What a debate about schools and heat reveals about climate, resilience, safeguarding and adaptation - and why geography helps us move beyond the soundbite.
What If We’ve Got It Right? An Open Letter to a School Leader on Heat, Safety and Climate Resilience
The first letter in this series was written in frustration — in response to a school communication that seemed to confuse the effects of heat with the effects of relaxed uniform. This one comes from a different place. During the same spell of extreme weather, another school made the difficult decision to cancel an outdoor trip and postpone a community event during a red heat-health alert. For one parent, it stood out as an example of calm, child-centred leadership under pressure. What follows is a lightly anonymised version of the note they wrote in response.
What If We’ve Got It Wrong? An Open Letter to a School Leader on Uniform, Heat and Behaviour
A school in England, facing a run of very hot days and a national heat alert, wrote to parents to set out its expectations. There were some adjustments - small ones - but the overall message was clear: standards would hold, routines would remain, and any loosening of uniform would need to be carefully controlled. There was also an implication, lightly but unmistakably put, that where uniform had been relaxed in the past, behaviour had slipped. For one parent reading it, that last point stuck. So they wrote back....
Listening to rocks, and why that matters: In conversation with Dr Anjana Khatwa
In Season 6 Episode 10 of the Coffee & Geography Podcast, geologist, author and TV presenter Dr. Anjana Khatwa discusses her unique perspective on geology, linking it to personal identity through her family's migration story. She emphasises the importance of rocks in environmental narratives and advocates for equitable access to nature for all communities, while also sharing light-hearted moments about Agatha Christie.
Climate education that actually meets young people where they are: In conversation with Nava Khorram Ahmad
In Season 6 Episode 9 of Coffee & Geography, I discuss climate education with Nava Khorram Ahmad, Executive Director of the Climate Education Centre. Emphasising practical approaches, Nava highlights the importance of integrating Indigenous knowledge and the human aspect of climate issues. She shares stories of youth-led climate resilience and underscores the potential for change through community efforts.
Actionable science, real decisions – A conversation with Aparna Bamzai‑Dodson (USGS)
In Season 6 Episode 8 of the Coffee & Geography Podcast, Kit Marie discusses climate adaptation with Aparna Bamzai-Dodson from the USGS. She emphasises “actionable science” that engages stakeholders from the outset and the importance of context in decision-making. The conversation also touches on the interplay of science, community needs, and personal joy in the process.
Kelp, Capitalism, and the Cartography of Becoming — A Conversation with Pluto Liu
My latest #CoffeeGeogPod chat is with Pluto Liu, a "professional nomad." We discuss identity, language, and the interconnectedness of various academic fields. Pluto shares insights on marine science and capitalism, emphasising resilience in nature. The conversation blended humor with profound reflections on geography and personal growth.
Mapping Beyond Maps — A Conversation with Dr. Niiyokamigaabaw Deondre Smiles
When someone like Dr Niiyokamigaabaw Deondre Smiles, an Indigenous geographer, opens up their time for me, I really am deeply grateful. Joining me from Victoria, British Columbia, our conversation for the Coffee & Geography podcast was rich, generous, expansive, and rooted in a geography that moves far beyond lines on a map.
On-Location: Educational Sustainability, Coastal Identity, and Hope in Great Yarmouth – A Conversation with Dr Catherine Richards
In Episode 5 of the podcast, the I visit East Norfolk Sixth Form College in Great Yarmouth, emphasising sustainability as a cultural practice intertwined with education. Principal Dr. Catherine Richards discusses the college's role in the community, addressing local challenges while promoting climate literacy across all subjects, fostering a sense of belonging and optimism.
Artemis II: Stunning ‘Hello, World’ Image of Earth Explained
NASA astronaut Reid Wiseman captured the "Hello, World" image of Earth from Orion on April 2, 2026. The image's unique perspective prompts critical thinking about geography, highlighting Earth's scale and human impact. Educators are encouraged to use the photo as a teaching tool, fostering discussions on Earth's condition and visual interpretation.