in Kigali over this period and attended genocide memorial ceremonies, massacre sites and interviewed a number of survivors. He reflects on Genocide Memorial Week and where Rwanda now finds itself in the modern world.

Anne cycled the northern coastline of Norway with her husband, fellow tandem cyclist David, and their 10 month old son. Hear about her journey; the white sandy beaches of the Vesterålen and Lofoten Islands, the beauty of mountains and fjords, and the pain of a 1,400km ride in the Arctic... with a cot, high chair and nappies!

A journey to the Darién Province to visit ancient stone petroglyphs recorded by the explorer Robert Hyman in 1994. John recounts his stay in an Embera village, at the end of the Sambu River, expressing how he was fortunate enough to discover two new petroglyph sites whilst trekking in the surrounding forest.

From its pristine wilderness and bounty of flora and fauna, to its quaint settlements, Alaska is a source of hope. Daniel shares experiences of its unique and thriving landscape, and its revitalising weather. From the celestial dance of the Aurora Borealis, to cycling into a moose, Alaska will be forever lodged in Daniel's memory.

The Jumby Bay Hawksbill Project has been studying the nesting habits of sea turtles for 28 years. Julia spent time with the project in the West Indies not only gaining hands-on experience with the critically endangered species – both nesting and hatching – but she also experienced the rapid development of Hurricane Gonzalo first hand.

Having never kayaked before, Ian set off to hike and paddle Sri Lanka’s longest river from source to sea. From the country’s third highest peak – Totapola Kanda – Ian travelled through tea plantations, ancient city-states, and modern tourist destinations. This journey challenged his ideas of river travel and demonstrated the difficulties of water security for developing nations.

In 2014, Canadian underwater archaeologists located the remains of HMS Erebus, Sir John Franklin’s vessel on his ill-fated 1845 expedition. Ryan Harris will present the discovery and investigation of this compelling shipwreck.

British swimmer Adam Walker is among a handful of people worldwide, and the only British person, to have completed all seven swims. He shares the trials and triumphs of this extraordinary endurance challenge.

Wracked by war, famine and Islamic extremism, Somalia has long been a byword for disaster. James, a veteran reporter on Afghanistan, went to find out why – and what is being done to fix it.

Asian expert John Keay investigates 1947’s partition of British India and explores its legacy of erratic leadership and hostile relationships between the five nations of South Asia.

Join a science journalist to explore the geology, geography and scenery of Icelandic volcanoes: from a world-changing 18th century eruption, to the latest ‘earth fires’ in 2014.

Tristram explores how the legacy of the British Empire remains in the lives and structures of the great cities which it shaped, and in cultures, economies and identities changed by interaction and adaptation.

Peter wrestled with modernity in Mongolia, seeing how old traditions survive in a modern world. The Grand Alpine Tour team travelled the length of the Alps, using new technologies to explore landscape change.

Historian and polar guide Huw explores the epic first crossing of Antarctica in 1958. Led by Vivian Fuchs and Ed Hillary, this great expedition finally fulfilled Shackleton’s dream.