21st Century Challenges - Royal Geographical Society with IBG

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Thought-provoking talks on geographical issues

Welcome to the discussion series run by the Royal Geographical Society that aims to improve public understanding of, and engagement with, some of the
big issues likely to affect our lives and society in the
coming years.

The series helps people make their own informed decisions and judgements on the most important challenges of the 21st century.

The talks are held at the Society's headquarters in South Kensington, London.

Follow the series @21cc

Recent Articles

Interview with Ken Livingstone

We meet Ken Livingstone, former Mayor of London, to discuss Heathrow, Crossrail, the 2012 Olympics and skyscrapers in London.

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Interview with Sylvia Earle

Celebrated oceanographer and ambassador for the world's oceans. Dr Sylvia Earle, 'explorer in residence' at the National Geographic, discusses with us the growing problem of plastic pollution and the importance of the world's oceans.

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Future Events

13th October, 2010
Plastic pollution in the oceans
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1st December, 2010
Can the UK ever be sustainable?
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13 October: PLASTIC POLLUTION IN THE OCEANS

Plastic pollution in the oceans

David de Rothschild Dr Simon Boxall Peter Davis David Shukman

Our throw away society is polluting large areas of the world's oceans with plastics, threatening marine life and food chains. How did it get there? What are the practical solutions? Is it time to re-evaluate waste as a resource?

More information and tickets »

1 December: CAN THE UK EVER BE SUSTAINABLE?

Sir Stuart Rose Hilary Benn MP Andy Hobsbawm

Our way of life is placing an increasing burden on the planet, but how realistic are visions of a sustainable future? With the UK aspiring to achieve more with less, who will help turn theory into practice?