Major conference explores changing geographical landscapes

The Royal Geographical Society (with IBG)’s Annual International Conference – the largest geography conference in Europe takes place at Cardiff University this week.

More than 1,600 geographers will be attending this year’s Annual International Conference, making it the largest Society conference outside of London to date. There will be more than 360 sessions presenting new research on subjects such as food, austerity, climate change, migration, renewable energies, social cohesion and the environment.

This year’s Chair is Professor Paul Milbourne of the School of Geography and Planning, who chose the theme, ‘Geographical landscapes and the changing landscapes of geography’.

Landscape has long been a central concept within geography. The four-day gathering is an opportunity for critical reflection on the position of landscape within contemporary geography and also seeks to develop dialogue between human and physical geographers, and with researchers from other associated disciplines working on landscape.

Commenting on the theme, Professor Milbourne said: “It’s an important time to be thinking about landscape within the UK – we’ve got austerity pressures within urban landscapes and questions over the future of our public parks and green spaces within cities.

“In terms of Brexit there are big questions being asked about the future of the rural landscape within the UK. And more generally, when we listen to our radio programmes and watch our televisions, there are lots of programmes out there focusing on the different aspects of landscapes within the country...”

Topics covered in the 1,300 plus papers being presented include:

• Cultures of care under austerity, from childcare through to food bank use;
• Night time transport and how to improve access for low income night workers;
• Food sustainability including the best ways to reduce water and carbon footprints in school meals;
• Exploring the impact of bike sharing schemes.

See the full conference programme here.