The Geographer’s role in the new normal
The Covid-19 pandemic is fundamentally geographical, with the global crisis affecting us all. Its spread was initially enabled by the ubiquity of international travel, but once travel restrictions were in place, its transmission followed the more local geographies of our everyday lives. Today, our location relative to others has never been more relevant. Spatial data underpin the modelling and visualisation of the spread of the virus. And as geographers we know that the data’s context – an understanding of the places, communities, and networks involved – is key.
The short-term impacts of Covid-19 have played out differently at different scales and in different places. Geographers are at the fore in highlighting the unevenness and inequality of vulnerability and of impact, with experiences of the pandemic, and patterns of illness and death, reflecting markedly different social, economic and environmental conditions. Geographical work on the conditions in which people live is enabling better implementation of mitigation and recovery strategies. Globally, governments have taken greater control of their economies, providing unprecedented financial support.
But Covid-19 has illustrated the fragility of economies that are dependent on global flows of money, people and commodities. In the UK, the anticipated reduction in international students this year will have profound impacts on funding for universities and will negatively impact the experiences of all students and cross-cultural understanding. Looking forward, as the world starts to think about what a ‘new normal’ might look like, geographers have the knowledge and skills to help address some of the big questions and challenges that will arise. How we respond to the ongoing impacts of the pandemic will determine the future health, wellbeing and stability of both people and the planet. Can we, for example, maintain at least some of the positive environmental changes that took place during lockdown: reduced carbon emissions, decreased weekday electricity consumption, and skies cleared of pollution? Geography Directions, the Society’s blog linked to our scholarly journals, has been sharing posts from a variety of geographers reflecting on the Covid-19 outbreak, and considering the world after the pandemic. Read more about the geography of Covid-19, its impacts and our responses at: blog.geographydirections.com
The Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) is the home of geography. Founded in 1830, we are the UK’s learned society for geography and professional body for geographers. Our core purpose is to advance geographical science. We achieve this in many ways, through our charitable work in education, research and fieldwork, and more widely as a membership organisation.
The Society welcomes anyone fascinated by the world’s people, places and environments. Membership is open to all and tailored to you. Whether you’re a Fellow, Young Geographer or Ordinary Member, we make your adventures in geography richer and more meaningful.
Geographical is the Society’s magazine, and available with all types of membership – but there are so many other benefits. Our Fellows and members gain access to topical events and activities, where you can meet others who share a passion for geography. So whether you’re a geography professional or student, or simply have a thirst for geographical knowledge, membership of the Society will satisfy your curiosity.
For more on what membership has to offer you, visit our website at: rgs.org/join-us