The

GeographerWinter 2019 The newsletter of the Royal Scottish Geographical Society Snapshots on the Path to 2030 Progress Against the Sustainable Development Goals

• On Target for 2030?

• Levison Wood: Talk in February

• SDGs and Geography in Schools

• Sustainable Cities and Population Densities

• Exploring East Java

“Ours can be the first generation to end poverty - and the last • Arctic Connections generation to address climate change before it is too late.” and Perspectives United Nations • Railway Cathedrals

• Lewis Pugh: Mungo Park Medallist

plus news, books and more.. The GeographerSustainable Development Goals

elcome to this edition of The Geographer. Arctic Academy We are delighted to be working with Dr WHartwig Pautz of the University of the West of Scotland, and Jamie Livingstone, Head of Oxfam Scotland, to complement the report they coordinated earlier this year called On Target for 2030? That report, and this edition of The Geographer, provide a snapshot of observations and reflections on Scotland’s progress towards the UN’s 17 globally-agreed Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These Goals were agreed in 2015 and are intended to be achieved by 2030. It is notable, since 2015, how many companies, public bodies, schools and other institutions are now regularly discussing how to tackle these various Goals and ambitions: they are increasingly dominating conversations in board rooms, investment fora and across society. This has to be welcome, not simply because achieving the SDGs would be hugely positive for society as a whole, but also because we feel BBC Scotland have produced a compelling four-part documentary this represents a huge opportunity for geographers, as these complex about the Polar Academy, the charity set up by RSGS Explorer-in- geographical ambitions often require place-based, cross-disciplinary, Residence Craig Mathieson. A film crew followed the participants from Bathgate Academy over the course of a year as they holistic thinking and solutions. This is even more true because none prepared for their dramatic Arctic adventure. of the 17 SDGs sits in isolation – solving one relies in most part on solving, or at least taking account of, the others. Each of the SDG articles contained herein is just a single snapshot: Award for OS leader they do not pretend to be complete analyses of the whole of each In October, Ordnance Survey Managing Director David Henderson was presented with Honorary Fellowship of the SDG. That would take a lot more space to achieve; after all, within the RSGS. He received the award from RSGS Chair Professor 17 headline ambitions, there are 232 approved Indicators measuring Roger Crofts for his leadership role in the OS innovation and compliance against 169 Targets. We do, however, hope that they give a open data programmes, and for his promotion of geospatial sense of the ambition and the progress against them. sciences in the UK and Although Scotland and the UK have made progress, there is clearly abroad, most notably as the leader of the UK’s delegation still plenty to do to help address these Sustainable Development to the UN’s Committee of Goals. As some of the issues become more urgent, it is not surprising Experts on Global Geospatial that voices become more strident, but to be successful they require Information Management. greater collaboration, not division. However, in a society which seems Alongside this cutting- to be getting more divided, it seems harder than ever to ensure priority edge work, David has helped deliver support to is given to these laudable, long-term aims. I really hope we can start to geographic charities such as build bridges, work together in broad partnerships, and properly divert the RSGS and the RGS-IBG, our energies into making more of these positive changes. and other UK geospatial industry bodies. Mike Mike Robinson, Chief Executive, RSGS

RSGS, Lord John Murray House, 15-19 North Port, Perth, PH1 5LU tel: 01738 455050 email: [email protected] www.rsgs.org

Charity registered in Scotland no SC015599 The views expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily those of the RSGS. Masthead image: East Java, Indonesia. © Jamie Robinson

RSGS: a better way to see the world

The news Geographer14- 1 Winter 2019

2020: global environment’s big year 50 youth-led solutions SDGs Professor Roger Crofts CBE, Chair, RSGS SDSN Youth, a programme of the UN 2020 will be an action-packed year for global bodies dealing Sustainable Development Solutions with the most crucial issues facing people and the planet; Network, has launched the third and geographers are playing leading roles in the activities. edition of the Youth Solutions Report, The UN2020 Initiative, reflecting the United Nations’ identifying 50 youth-led projects that 75th anniversary, will take stock to strengthen the UN are accelerating global progress on system with all parties, importantly including civil society. the achievement of the Sustainable It will focus on multilateralism to combat the threats of Development Goals. nationalism, and on such major issues as climate change, See www.youthsolutions.report/ military conflict and inequality, all within the context of the 2019report for more information. UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. In preparation for these meetings, the Convention to Combat Desertification met to review controls on and review issues about the further loss of productive land due to desertification, land degradation and drought which affects so many countries around the world, including the UK. The Convention on Biological Diversity will meet in October 2020 in China to agree a new 2050 vision, Living in Harmony with Nature. It aims to be “ambitious, transformational, scientifically sound and responding to national needs.” This is necessary given the continued loss of biodiversity globally and the sixth extinction crisis, caused by human activity. A meeting of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP26) will be held in Glasgow in November 2020. It will focus on implementation of the Paris Agreement and developing ways of ensuring that action is taken to make sure targets are met. And in Marseille in June will be the 70th anniversary World Climate Solutions get Conservation Congress of the IUCN (International Union We were pleased to find specific involved! for Conservation of Nature). I hope to attend, to participate mention of the RSGS in the Scottish in the discussions and launch a book on geoheritage Government’s Programme for Government conservation. announced in September, in regard to our 2019 has been another very busy year with RSGS. 2020 Climate Solutions course. Aimed at middle and promises to be busier still! senior managers across Scotland, the course aims to short-cut vast amounts of literature and provide decision makers with the know-how to implement solutions Global biodiversity mapping to the climate emergency. The full course, which is supported by the Universities of Stirling and Edinburgh, the Institute of Countries need integrated maps of biodiversity and ecosystem Directors, and the Scottish Government, is set to roll out in early services, to design and implement national policies for halting 2020: please contact [email protected] for further information and reversing the loss of biodiversity and for curbing net or to get involved. greenhouse gas emissions from land use. Levison Wood in Perth 3rd In September, February the Nature Map We are delighted to announce consortium that explorer, writer, released two photographer and television

Areas of global significance for biodiversity conservation and new maps that personality Levison Wood will carbon storage. Source: Nature Map integrate available speak for the Society! Famous data on terrestrial for walking the Nile, the biodiversity Himalaya, the Americas and, and ecosystem most recently, Arabia, Levison carbon stocks, will be sharing behind-the-scenes stories from his journeys designed to help of discovery that have inspired several popular television governments documentaries and best-selling books. operationalize Levison will speak at Perth Concert Hall on Monday 3rd February targets for 2020 at 7.30pm. Tickets are likely to sell fast, so please call Areas of global significance for the restoration of biodiversity and carbon storage. Source: Nature Map biodiversity 01738 621031 or visit www.horsecross.co.uk to secure conservation and your seats. And to whet your appetite, see pages 6-7 book a restoration. Check out Nature Map (naturemap.earth) as they for his interview with our Writer-in-Residence Jo Woolf. ticket! release additional data layers throughout 2020.

2 news Winter 2019 Doors Open Day 2019 Roadmap to 2050 In September, the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) and Fondazione Eni Enrico Mattei (FEEM) launched Roadmap to 2050: A Manual for Nations to Decarbonize by Mid- Century. The report provides an overview of the latest energy decarbonization technologies available for national governments to design their low-emission development strategies as outlined in article 4.19 of the Paris Agreement. In mid-September we welcomed c100 visitors to the See roadmap2050.report for more information. Fair Maid’s House for the annual Doors Open Day. With the Scottish Civic Trust’s overall theme of ‘Arts and Film success Entertainment’, our Collections Team created a special The first film made by our display, The Art, and Artfulness, of the Mapmaker, which drew Communications Officer, attention to some splendid late-16th to late-19th century James Cave, was selected maps from our collections. The volunteers on duty had a busy for the 2019 Dundee and enjoyable time speaking with visitors from far and wide. Mountain Film Festival. The After Work Adventure is a story about making the most of the hours between 5pm and 9am – doing something on the wild side rather than the usual run-of-the-mill after-work activities! Shot entirely on iPad, the short film is available to view on YouTube and accessible from www.rsgs.org/videos. Art exhibition Our visitor centre is now closed to general visitors for the winter, but the latest exhibition, featuring original nature and landscape artworks by fine artists Claire Harkess and Colin Woolf, Guardian cartoonist Nick Hayes, and Amazing finds! young talent Annie Armstrong, will be on display until May. We also have RSGS headquarters and Fair Maid’s The Fair City, the original impression of Perth by Rob Hain, on House volunteers were treated to an display and for sale at £9,500: as a percentage of the profits afternoon display of items chosen by have been pledged to support our work, we would welcome any members of our Collections Team. leads that might help us make a sale; limited edition prints and All items had been recently gifted to a small number of jigsaws are also available. the Society or ‘rediscovered’ in the collections. They included German mapping of the Perth area immediately Glaciologists honoured prior to World War II; a silver cigarette case gifted to one of RSGS’s three co-founders (John George Bartholomew) by In October, we were delighted to present another (Agnes Livingstone Bruce); and a green tin cash box research Medals to two of the UK’s leading imprinted with ‘S.G.S.’ (the Society’s acronym before it was glaciologists. granted royal status in 1887), made in Aberdeen for the new Professor Doug Benn, who works between RSGS ‘Aberdeen Centre’. the Universities of St Andrews and Svalbard, received the Coppock Research Medal for his Doug Benn (left) with RSGS Board Member John Briggs. Mapping Canada’s geology contribution to glaciology, particularly physical processes such as iceberg calving and outburst floods, and for A wide-ranging group of Earth scientists is embarking on a providing new perspectives on paleo- hugely ambitious effort to establish a network of geophysical glaciations. observatories across Canada. If funding is secured, the Professor Julian Dowdeswell, Director EON-ROSE project (Earth-system Observing Network-Réseau of the Scott Polar Research Institute, d’Observation du Système terrestrE) aims to study everything received the William Speirs Bruce from the inner Earth to the upper atmosphere, and to answer Medal for his work in advancing our questions such as how much Canadians should worry about scientific understanding of glaciers and earthquakes and landslides, and where researchers should Julian Dowdeswell (right) glaciation, and for preserving the stories explore for lucrative mineral deposits or renewable energy with RSGS Chief Executive of great explorers of the past, such as Mike Robinson. resources. Shackleton and Scott.

The news Geographer14- 3 Winter 2019

Arctic Connections - Arctic Perspectives YOUNG GEOGRAPHER We reported in the winter 2018 edition of The Geographer “The publication of the policy framework is itself the that the Scottish Government was developing an Arctic Policy result of a process during which we have consulted Framework. We are pleased now to have this update from Ms widely and reached out to Scotland’s civic society. Fiona Hyslop MSP, Cabinet Secretary for External Affairs. I am especially grateful for the support and expert

ARCTIC DECEMBER advice that RSGS, including its Young Geographers, “In order to strengthen existing links and open new avenues PERSPECTIVES 2019 The future we want have provided throughout its development.” FEATURING

for engagement with Arctic countries, the Scottish Government Lewis Pugh CLIMATE CHANGE ECO-TOURISM Calum Maclean GRETA NATURE Thunberg has launched Arctic Connections, Scotland’s first Arctic Policy The full-page article from Ms Hyslop can be Interview Framework. It’s a stretching and exciting agenda centred around found in our second Young Geographer magazine, sustainability, equality and mutuality. The Scottish Government produced by an editorial team led by Eilidh Watson. Entitled is determined to pursue these objectives in conjunction with Arctic Perspectives, it looks at Scotland and Arctic issues from Scotland’s academia, creative sector, business community and younger people’s perspectives. We are grateful to the Scottish civic society. By means of Arctic Connections we are building an Government and the Gannochy Trust for their support for open and diverse platform that we will share with both Scotland- this project. Please contact [email protected] if you have not based organisations and international partners. received a copy of this magazine and would like to.

Getting on swimmingly University News Battery (r)evolution In September, UN Patron of the Oceans and endurance swimmer Lewis Pugh spoke A University of St Andrews-led project to create a battery to an enthralled audience at Perth Concert which could revolutionise electric travel and renewable Hall, before receiving our prestigious Mungo energy storage has been granted £12m from the Faraday Park Medal. See pages 36-37 for an insight Institution. The four-year NEXGENNA project will work on to Lewis’ remarkable achievements. creating a safe sodium ion battery with high performance Before the event, Lewis had time to sit down with Scottish and a long cycle life. The relatively low cost of sodium wild swimmer Calum Maclean. Calum, best known for his ion batteries makes them potentially attractive as a appearances on BBC’s The Social, filmed an interview piece next-generation technology, particularly for static energy with Lewis for a video that will be shared across our social storage applications where large batteries are needed, media channels. and for low-cost vehicles. Such batteries could allow electric trains to run on non-electrified lines, making currently non-economical routes, such as rural routes in the Highlands, commercially viable.

SDG Tracker SDGs SDG Tracker (sdg-tracker.org) is a free, open-access publication that tracks global progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals, allowing people around the world to hold their governments accountable to achieving the agreed Goals. The website presents data across all available indicators from the Our World in Data (ourworldindata.org) database, using official statistics from the UN and other international organizations, and showing Professor Alasdair Rae results as maps and charts that are easy to understand. Our prestigious Bartholomew Globe was presented in August at the FOSS4GUK conference in Edinburgh. The recipient, Professor Alasdair Rae of Sheffield University, was awarded the honour for his outstanding geographical research, particularly his innovative and engaging use of map data which has brought public attention to the power of modern cartography, often via Twitter. You can read more about his research on page 25.

4 news Winter 2019

New-look website Thanks to the Transform Foundation and to charitable website providers Raising IT, we were delighted to launch our brand new website in late August. With an image-led, user-friendly design, we hope this development will drive membership, donations and ticket sales, whilst also allowing users to navigate seamlessly through our history, blogs, events and news! We are extremely grateful to volunteer Margaret Magazine makes an impact Paterson who transferred a great deal of content from our previous site to the new one, despite the time-consuming The 2019 Scottish Resources Conference, an event nature of the work! We’re still hosted in the usual place, so which brings together resource management professionals go on, take a peek: www.rsgs.org. at the cutting edge of the circular economy, was held in Perth. We were delighted that the autumn 2019 edition of The Geographer, produced in partnership with Zero Waste Scotland, OU science showcase was used as the hand-out for the many CEOs, policy makers, In October, we researchers, graduates, SMEs, local authorities, waste managers, were delighted to regulators and third sector organisations in attendance. partner with the Open University in Scotland for their Honorary Fellowships for volunteers ‘science showcase’ at Dynamic Earth Much of what the RSGS achieves involves in Edinburgh. Our thanks to Dr Vanessa the hard work of volunteers, from those Collingridge, former RSGS Board who help at our headquarters to the many Member, for chairing one of the big events: The Science Behind who help with RSGS events in their local Blue Planet II. In November, Sir David Attenborough and BBC area. One of the longest-standing is Maggie Studios Natural History Unit received the 2019 Chatham House Ewen, who has provided valuable support Prize for the galvanising impact of Blue Planet II. for our office in Perth, diligently carrying Maggie Ewen and Blair White. out a host of tasks with historical files and the archive. Blair White, a member of the RSGS in Orkney expert Collections Team, has catalogued There was a noticeable theme to the Society’s work in August: a significant portion of the Society’s map Orkney. First, our Chair, Professor Roger Crofts, and Geographer collections. Jim Stewart and John Blease Royal for Scotland, Professor Charles Withers, spoke at the have been stalwart leaders of the RSGS Orkney Science Festival. Roger gave an in-depth presentation Ayr Group, showing great commitment on Iceland; Charles gave a different perspective on mapping to delivering our Inspiring People talks Scotland’s islands. Then, Young Geographer subeditor Cameron Jim Stewart and John Blease. programme, and huge enthusiasm for all Mackay attended the Arctic Policy Framework launch in things geographical. Congratulations to all of them, and thank Stromness; his video interview with Cabinet Secretary Fiona you for your invaluable commitment. Hyslop MSP is available on our YouTube channel. Finally, Writer- in-Residence Jo Woolf wrote a blog (available on our website) University News about Orcadian explorer John Rae’s contribution to unlocking the Scottish Quaternary Studies Northwest Passage and his history with RSGS, to celebrate the Edited by RSGS Fellows John Gordon and Alan Werritty, anniversary of his birth. this special issue of the Earth and Environmental Science Transactions of Five Deeps in Edinburgh the Royal Society of Edinburgh comprises Hazel Robertson, RSGS Explorer-in-Residence invited papers by leading specialists As part of the record-breaking Five Deeps that review progress over the last Expedition (fivedeeps.com) the submersible 25 years in our understanding of Limiting Factor went to the deepest point in each geomorphological processes, landscape of the five oceans. In September, two other evolution, glaciation, sea-level change RSGS representatives and I were lucky enough and environmental history in Scotland to board the vessel while it was docked in Leith, Edinburgh. We during the Quaternary, and sets out the received a tour from RSGS Member Kelvin Murray, who was involved authors’ perspectives on future research directions and in the expedition operations, and met Don Walsh, one of the first to challenges. The volume is dedicated to the memory of reach the deepest point of the world’s oceans in 1960, and Victor Chalmers Clapperton and Brian Sissons who made major Vescovo, the Five Deeps submersible pilot and funder. Victor has contributions in these fields, and is available online at also climbed Everest, making him the first person to reach the www.cambridge.org/core. highest and lowest place on Earth.

The news Geographer14- 5 Winter 2019

RSGS climate emergency summit

In late August, we gathered together experts from more than 30 organisations for a climate emergency summit at our headquarters in Our geographical network Perth, to brainstorm and collate ideas and solutions to the climate emergency that was recently declared by the RSGS sits at the heart of a broad and influential community Scottish Government. Over 600 ideas were put forward, of interest – an RSGS family of individuals and organisations then broken down and ordered into 12 overarching priority working together to promote geographical cross-disciplinary areas. We published the findings from this innovative collaboration. In recent weeks, we’ve been delighted to exercise the following week: the document is available via strengthen ties with the American Geographical Society, www.rsgs.org/informing-policy. following a visit from their Chairman, Dr Christopher Tucker. During the event, RSGS Chief Executive Mike Robinson We continued our discussions with the Scottish Association presented climate solutions practitioner Jess Pepper with of Geography Teachers, during another successful annual Honorary Fellowship of the Society, for her innovative conference in Dollar. contribution to a number of environmental campaigns, We visited the Scott Polar Research Institute in Cambridge, with with both large organisations and small, grassroots their wonderful polar collection. We met up with the Canada-UK community groups. Foundation, which has been working with us to promote projects such as their giant Arctic playground map, which they are keen Mapping, new and old to make available again to schools around Scotland. We met with RGS-IBG as part of our regular CEO catch-up meetings to Margaret Wilkes FRSGS, RSGS Collections Committee Chair discuss joint working. And we have been corresponding with the In October we were delighted to give a whistle-stop tour to Russian Geographical Society who are keen to work with us as 50 postgraduate students from the University of Edinburgh’s they enter their 175th anniversary year in 2020. MSc Course in GIS. The range of nationalities represented was inspiring, including students from China, Canada, Norway, UK, Belgium and The Netherlands. The students’ GIS lab in Edinburgh had recently been redecorated to include a huge mural depicting an image of a very rare map of 1647 showing Edinburgh’s Royal Mile and vicinity, so we decided to surprise the party by bringing out RSGS’s original copy of this map (a later variant dated 1708) together with two other early maps of Edinburgh, to show them the site of the present Institute of Geography. There’s nothing like a bit of historical geography to get the blood racing! RSGS to the rescue Following a devastating fire at Woodmill High in Dunfermline, the school’s Reaching out geography teachers contacted us to help restock their Our Chief Executive regularly gives talks about the Society, its perished resources. Of people and its work to external groups, helping inform and course, we happily obliged. guide policy in Scotland, and inspiring RSGS Members and With the help of our in-house Collections Team, teachers Andy non-Members alike. Recently, he has given talks to Scottish Nicol and Margo Christie left our Perth offices with Ordnance Environment LINK, the Environmental Funders Network, Scottish Survey maps, world atlases, copies of the Society’s magazines, Power, Scottish Business in the Community, Stirling University, and large images of geographical landscapes to brighten Scottish Natural Heritage, British Geological Survey, Aberdeen classrooms and corridors. Margo said, “Having resources to Geological Society, and as part of the Armitstead Lecture hand will limit the amount of disruption and get our pupils Series. It makes for a rather busy schedule, but hopefully more back to learning ASAP. We are immensely grateful and look audiences are inspired by finding out more about our work and forward to further partnership opportunities with the RSGS.” some of the stories wrapped up in our collections.

6 Winter 2019 Interview with Levison Wood

Jo Woolf FRSGS, RSGS Writer-in-Residence

Levison Wood is one of those explorers for whom the word You’ve always been drawn to meeting indigenous people, and ‘intrepid’ seems utterly inadequate. He has walked the some have become your guides. Tell us about some of the length of the Nile; he has crossed from Mexico to Colombia friendships you’ve made. via the notorious Darien Gap; he has walked the length of I’ve met people from all walks of life, from illiterate the Himalayas; and he has just completed a 5,000-mile shepherds in Jordan to a guy who was born in a cave – a circumnavigation of the Arabian Peninsula. His journeys, Bedouin nomad who came with me, and he was fantastic. usually conducted solo or with a local guide, regularly We’re still in touch now. He can’t write a word of English take him into all kinds of danger. A talented writer and but he’s on Facebook, so we just communicate with emojis! photographer, he shares his experiences via books and One of my favourite guides was Alberto, who came with me TV documentaries, and his images have been the subject through Central America. He’s hilarious; he’d never walked of several major exhibitions. As an Officer in the British anywhere and had no experience in the jungle, but his attitude Parachute Regiment, Levison served in Afghanistan, and he is was spot on and he had the right outlook on life. He was great still a British Army reservist. fun to be around. That’s just as important as knowing how As you were growing up, did you dream of being an explorer? to rub sticks together, probably more so, because those are Yes, I did! I read all the stories about Livingstone, Shackleton, skills you can learn. Scott, and the other great explorers. I thought, if they can Do you feel that the ways of life of indigenous people are being do it, why can’t I? I started very humbly at the age of 18, put at risk by the encroachment of western ‘civilisation’, and if backpacking in my gap year. I so, what can we do to prevent this? always tried to visit places I’d read It depends how you look at it. Globalisation does have an about and was impact on traditional ways of life, but at interested in. At “It’s about showing what a the same time you can’t and probably university, my region is really like through shouldn’t want to stop development. history thesis Because who are we to say that people was about the eyes of the people who in tribal communities shouldn’t have great overland live there.” mobile phones or electricity? It’s a journeys – the tricky one, because inevitably if there’s Grand Tour and Marco Polo and the a benefit in development they’re going to take it. It’s hard to great pilgrimages – so it all fitted pass judgment on that. I’ve seen change happen, and whilst neatly together. I love travelling with it’s sad as a photographer – especially if you’re trying to friends, but at that age I think it’s far take a photograph of somebody in their indigenous costume more important and useful to go off and they can’t get off their phone – that’s just the way it is. on your own, because you’re forced Some countries have achieved a good balance. In Bhutan, for to interact and develop your communication skills. If anyone instance, everyone lives in traditional-style houses and you asks me how to become an explorer, I just say, go travelling see traditional dress everywhere, yet in many ways it’s a very on your own – solo backpacking. advanced country: education is good and literacy is great. As you were walking the Nile, what did it feel like to walk in the In Walking the Nile, you describe how a vast area of Ugandan footsteps of Speke and Burton, Livingstone and Stanley? rainforest has been cleared to make way for a sugar plantation, Having been fascinated by those stories for a long time, it but the work is supporting the livelihoods of people who live was quite something to walk in their footsteps, and to see there. It’s such a complex problem; will we find a solution? with my own eyes how things have changed, but also how We definitely need to find a solution. Ultimately, all these big things haven’t really changed. I remember sitting beneath problems come down to one thing: the burgeoning human an enormous mango tree on the banks of the Nile, being population. We’ve got to focus on encouraging people to have inducted into a tribal ceremony, and realising that things fewer kids! As ruthless as that might sound, it’s the only hope probably haven’t changed all that much since Livingstone was for the human race and our planet. Given the rate of growth there! in the world’s population – we’re currently at 7.7 billion, Many of the regions you visit are extremely dangerous for and by the end of the century we’ll be heading towards 11 visitors. How much do you rely on your military training? billion – what chance does any wildlife have? In particularly The military does give you a certain understanding about poor areas, where there’s no healthcare, no jobs, and a high risk. If you adopt the right demeanour and treat people in the infant mortality rate, people will turn to subsistence living, way they expect to be treated, then generally speaking you which necessitates having lots of children to work on the can charm your way out of most situations. It’s about having land. The only solution is education. Female education is respect for people and being non-judgmental. If I’m going to particularly important, and if a girl stays in school beyond a war zone I’ll make sure I’m with people who have the right the age of 14, she is less likely to start having children at experience and training. By travelling unarmed, either alone an early age. Going back to the question about disparity or in a small group, you attract less attention because you’re of cultures: if it takes a mobile phone to enable someone not posing a threat. I go to these places with a camera, quite to trade their crops, or if it takes a new road to enable openly, and people are usually happy to open up and tell their infrastructure and vehicles to buy people’s products, which in story. turn enables them to grow out of subsistence living and have a better life, they will inevitably have fewer children.

The Geographer14- 7 Winter 2019

What inspires your photography? Photography has always been a passion. It’s something I’ve taught myself and learned along the way. For me, it’s an alternative way of telling a story: it’s about people and places, and it’s about how people interact with their environment and with each other. I’m looking for a compelling narrative; it’s all about the story conveyed by that photograph. Tell us about some of the charities you support. I’m an ambassador for 15 charities, and on my journeys I always try to visit their projects on the ground. Last week I was in the Congo, visiting a UNICEF project to rehabilitate child soldiers, which was quite an intense emotional experience. I’m involved with The Tusk Trust, which raises awareness about conservation in Africa, particularly of elephants; and with youth charities – The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, and The Ulysses Trust which is for show the other side of the story. For me, that’s what my job is Army cadets, raising money for expeditions. Also veterans’ about: reporting the truth without any agenda or news angle. It’s charities, including Walking with the Wounded, The Endeavour about showing what a region is really like through the eyes of the Fund, and ABF The Soldiers’ Charity… and anything that people who live there. And if, in the process, you uncover a new promotes education, particularly for young people. It’s a pyramid in Mexico, as we did, or if you find some ancient ruins, spread of all my passions. that’s great too! Exploration has come a long way since the days when there If you could be present at any momentous event in the history of were blank spaces on the map. In the 21st century, what can exploration, what would it be? exploration teach us? There are so many! For me, it would be the moment when Burton Exploration is a funny term, because everyone thinks of pith and Speke had their big falling-out at the Royal Geographical helmets and big beards and khaki! I think these days it’s Society meeting in Bath in 1864. They are such incredibly about documenting places as they’re changing or before they interesting characters. Or maybe when Livingstone met Stanley, change. We’re saturated with news telling us how terrible and to see whether the line “Doctor Livingstone, I presume?” was dangerous the world is. I want to bring some balance and actually used! That would be entertaining, wouldn’t it?

Perth 3 Concert Hall

rd February 2020

2020 will see the publication of a new book featuring We look forward to welcoming Levison Wood at Perth 200 of Levison’s photographs, chosen from his journeys Concert Hall on 3rd February 2020, when he will give a talk over the last 15 years. See www.levisonwood.com for more entitled Travels in Remote Places. Tickets are available from information. www.horsecross.co.uk or 01738 621031.

8 Winter 2019 On target for 2030?

Dr Hartwig Pautz, Lecturer in Social Sciences, University of the West of Scotland; Jamie Livingstone, Head of Oxfam Scotland

In 2015, the Member States of the United Nations (UN) review was committed to this participative approach, and unanimously adopted the Sustainable Development Goals strong emphasis was placed on asking smaller civil society (SDGs), an ambitious roadmap for a healthy planet for organisations to contribute to the report, mindful of the fact present and future generations, and for a world free from that such organisations may not often have opportunities to poverty, injustice and discrimination. In many speak to a wider audience, including within ways, the SDGs are the closest the world has “Soon the SDGs will government. While we were not the first to yet come to a single, coherent strategy for take this approach in relation to the Goals, ending extreme poverty, tackling inequalities, celebrate their fifth we are the first to do so with a focus on and combatting climate change. Critically, in birthday and it is Scotland. committing to the Goals, the countries of the time to take stock of The report was published in world also promised to leave no-one behind; July 2019, on time to inform everyone, they said, would share in the Scotland’s progress.” the Scottish Government’s own delivery of genuinely sustainable development. evaluation of progress towards The 17 Goals are to be achieved by 2030. They are global the SDGs. It was also scheduled in scope and apply to each UN Member State. That means to broadly coincide with the release that more than 190 countries are committed to delivering of the UK’s Voluntary National the Goals at home, as well as abroad. The 17 SDGs, with Review of progress on the SDGs, their 169 Targets and many more associated indicators, led by the UK Government. Thus, with are hugely ambitious and are only achievable if all a little over ten years until the 2030 countries, sectors and citizens invest significant deadline, the report helps to ensure that the effort and embark on the ‘SDG journey’ unfiltered voices of civil society organisations together. are heard alongside these government- In September 2015, First Minister led stock-takes. We are therefore very Nicola Sturgeon announced that pleased to see a large number of Scotland would work towards contributions from On Target for achieving the Goals. Encouragingly, 2030? reproduced, in shorter form, in 2018, the SDGs were mapped in this edition of the magazine. We to the redesigned National hope they will help boost awareness Performance Framework which of the SDGs across Scotland and the sets out a vision for Scotland progress – and, sometimes, stark lack through 11 National Outcomes and of it – to date. associated indicators. In doing so, On Target for 2030? was called it could be argued that Scotland a ‘snapshot report’ for a good has gone some way to placing the reason: it did not claim to be a fully SDGs at the very heart of how it comprehensive analysis. Rather, it measures its own progress. allowed civil society organisations to Soon the SDGs will celebrate their focus on those aspects of the SDGs fifth birthday and it is time to take close to their heart. This issue of The stock of Scotland’s progress. For Geographer is the same in that respect: This map, created by Professor Alasdair Rae FRSGS, shows the presenting analyses of only some aspects this reason, we are delighted this results of the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation 2009 in edition of The Geographer features cartogram format. Each Data Zone has been resized according to of SDG progress or failure. Nonetheless, its population in 2007 (to match the data period for the SIMD), the 17 assessments 17 assessments of whether hence the distortion. Scotland is ‘on target’. The great paint a picture of light majority are taken from a report published earlier this year. and shadow in Scotland and present, in This report – On Target for 2030? An independent snapshot their totality, a call for more action to review of Scotland’s progress against the United Nations’ deliver this holistic agenda for sustainable Sustainable Development Goals – was edited by the University development while ensuring no-one is left of the West of Scotland (UWS), Oxfam Scotland and the SDG behind. Neither successes, nor failures, Scotland Network, an open coalition that seeks to champion are ascribed narrowly to ‘the government’; progress on the Goals in Scotland. instead the assessments hold up a mirror to business and civil society, reinforcing For our part, we have collaborated on issues around social that all of us must recommit to achieving justice, equality and sustainability since 2012 under the these ambitious Goals. umbrella of the UWS-Oxfam Partnership. The Partnership has, since its inception, sought to offer a platform for civil society organisations to voice their views on a wide On Target for 2030? An independent snapshot review range of issues – from poverty reduction and job quality, of Scotland’s progress against the United Nations’ to refugee integration, health inequalities and the role Sustainable Development Goals is available online at of business, through our Policy Forum event series and uwsoxfampartnership.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/On- dedicated research projects. The design of the snapshot Target-July-2019-Web-FINAL.pdf.

The Geographer14- 9 Winter 2019 Geography and sustainable development

Professor Roger Crofts CBE, Chair, RSGS

Geography is surely at the core of understanding and given their training, to sustainable development needs much achieving sustainable development, as it requires a deep greater recognition. understanding of the issues and challenges facing people and Fifth, we should argue the case of the geographers’ the Earth at all levels. So many of the world’s problems can approach. Geography is the one discipline which makes only be resolved through making connections and working connections, for example between the natural and human across the normal grain of knowledge boundaries and worlds, and between resource availability and resource use. cultural barriers. That’s geography. Take, for example, the effects of climate change on semi-arid Thirty years ago, the Secretary of State for Scotland, Malcolm areas. Here, desertification due to a combination of climate Rifkind, gave a speech at the annual forum organised by the change and poor land stewardship leads to out-migration, Scottish Council (Development and Industry) in Aviemore. He poverty amongst those remaining, water wars about river set out his thinking on sustainable development, much to the management. These are routinely taught in geography at surprise of all those listening. It was two geographers, Roger secondary and tertiary levels and are the subject of research Levitt and me, who crafted Rifkind’s speech and discussed in Scottish universities. with him the concepts which he readily understood and Sixth, geographers should exemplify and promote what we accepted as valid. We were able to obtain his and ultimately have learnt, and are researching and teaching, in addressing the UK Parliament’s approval for the first-ever sustainability each of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals. duty in UK legislation: “SNH shall have regard to the But more than these individual Goals is how all of the Goals desirability of securing that anything done, whether by SNH are interrelated, and work on one cannot be effective without or any other person, in relation to the natural heritage of connecting with others. Geographers have learnt some Scotland is undertaken in a manner which is sustainable.” simple principles that aid the achievement of sustainable Rather tortuous language maybe, but it set Scotland on a development: course of implementing sustainable development. 1) think for the future and learn from the past; Fast forward to the commitment by the First Minister in 2) remember all things are connected; 2015 for Scotland to embrace and implement the UN’s 3) see the whole as more than the sum of the parts; Sustainable Development Goals for 2030. And, this summer 4) mimic nature to provide the best results; was the launch of the Scottish Government’s Learning for 5) learn from local communities on best nature and society Sustainability Action Plan. interaction; What are, and should be, geographers and geography 6) consider expected and unexpected consequences before contributing? making decisions. First, in contributing to the Action Plan, RSGS and the After so many reports and working parties since the Earth Scottish Association of Geography Teachers (SAGT) should Summit declaration on sustainable development 27 years request a seat on the Learning for Sustainability Policy and ago, there is still a long way to go to achieve truly sustainable Stakeholder Network so that we can play an influential role in development. It has to be a connected blend of achieving developing the programme solutions for 2030. social equity and justice, environmental literacy and Second, we should jointly take up with Education Scotland protection of natural processes and functions, and using and the SQA the remodelling of the secondary courses to modern economic tools to achieve them. Geographers and ensure that the geography curriculum and assessment at geography have a great role to play. secondary level are redesigned so that integrated, holistic and cross-boundary approaches are at the heart of teaching and learning. We should work with the Curriculum and Assessment Board of the Scottish Government to ensure that geography plays a fundamental role in this redesign. Currently, for example, Higher Geography contains all of the necessary elements, but the curriculum and assessment, set by the SQA, failed to take any account of the proposals from RSGS for the integration across the elements that is necessary to achieve the aspirations of the Learning for Sustainability programme. Third, SAGT should develop its CPD programme to embrace Learning for Sustainability with the help of experts in university departments that are teaching sustainability, as at

St Andrews. World population by broad age group. Map prepared by Our World in Data, using data Fourth, given the recognition of the importance of from UN Population Division (2017 Revision). geographers as a profession in the civil service alongside economists and statisticians in Whitehall, RSGS should argue “Geographers have learnt some simple the case for this approach to be extended to the Scottish Government. There are many geographers working there, but principles that aid the achievement of their professional expertise and what they can contribute, sustainable development.”

10 Winter 2019 SDG1: No poverty

John Dickie, Director, Child Poverty Action Group in Scotland

So how is Scotland doing against the Goal of ending poverty? services. Early learning and childcare is also being expanded, The good news is that progress on an internationally and potentially reducing the costs of childcare and removing historically unprecedented scale was made between the mid- barriers to work. 1990s and 2011-12. Child poverty in Scotland fell from 33% Yet despite these positive developments, recent projections (360,000 children) to 19% (190,000 children), pensioner have highlighted that Scotland is nowhere near on target to poverty fell from 290,000 (33%) to 120,000 (12%), and reach its child poverty goals. That is why the recent (June poverty generally from 25% to 16%. This progress was 2019) Scottish Government announcement of a Scottish achieved as a result of clear political commitment at UK and child payment of £10 per week for each child in families in Scotland level, and policies in keeping with the later SDG receipt of universal credit (or equivalent legacy benefits) is Target (1.3) regarding nationally appropriate social protection so important. The payment is to be introduced for children systems. Key interventions included the introduction of the under six by Christmas 2020, and rolled out to all eligible national minimum wage, increases in universal child benefit, children under 16 before the end of 2022. It is estimated it and investment in tax credits. will lift up to 30,000 children out of poverty, a 3% reduction However, poverty is now rising, especially amongst children, by 2023-24. This commitment is a game-changer in using a trend driven since 2010 by extraordinary cuts to UK social devolved social security powers to directly tackle poverty, with security support for families. potential to substantively alter the current upward trend and Almost one in four (240,000) “Recent projections prevent untold damage to child well-being. of Scotland’s children are The harsh reality, however, is that even an investment that again officially living in poverty. have highlighted protects 30,000 children from poverty is counterbalanced In the absence of significant that Scotland is by cuts to the value of UK social security that look set to policy change this figure will increase child increase dramatically. Scottish nowhere near on poverty by Government forecasts indicate target to reach its 50,000 by it will reach 38% by 2030-31, child poverty goals.” 2023. Yet whilst Resolution Foundation to reach the analysis suggests a child 2030 targets poverty rate of 29% by 2023- will require a 24 – the highest in over 20 reduction in years, reversing the progress child poverty since the 1990s. of 140,000. Behind these statistics are Even to make more children going hungry, any progress missing out on school trips, against unable to enjoy the activities these targets and opportunities their better- would need a off peers take for granted. doubling of Their parents are going without the value of meals, juggling debt, and the new child seeing their own health suffer payment. to protect their children. Yet, Of course, as the progress described social above demonstrates, there security is nothing inevitable about this hardship. Poverty is policy- alone cannot end poverty, less still the Scottish social security sensitive. Local and national government in Scotland have system alone. Efforts must continue to improve income from many of the tools needed to make progress, as well as a employment and to reduce the childcare, housing, energy, commitment. In 2017, the Scottish Parliament unanimously transport and education costs that lock too many families passed the Child Poverty (Scotland) Act setting targets in poverty. The next UK government must act to restore the to reduce child poverty by 2030 – supporting the SDG to value of children’s benefits and make ending child poverty halve the number of people living in poverty. With regard a UK as well as a Scottish priority. However, if Scotland is to implementing nationally appropriate social protection serious about meeting the 2030 targets, and ending poverty systems, SDG Target 1.3, the Scottish Government has in all its forms, we will need to build on the Scottish child outlined measures in the first Tackling Child Poverty Delivery payment and plan strategically how its value and impact can Plan and already invested in best start grants, providing be increased in the coming years. low-income families with additional financial support during the early years. National and local government have delivered a minimum £100 school clothing grant for children in low-income families, and there is real focus on building income maximisation into mainstream services, for example End poverty in all its forms through the Healthier Wealthier Children programme creating everywhere. referral pathways between health services and welfare advice

The Geographer14- 11 Winter 2019 SDG2: Zero hunger

Pete Ritchie, Executive Director, Nourish Scotland

SDG2 covers several areas relevant to Scotland’s food system Another strand of SDG2 is concerned with and, as with the SDGs more generally, responsibility for doubling agricultural productivity and the “A formal progress rests with several departments, including those incomes of small-scale food producers. The commitment to responsible for social security, wages and working conditions, current farm support system in Scotland health, agriculture, and the environment. excludes the smallest producers with less reducing food Scotland has made little substantive progress on the first than three hectares. Securing access to land insecurity needs Target of this SDG, which stipulates that, by 2030, hunger remains difficult. Efforts to make tenancies to be put in should have ended and all people should have access to more secure have led to a reduction in place as part of safe, nutritious and sufficient food. It’s not just the growing the area of land available for rent. There numbers of people in vulnerable situations who are having are still gender inequalities in terms of the Good Food to go to foodbanks. Behind them, around 8% of the Scottish access to land, despite the formal end of Nation bill.” population in 2018 described themselves as ‘food insecure’. primogeniture. Incomes of small farmers This rises to over 20% for single parents and disabled people. remain for the most part low, with most small farmers unable More broadly, while food in Scotland is generally safe, not to draw the minimum wage from their business. There has enough is done to make nutritious food (fruit, vegetables, been some support for farm diversification, but little practical nuts and whole grains) accessible and affordable for all. focus on supporting short food chains which benefit small- For the past 20 years, we scale producers. have made no progress in With regard to the proportion of meeting the Scottish Dietary agricultural area under productive Goals. and sustainable agriculture, we Scottish Government is would question the sustainability committed to ending of some widespread agricultural the need for foodbanks. practices. Scottish Environment The new child payment Protection Agency found that, at a of £10 per week to start follow-up visit, 50% of dairy farms in 2020 will make a real are non-compliant with regulations difference to household on pollution. food security. However, Scottish agriculture uses too much a formal commitment to Share of population with moderate or severe food insecurity, 2015. Food nitrogen fertiliser, which runs off reducing food insecurity, insecurity is defined by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) based on from fields and affects the make- complementing the the use of Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES) global reference scale. Map prepared by Our World in Data, using data from the UN FAO. up of wild plants, with those that commitments on child thrive in nutrient-rich environments poverty and on fuel poverty, needs to be put in place as part becoming more dominant and others disappearing. of the Good Food Nation bill. 94% of Scotland’s soft fruit crops, and 98% of arable The proportion of babies being breastfed at six to eight weeks crops are sprayed with pesticides which have been linked to of age has increased from 36% of babies born in 2001-02 significant declines in bees and other pollinators, as well as to 42% of babies born in 2017-18. However, breastfeeding birds and other wildlife. While environmental schemes are rates in Scotland remain low compared to those seen in other funded as part of the Rural Development Programme, the countries. overall scale and impact of these is still small, with the bulk Scotland has also made little progress in relation to of farm support still provided on a land area basis without malnutrition in respect of reducing overweight among minimal requirements for sustainability. The proportion of infants. In school year 2017-18, 22.4% of children measured Scotland’s farmland in organic management has fallen to 2%, in Primary 1 were at risk of overweight or obesity. Since one of the lowest proportions in the EU. 2001-02, this average figure has remained fairly constant, There is limited Scottish Government policy support for increasing in the most deprived areas but decreasing in the sustainable agriculture, although a nitrogen balance sheet least deprived areas. is now being introduced. There is a degree of complacency The Scottish Government’s new Best Start foods scheme is a about Scottish agriculture’s green credentials, and welcome effort to make fruit and vegetables more available maintaining biodiversity is too often seen as an alternative to to babies and infants in low-income households, as is the productive agriculture rather than an integral element. provision for improving food in early learning and childcare. Implementing the ‘right to food’ as part of the Good Food We particularly welcome the commitment by Glasgow City Nation bill, along with duties on Scottish Ministers and public Council to extend provision of free school meals initially to P4 bodies, would strengthen policy coherence and accountability children and eventually to all primary school pupils. for delivering on Goal 2. While there is policy support for reducing childhood obesity, and the First Minister has committed to halving this by End hunger, achieve food security 2030, the lack of progress on this agenda in the last 20 years suggests that much bolder action is needed, especially and improved nutrition, and promote given the growing inequality between more and less affluent sustainable agriculture. households.

12 Winter 2019 SDG3: Good health and well-being

Susan Paxton, Head of Programmes (Community-led Health and Networking), Scottish Community Development Centre

The Community Health Exchange (CHEX) has been part of the needs to be done to speed up implementation to achieve the Scottish Community Development Centre (SCDC) since 1999, policy aspirations to reduce health inequalities. and works to support and promote community development There is increasing recognition that whilst access to health approaches to improve people’s health and well-being. services is important at times when people are ill, good We provide support to a network of community-led health health and well-being goes far beyond the control of the initiatives and their public sector partners who are tackling NHS. Health is the business of everyone, and there needs to health inequalities in many communities be a shift towards preventing people getting across Scotland. “Whilst Scottish ill in the first place and helping people to Over recent decades, life expectancy has health policy is live in good health. This requires a focus on risen and we have seen improvements in addressing the wider determinants of health. people’s health in Scotland, not only because strong on principle, A shift in investment towards preventative, of universal health care provision, but also more needs to be self-help approaches to tackling health issues due to improvements in the things that keep is imperative if we are to gain ground in us healthy: access to housing, education, done to speed up improving Scotland’s health. There is mounting employment, social support, income, and implementation.” evidence that unless people feel in control of community support. their health and their However, not everybody lives, and unless power has benefited from HEALTH INEQUALITIES SUMMARY imbalances are redressed, these improvements. GRANT PROGRAMME 2016/17 there will be little room

SERVICE USERS by PRIORITY OUTCOME Since 2012, the decline 36 health inequalities projects funded across for further improvement. Edinburgh have proven to effectively tackle health eating more healthily: 4105 in mortality has stalled inequalities across the city. 83% 30,413 Those living in increased social capital: 5127 People across the whole Focusing on prevention and early intervention by BENEFITED poverty and/or who directly tackling the cause of health inequalities Of participants felt that reducing abuse & violence: 144 from activities population of Scotland, whilst also creating resilient communities; they activities had positively help people stay healthier for longer. increased activity: 1572 are marginalised will and has actually risen impacted their lives 85% increased income: 13189 continue to experience Impact targets ATE MORE in the most socio- 90% “I've doubled the fruit I increased greenspace usage: 1728 met or poorer health than other HEALTHY FOOD buy and don’t buy fizzy drinks or EXCEEDED economically deprived sweets. I put the fruit bowl in the increased community capacity: 2488 FELT LESS sitting room, so instead of going groups unless there is a to the kitchen for a snack, we reduced anxiety: 1812 85% SOCIALLY ISOLATED areas. This can be just grab fruit now” 10 significant effort to reduce reduced drug & alcohol misuse: 75 Priority explained by the existence REDUCED IMPACT OF reducing stigma: 173 INCREASED OUTCOMES the inequalities that 84% ABUSE & VIOLENCE of health inequalities, COMMUNITY 78% "The walking group has changed my life. My fitness improved, I lost weight, persist in Scotland. From INCREASED CAPACITY my sleep pattern changed, my s©kin Professor3 6Roger Crofts defined as the “unfair and 82% PHYSICAL ACTIVITY complexion is better; my weary bones FELT LESS Health a community development are no longer. Others have Projects avoidable differences” in FELT MORE ANXIETY & encouraged me on and taken away my 75% FUNDED perspective, there are 82% CONFIDENT SEEKING DEPRESSION loneliness" people’s health across HELP WITH DEBT Leverage Volunteer Hours many examples of local REDUCED social groups and between For every £1 funded, volunteers added a further 21% 81% USED GREENSPACE ALCOHOL & 73% organisations brought in a of hours to those worked by community-led initiatives different population MORE OFTEN DRUG MISUSE further £1.69 paid staff * % calculated from service user figures for each priority outcome Infograph produced in collaboration with NHS Lothian, City of Edinburgh Council and LCHIF. that focus on supporting groups. They result in those most in need to thousands of unnecessary This model shows the collective impact 36 Edinburgh Community Health Forum organisations can improve their health and have on the health of local people. premature deaths every well-being. year. Men in Scotland’s most deprived areas spend nearly Community-led health organisations are typically rooted 24 fewer years in ‘good health’. This is unfair because these in the communities they serve and work to a social model health inequalities do not occur randomly but are socially of health. They provide a range of services to meet local determined by circumstances largely beyond an individual’s people’s needs, help them to identify issues that affect their control. In Edinburgh for example, despite being only two health, and support them to take individual and collective miles apart, the gap in average life expectancy at birth action on these issues. Edinburgh Community Health Forum between those living in the residential neighbourhoods near comprises a range of community health initiatives which to the Bankhead tramline stop compared to those living near deliver services and support to people experiencing the the Balgreen tramline stop is almost 11 years for men and poorest health and social outcomes. eight years for women. This shows, by aggregating data from a range of community- So whilst the legislative and policy context for health led organisations, that they have a significant impact improvements and for reducing health inequalities in on thousands of individuals, often those who are most Scotland is strong, there is widespread acknowledgement that marginalised and those whom public agencies struggle to progress to implement these policies and strategies is slow, reach. The data suggests that a shift in resources to invest in and that they are not yet achieving the intended impact to community-led health approaches/organisations would have a reduce inequalities and improve health particularly for those greater capacity to achieve policy aspirations than the current who experience the poorest health and social outcomes. This practice of concentrating the vast majority of resources on is exacerbated by many years of austerity and welfare reform the delivery of health and medical services. which has resulted in significant cuts to all public services and a reduction in the workforce that delivers services across sectors, all of which have hit the poorest hardest. In sum, Ensure healthy lives and promote whilst Scottish health policy is strong on principle, more well-being for all at all ages.

The Geographer14- 13 Winter 2019 SDG4: Quality education

Dr Tanya Wisely, Global Citizenship Education Advisor, Oxfam; Charlotte Dwyer, Director, Scotdec; on behalf of International Development Education Association Scotland (IDEAS)

Global Citizenship Education (GCE) is prioritised under between them is needed. This relates to SDG4 more widely – Target 4.7 of SDG4. GCE builds critical understanding of ‘quality education’ should be tackling inequality by focusing the economic, social, political and environmental forces on the whole child and their local and global context, moving that shape our lives. It supports the development of skills, beyond an assessment-led approach concentrated narrowly attitudes and values that enable people to contribute to the on literacy and numeracy. development of a more just and sustainable world. IDEAS is Finally, IDEAS has long sustained links around GCE with the Scottish network for civil society organisations delivering educators and policy-processes across the European Union. and developing GCE. Members include large NGOs, small Shared action must be taken by statutory stakeholders and organisations, and individuals, as well civil society to ensure these continue to as five Development Education Centres “Global Citizenship thrive. who provide local practical support to Education can play an educators. important role in delivery Scotland’s commitment to GCE predates the SDGs. For over 20 years, IDEAS has of all the SDGs.” worked in partnership with statutory stakeholders to embed GCE in practice, from early years to higher education to community learning and development. GCE is embedded as a cross-cutting theme in Curriculum for Excellence (CfE). Learning for Sustainability (LfS), an umbrella term covering GCE, Sustainable Development Education and Outdoor Learning, is an entitlement for all pupils and a core priority within the General Teaching Council for Scotland’s Standards. It is important also to understand that Global Citizenship Education can play an important role in delivery of all the SDGs. There is still a lack of awareness of the SDGs, even within organisations and sectors that share their values and ambitions. Integrating GCE approaches can enhance SDG awareness-raising and implementation, civic action and cross- government engagement. Embedding the SDGs in school curricula The Scottish Government’s policy commitment is evident in Fenwick Primary School began its engagement with their contribution to the core funding of the Development UNICEF’s Rights Respecting Schools Award in February Education Centres (DECs). This has sustained sector 2018, and the connections between this work, the SDGs expertise and enabled the DECs to draw in significant and Learning for Sustainability quickly became clear. The additional funding from the UK Department for International pupils were very motivated to play their part in sustaining Development (DFID) and the European Commission’s DEAR the world for themselves and future generations. The funding stream. However, recent cuts to DFID funding and teaching staff team investigated the SDGs in more depth the likely loss of access to European funding make this and set about creating a five-year plan. They looked for underpinning Scottish Government funding even more crucial. connections across the SDGs, ‘bundled’ those which cover similar topics together, and reviewed the curriculum The Scottish Government is also currently working with IDEAS to identify where the ‘bundles’ could be embedded. under its commitment to Policy Coherence for Sustainable The pupils were keen to share their learning around the Development, focusing on GCE as a key area. This work SDGs, so opportunities for raising awareness in the local has the potential to strengthen delivery of the SDGs, by community were explored and instigated. The school’s developing national measures of progress in education that long-term planning is ensuring they have the skills and better reflect Target 4.7, exploring the role GCE can play in knowledge to do this effectively. supporting cross-government work on embedding the SDGs, and developing alignment between education policy and addressing poverty in Scotland and globally. FURTHER READING The core requirements in Scotland over the coming years IDEAS, Understanding the Impact of GCE (www.ideas-forum. are strategic and budgetary support to ensure that strong org.uk/advocacy/research) policy commitment can be implemented and delivered. DECs Signposts for Global Citizenship (www. funding should continue beyond 2021 and the new Learning signpostsglobalcitizenship.org) for Sustainability Action Plan must be resourced to drive system-level change. Education policy in Scotland prioritises the closing of the Ensure inclusive and equitable quality poverty-related ‘attainment’ gap. Social justice lies at the heart of both closing the gap and Target 4.7, and a greater education and promote lifelong focus on building understanding of the complementarity learning opportunities for all.

14 Winter 2019 Sustainable Development Goals and Geography in schools

Erica M Caldwell FRSGS, Chair, RSGS Education Committee

In 2013 the General Teaching Council for Scotland revised Geographers need to make sure that, with our broad its professional standards statements to include ‘learning understanding of the multiple facets of climate change, the for sustainability’ for all practitioners, based on the UNESCO Scottish Government appreciates what a key role Geography international priority, and defined as “a whole school has to play in ensuring young people have the knowledge, approach that enables the school and its wider community to understanding of the science and critical skills to be able build the values, attitudes, knowledge, skills and confidence to make choices in their future and support these SDGs. needed to develop practices and take decisions which are Certainly Climate Change is included at both Nat 5 and compatible with a sustainable and equitable world.” This Higher, but it could be made more effective for the future of dovetails admirably with the UN Sustainable our planet if Geography Development Goals (SDGs) of 2015 and ensures “Although the SDGs are not had greater prominence that they are embedded within the education in the curriculum. system. specified as such in National 5 While studying With the Scottish Government’s National and Higher Geography, large consequences of Performance Framework producing posters that can parts of both courses focus on population structure, pupils will look easily be accessed by schools, further ways forward the essence of these Goals.” at indicators of in making thoughtful connections are encouraged. development such Although the SDGs are not specified as such in National 5 as GDP and birth/death rates, among many others. The and Higher Geography, large parts of both courses focus on wonderful work of the late Hans Rosling (and his family) who the essence of these Goals. By working with pupils on the founded Gapminder (gapminder.org) gave Geography teachers interactions between the physical and human environments, an amazing tool to help youngsters interpret the raw data by Geography highlights issues, studies management and comparing countries not only against one another but also possible solutions, and evaluates their relative success(es). By through time. working at local, national and international levels, Geography Rosling’s final publication, Factfulness, has been hugely asks questions and looks for explanations in an increasingly popular not only with Geography teachers, but with the complicated world. public at large. He makes real sense of facts and certainly It is Geography’s ability to exemplify issues from such a helps teachers create new ways of allowing pupils to access wide range of different countries and show relationships that challenging concepts. His 13 fact questions help identify gives it such power to allow young people to think clearly and many of the misconceptions we have about differing levels of evaluate facts rather than being swayed by headlines. Young progress in the world… well worth pitting yourself against his geographers are allowed to think constructively with solid, random control group of chimpanzees! factual information to back them up. There are lots of issues Many schools are now developing courses for Broad General to study. For example: Education in primary and lower secondary where SDGs • the provision of water and energy to improve equality of are the focus of tasks and learning. There is an increasing access; availability of resources on the web to help, for example • the impact on farmers and communities of land the animated World’s Largest Lesson (worldslargestlesson. degradation in semi-arid or in equatorial rainforests; globalgoals.org). Global Goals Week, held in September, • discovering how health and disease impacts on people and encouraged wide-ranging thinking, from using old wellies as their economy; plant pots to building a greenhouse from plastic bottles or • studying urban problems in the developed and developing cutting the ends off plastic bottles for bird feeders or visiting world; the local recycling centre. Schools use resources from Eco • reasons for migration (linked to any or all of the above) and Schools to provide a basis for classroom or outdoor learning looking at possible management strategies. related to SDGs.

The Geographer14- 15 Winter 2019 The Karakoram

Colin Prior

During my career as a photographer, I have been fortunate those imagined in Tolkien’s Middle enough to travel over 50 countries, and a question that Earth. Unlike most of the Himalaya, “Towers, pyramids I’m often asked is “Where is your favourite place?” When I the Karakoram mountains shed and cathedrals rise answer “Pakistan’s Karakoram mountains,” there’s normally much of their snow to reveal the rock steeply from the a silence that betrays a disbelief that I haven’t answered below, which is why they possess so the Seychelles, Patagonia or Greenland. However, nowhere much photographic potential. One lateral moraines of else on Earth captivated my imagination in the way that the of the biggest challenges for any the glaciers.” Karakoram mountains did when I arrived there in 1996, on photographer working at high altitudes assignment for British Airways. is continual exposure to the monotony of white mountains I first became aware of the Karakoram mountains’ existence and blue skies – one photograph looks very much like the in a book I discovered in my local library, entitled In the next, and it is very difficult to create any drama. Fortunately, Throne Room of the Mountains Gods. It was written by the in the Karakoram, where conditions change rapidly, this is photographer and climber Galen Rowell and documented seldom a problem. the 1975 American attempt of K2, in which Galen was a member of the climbing team. Since that moment my destiny At the conclusion of my final trip in 2020, I recognise that and theirs has been intertwined, and in 2020 I will make the body of work which I have created over my seven trips my seventh expedition to the region to photograph this as a will be unique and will, increasingly, be sealed by time on two vertical landscape. With K2, the monarch of the region, and fronts: by the continuing evolution of video which has already three other 8,000 metre summits (Broad Peak, Gasherbrum eclipsed still photography; and by continuing development I & II) and 60 peaks over 7,000 metres, the Karakoram is a within the Karakoram National Park which will make it easier photographers’ paradise. for tourists to reach Concordia and K2 in far greater numbers. However, it is not just the height of these mountains that For me, it has been a great privilege to spend time in one of is so impressive, but their character: towers, pyramids and the world’s last wildernesses, where I have been able to touch cathedrals rise steeply from the lateral moraines of the the past on a number of fronts, and to capture some of the glaciers to reveal, in places, a landscape that looks like most magnificent mountain scenery in the world.

16 Winter 2019 SDG5: Gender equality

Nicoletta Primo, PR and Policy Officer, Girlguiding Scotland

So what is gender equality? Put simply, it means that tackle gender inequality in Scotland. no matter your gender, we all enjoy the same rights and These are all significant steps to reducing gender inequality opportunities in society and give each other the same and lay the foundations for long-term change. Scotland isn’t respect. It also includes recognising the different experiences perfect though, and there are areas that require further work of all genders and valuing these equally. in order to achieve the targets set out in SDG5. As the leading charity for girls and young women in Scotland, Part of this work will involve enabling a cultural change Girlguiding Scotland is supporting our 50,000 young in Scotland and a shift in societal attitudes about women members to create a more gender equal and girls. This includes an end to future. Through our work, we inspire and “While there has been stereotypes that can lead to girls and equips girls to be confident and resilient some improvement in the women being treated differently or in an ever-changing world, and provide impacted negatively because of their a safe, supportive and non-judgmental representation of women in gender. The Scottish Government’s environment for girls as they grow up. politics, it’s far from equal.” recently updated ‘Equally Safe’ strategy Our Girls in Scotland to eradicate violence against research provides a women and girls, is focused snapshot of what it’s like on this. Its priorities are to to be a girl growing up see Scottish society embrace in Scotland today and equality and mutual respect, the pressures girls and to reject all forms of violence young women are facing. against women and girls, We found that 50% of and to ensure that women young women aged 18-25 and girls thrive as equal in Scotland expect that citizens – socially, culturally, finding a job which pays a economically and politically. good salary will be more We’ve also seen ground- challenging because they’re breaking legislation enter female. We also revealed the statute books this year that 37% of girls aged 13- by way of the Domestic Proportion of seats held by women in national parliaments, 2017, defined as the 25 knew another girl their percentage of parliamentary seats in a single or lower chamber held by women. Abuse (Scotland) Bill which age who had experienced Map prepared by Our World in Data, using data from the World Bank, World created a statutory offence Development Indicators. rape or sexual assault, and of domestic abuse against a that 78% said they learnt little or nothing about consent in partner or ex-partner. This includes not only physical abuse, sex education at school. but psychological and emotional treatment, and coercive and controlling behaviour. As campaigners for a future where gender is no longer a barrier, we’re pleased to see gender equality is something the There has also been a commitment to ensure better recording UN thinks is important too. SDG5 has key targets including of the widespread, but often hidden, issue of sexual ending all forms of discrimination; eliminating all forms harassment in schools. But there is still more to be done to of violence against all women and girls; ensuring women’s ensure every girl feels safe and happy at school. We’d like to full and effective participation and equal opportunities see national guidance so that schools know how to take a zero for leadership at all levels of decision making in political, tolerance approach to sexual harassment. economic and public life; and ensuring universal access to Turning to the political. While there has been some sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights. improvement in the representation of women in politics, it’s But what about Scotland? How well is it doing against these far from equal. We’ve been calling for a statutory duty on targets? Are we on track to achieve gender equality by 2030? political parties to stand at least 50% women candidates. Key figures in Scottish politics support this, notably the First The Scottish Government has, overall, made good progress Minister, as well as other elected representatives from across towards achieving SDG5. There has been a strong nearly all key political parties in Scotland. commitment to achieve this SDG, namely through the These initiatives constitute an important initial step in establishment of legal frameworks aimed at ending gender- challenging and changing attitudes surrounding gender based discrimination and gender-based violence. equality, but they may not produce immediate results, which In March 2019, we saw the introduction of the first Gender is in some cases what we need. If SDG5 is not achieved, then Pay Gap Action Plan, setting out how we will reduce the it will be the next generation of young women who will be gender pay gap by 2021. The Gender Representation on most affected. We want to see all sectors working together to Public Boards (Scotland) Bill 2018 is also a step in the right create real change now to make gender inequality a thing of direction, as it aims to ensure that women make up at least the past. 50% of non-executive positions on public boards. Perhaps most momentous is the establishment of the First Minister’s Achieve gender equality, and National Advisory Council of Women and Girls (NACWG) empower all women and girls. which exists to advise the First Minister on what’s needed to

The Geographer14- 17 Winter 2019 SDG6: Clean water and sanitation

Rebecca Millar, Water Policy Officer, Citizens Advice Scotland

As the consumer representative body for the Scottish water communities at the pre-planning stage of capital investment industry, Citizens Advice Scotland welcomes the progress that programmes, to ensure that outcomes are representative Scotland is making towards SDG6. of a shared and co-designed approach. This approach also Scottish Water supports the achievement of SDG6 through provides an opportunity for the industry to address difficult ensuring that households on the public supply have access topics with service users, such as climate change, and what to a safe, high-quality and continuous supply of drinking they can do to support industry targets. water. When problems occur, such as interruptions to supply, However, although Scotland is making commendable progress Scottish Water generally responds quickly to restore services. towards achieving SDG6, there are substantial barriers to Scottish Water is committed to tackling ensuring everyone in Scotland has access to a climate change challenges, and has a “Consumers have a safe and affordable supply of water. target to achieve net zero emissions role to play to support Around 180,000 people (almost 4% of the by 2040, five years before the Scottish population) in Scotland receive water from a Government target. water sector targets.” private supply. Many private water supplies The effects of climate change, such as more extreme weather are not adequately treated, which leaves those events, have highlighted that Scottish Water’s wastewater using them at risk of drinking poor quality water, which may network requires to be designed to respond to sudden have an impact on their health. Additionally, private water deluges. Surface water must be managed in such a way that supplies are at risk of running out during long, hot summers, it does not place additional burden on existing infrastructure, as seen in 2018, leaving communities receiving emergency and Scottish Water has adopted a ‘no more in, and what’s intervention from the Scottish Government. Long-term in out’ approach to ongoing investment. This will more security and improved quality of drinking water across all effectively protect households and businesses from sewer private supplies must be improved if Scotland is to achieve flooding. SDG6. Conversely, extended periods of low rainfall, such as were Finally, the SDG6 target states that access to safe drinking experienced during 2018, highlight the need to change water is to be universally affordable. Water is essential for how we think about and use water. More work is needed to life and no consumer should struggle to pay for services. reduce the amount of water that is wasted, and to educate In 2018, research by Citizens Advice Scotland found that consumers and raise awareness of how our behaviour will 12% of households in Scotland may struggle to afford support this outcome. their water and wastewater services. Charges could pose a significant and disproportionate burden to low-income Reducing pollution and safely treating wastewater are also households, particularly for those on benefits. Therefore, SDG6 targets. Scottish Water is continuing to make progress further consideration must be given to how to develop a more to improve bathing water quality across Scotland. financially inclusive charging framework that ensures water Additionally, consumers have a role to play to support water and wastewater services are affordable for all. sector targets. Scottish consumers are immensely proud of Scotland’s natural assets. However, they require support to better understand how their behaviour, in terms of inappropriate disposal of household waste using the public network, may negatively impact on Scottish Water’s assets, for example fatbergs, and also on the environment, such as sewerage debris on beaches. Consumers are keen to be more involved in public sector activities that impact upon their communities. So there is an opportunity for Scotland’s water industry to engage more effectively with individuals and communities, to increase their say in how services are delivered and to educate and change practices within homes and businesses. Scottish Water runs social media and TV campaigns encouraging consumers to waste less water and to dispose of household waste correctly (for example, cooking oil, grease, and wet wipes) in order to protect infrastructure and the environment. As well as educating consumers on their use of services, the industry is developing its thinking around engagement with

Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.

18 Winter 2019

East Java, Indonesia

In February, the RSGS ran an adventure training evening to help prepare a group of local school pupils for their upcoming trip to Indonesia. Their World Challenge expedition took place in June and July, and involved a trek up Java’s highest volcano, a turtle conservation project, and snorkelling off the coast of Bali. Here is a glimpse of their adventures.

All images © Jamie Robinson

The Geographer14- 19 Winter 2019

20 Winter 2019 SDG7: Affordable and clean energy

Dr Katriona Edlmann, Chancellor’s Fellow in Energy, School of Geosciences, University of Edinburgh

Access to affordable and clean energy is a crucial enabler for grid communities with access to affordable clean energy, and all 17 SDGs, and is enshrined in Goal 7. As was eloquently increase social equity by reducing energy bills and funding put by the former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, energy efficiency initiatives, thus generating economic “Energy is the golden thread that connects economic growth, opportunities. There is an increasing range of exciting and increased social equity, and an environment that allows the innovative community clean energy projects happening across world to thrive.” Scotland. SDG7 provides the framework for the global sustainable Orkney is trailblazing the use of hydrogen, a potential low- energy targets for access to electricity, clean cooking fuel, carbon energy pathway to decarbonise heat. Orkney has an renewable energy and energy efficiency for all. Globally, the excess of community-owned renewable electricity, and its number of people living without electricity has reduced from surplus electricity generates hydrogen through electrolysis 1.2 billion in 2010 to 840 million in 2017. of water. The hydrogen is stored and powers a The renewable energy share of the total global “While everyone fuel cell to generate clean energy on demand. energy consumption has increased from 16.6% in Scotland has Increasing hydrogen production is leading to in 2010 to 17.5% in 2016, and since 2012, the new projects such as hydrogen-fuelled vehicles, growth of renewables has outpaced the growth access to energy, ships and planes, demonstrating on the global of total energy consumption. There has also for many it is stage how hydrogen can develop and support been progress in energy efficiency, improving unaffordable.” net zero energy independence for communities. at 2.3% per year, albeit still short of the 2.7% Aberdeen City Council recognised in 1999 that annual rate of improvement target. Access to many of their tenants lived in fuel poverty due to high energy clean cooking solutions has seen a 4% improvement globally, bills and poor energy efficiency. They established Aberdeen but this is still linked to four million premature deaths each Heat and Power to deliver combined heat and power schemes year. While progress has certainly been made, it falls short in many of their community flats, taking hundreds of people of where we need to be, and a significant, sustained and out of fuel poverty by providing affordable heat, with the determined effort from all stakeholders is required to reach additional benefit of cutting the city’s carbon output. the SDG7 sustainable energy targets. The community of Fintry, Stirlingshire, undertook Scotland’s Closer to home, there is a strong commitment from the first joint venture agreement with the neighbouring Earlsburn Scottish Government to tackle fuel poverty and promote Wind Farm, securing an additional community wind viable clean energy. While everyone in Scotland has access turbine. The Fintry Development Trust (FDT) manages the to energy, for many it is unaffordable. In 2017, 24.9% of community’s windfarm income to develop local energy and Scottish households were in fuel poverty, particularly in sustainability projects, and so far has installed free insulation households without access to mains gas – of the 17% of to almost half of the households. Scottish households not connected to the gas grid, 38% are Globally, progress in every aspect of SDG7 is falling short of in fuel poverty. The primary drivers of fuel poverty are energy what is required to achieve access to affordable clean energy prices, home energy inefficiency and low income. The Scottish access for all and to meet the Paris Agreement climate Government has pledged to address fuel poverty through the targets. To address this globally will require energetic and Fuel Poverty (Scotland) Bill passed in 2019, which aims to bold political and policy commitments at community, regional tackle the root causes of fuel poverty and transform homes and national levels. This can be achieved through structural to be warmer and more energy efficient. Energy efficiency investment coupled with a willingness of businesses, third initiatives have increased the number of Scottish homes sectors and citizens to embrace new technologies and change banded C or above from 24% in 2010 to 47% in 2017. our demand. However, there is encouraging progress in some In 2017, 54% of Scotland’s electricity was generated from countries including Scotland. Our successful policies and renewable energy; however, as natural gas remains the main community projects provide valuable learning for the global energy source for heating, only 17.8% of Scotland’s total implementation of SDG7, contributing to improving the lives energy consumption came from renewable sources. With the of millions of people and the climate emergency. 2019 Climate Change Bill committing Scotland to become a net-zero society by 2045, the current energy system will have to undergo significant changes, if we are to decarbonise heat, and continue progress in low-carbon electricity generation. Citizens, public, private and third sectors collectively share Scotland’s ambition to be a world leader in providing affordable and clean energy through ambitious legislation, local and central government policy, and community action. One of the most exciting areas of Scotland’s SDG7 sector- leading progress is through its community energy schemes. These increase the uptake of renewable energy, provide off- Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.

The Geographer14- 21 Winter 2019 SDG8: Decent work and economic growth

Francis Stuart, Policy Officer, Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC)

The STUC is Scotland’s trade union centre, representing Ultimately however, in order to deliver more decent work, the over 540,000 working people and their families throughout power of workers needs to be strengthened to a position they Scotland. We speak for trade union members in and out of can force employers to improve terms and conditions. work, in the community and in the workplace. The Scottish Government have implicitly recognised this by The UK and Scottish Governments are quick to point to record including a new collective bargaining indicator within their levels of employment, yet a look behind headline figures National Performance Framework (collective bargaining illuminates real issues about the extent of decent work involves trade unions and employers negotiating terms and in Scotland. Wages remain below 2008 levels and are not conditions). This approach stands in stark contrast to the forecast to return to 2008 levels until 2024, policies of the UK Government, who have representing the longest pay squeeze in 200 “Wages are not forecast sought to restrict trade union activities years. While there has been some limited to return to 2008 through the Trade Union Act in 2016. pay growth recently, it is concentrated Yet there is more the Scottish Government amongst top earners, particularly in finance. levels until 2024, can do. A recent report by the Fair Work For many workers, the labour market is also representing the longest Convention exposed the terrible working increasingly precarious. Underemployment pay squeeze in 200 conditions and practices in the social care remains above 2008 levels. Self-employment sector. Ensuring social care funding only represents more than 10% of the workforce years.” goes to employers who recognise and and a significant amount of this is low- adhere to terms and conditions agreed with paid and/or bogus self-employment. Official statistics show trade unions would help drive up standards in this female- that across the UK zero-hour contracts have increased from dominated, undervalued sector. 143,000 in 2008 to 844,000 in 2018. Similarly, workers in early learning and childcare who work Besides official statistics, the Better than Zero campaign, for private and third sector companies are paid on average supported by the STUC, receives daily stories from young £13,000 less than those in the public sector. Closing this hospitality workers about bullying, harassment and unpaid gap and addressing low pay for these workers will only be wages, indicating a structural problem in this sector. addressed if mechanisms are put in place to allow unions to The reality for many in Scotland is low-paid, increasingly negotiate with employers on minimum terms and conditions precarious, and stressful work. It is little wonder therefore for all workers in the sector regardless of setting. that productivity has stalled since 2010; poverty and Only through measures to boost the power of workers, inequality have increased from already high levels in the last particularly undervalued women workers, will we really see three years; in-work poverty is increasing; and household debt progress in delivering decent work for all. is on the rise. In fairness to the Scottish Government, in recent years they have made positive noises about addressing some of these issues. They have revised their economic strategy to show a clearer commitment to tackling inequality and promoting ‘inclusive growth’. They have established the independent Fair Work Convention and developed a Fair Work Action Plan committing the Scottish Government to ‘Fair Work First’ by 2021, meaning grants and business support will require employers to meet a range of fair work criteria. Yet while there is political commitment to ‘fair work’, much of this has been focused on process and it is questionable whether that high-level commitment has led to action on the ground. For example, the Scottish Government provide hundreds of millions of pounds of tax cuts to businesses through Table reproduced from E McGaughey, All in ‘It’ Together: Worker Wages Without Worker Votes. The graph shows how falling trade union membership in the UK is associated with rising income inequality, particularly for the top 1%, and vice-versa the Small Business Bonus Scheme (SBBS) over the last century. and non-domestic rates relief. Much of this goes to businesses that do not provide fair or decent work, such as in the hospitality sector. It is unclear Promote sustained, inclusive and whether the Scottish Government’s ‘Fair Work First’ approach sustainable economic growth, full will extend to these tax cuts. and productive employment, and The STUC recognises that employment law is reserved and there are limits to what the Scottish Government can do. decent work for all.

22 Winter 2019 SDG9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

Jess Pepper FRSGS, External Affairs Manager, Transform Scotland

A whole-system approach to active and sustainable transport Yet access to and the quality of bus services are critical to as part of a fair, just transition to a net-zero Scotland people’s lives right across the country. could improve the affordable, accessible options available Scotland is a nation that makes buses and hosts two to everyone, whilst also improving health and well-being, international bus service operators. Over half of the world’s creating jobs and strengthening the economy. buses are expected to be electric by 2025. This should Scottish Government plans and UK climate advice focus present an opportunity, a strong case for real leadership in on electric vehicles as a solution to tackle emissions from Scotland, but our commitments to transition to electric buses transport. Electric cars will have a role to play, but as the so far are modest. primary focus of our transition effort they would not tackle Our cities could commit to an early transition to electric issues of congestion, inequalities, use of space for cars buses, and we should decarbonise the whole Scottish fleet or inactivity. This focus overlooks positive benefits to be at the earliest opportunity. Recent Scottish Government achieved from transformational change commitment of £500 million investment in infrastructure and “Our cities could to the whole system. prioritisation for bus is welcome, but it is unclear when it will commit to an We are still locked into an old narrative result in change on the ground and improve daily lives. early transition to on transport: that building new Scotland could decarbonise its railway network by 2030. roads will solve our problems, while Our track record on rail electrification is good, and a rolling electric buses.” evidence suggests otherwise. Capital programme needs to get moving in order to ensure that we expenditure priorities are focused on can transition rolling stock. Most remaining diesel trains new road building, generating more traffic, exacerbating will retire in 2030 or soon after. With urgent progress on health inequalities, congestion and inefficiencies. 73% of our infrastructure to allow new trains to run on electrified lines transport emissions are from road traffic and increasing. Yet, between all our cities, 96% of passengers will be able to new roads benefit from the largest transport spend by far, access clean green trains. Delay on this programme may lock locking us further into high carbon infrastructure for decades us in to relying on fossil-fuelled trains into the future. to come. Compared to roads, the investment required in rail is The climate emergency demands an urgent moratorium on modest, but the multiple benefits are significant. Polling such spend. We should be directing investment into active on the electric Hitachi 385s from Edinburgh to Glasgow and public transport to generate benefits for everyone. A fair demonstrates that passengers find the trains attractive. and inclusive vision for transport in Scotland could be our Where there is a good quality, reliable, comfortable, affordable new story. alternative, research shows people will make a choice to shift Our transport system should give people sustainable choices, from car to public transport, and that those using public create jobs, strengthen our local and national economy, transport, rather than car, are more active, healthy and less improve health and address inequalities. at risk from major diseases. Two wins from a sustainable transport system for the whole With our ferry services, CalMac Ferries are already operating nation: three diesel-electric hybrids, and Scottish Government can • Decarbonise the public transport to provide our people and now ensure that all new ferries are working towards their net- freight with clean, green options alongside safe, strong links zero vision. for active travel. The challenge from climate change can be overwhelming • Achieve modal shift to improve health, and reduce road and daunting, but with everyday transport choices, every traffic, pollution and the civic space taken up by cars. one of us can make a difference. Enabling people and As a country we should be addressing the ways we work, businesses to be a part of the solution through providing the where we work and how we move around. This means right infrastructure for active and sustainable transport is integration with housing, employment policies and planning, important to improving quality of life and well-being as well as strategic infrastructure and investment decisions. as well as tackling emissions. To avoid waste, we know to reduce, reuse, recycle; in transport we can consider ‘avoid, shift, improve’ when thinking about travel choices. The contribution of bus to tackling inequalities, climate change and improved health is often overlooked in policy and advisory documents.

Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation. © Abellio ScotRail

The Geographer14- 23 Winter 2019 SDG10: Reduced inequalities

Elric Honoré, Development Officer, Fife Centre for Equalities

SDG10 is, by its own account, a recognition by the UN of What can be done to address this? the growing challenge of disparities of opportunity, income Putting aside historic inequality, addressing poverty always and power that exist between countries, and between their involves reducing barriers to education and work. In our peoples. view, addressing the magnitude of the opportunity gaps While the UK has a rich economy, the fact that 14 million of between populations is as important as tackling ‘proportions its citizens live in poverty is a clear indicator that inequality of population’ in poverty. Approaches which aim to ‘reduce is an issue that is not easily contained or affected by country inequality’ or ‘anti-poverty measures’ which do not consider border lines. equality between protected characteristics further contribute Disparities and flux in wealth are in several aspects historical to ‘siloed’ policy making or communities of practice. and unequal; however, earned wealth ought to be different. For instance, relative poverty rates after housing costs are In the UK, social mobility has since 2015 stagnated at nearly twice as high (38%) for minority ethnic groups compared to all life stages from birth, through school, higher education the whole population (19%) and over twice as high (41%) and on to the world of work. It is now most likely that if for Muslim adults compared to adults overall (18%). On the you experienced poverty growing up, your children will also other hand, Universal Credit has had a disproportionate experience it. impact on the financial welfare of disabled people. As a This situation does not appear to be worsening at present in policy official working on SDG10, how would you (fairly and Scotland, and is relatively better than across Great Britain, equitably) choose what to tackle first or allocate resources but there is still a high incidence of child poverty, and a high to? How would you reduce the barriers that lead to the poverty gap. Between 2015 and 2018, almost a quarter poverty trap? Economic inequality and barriers to equality of of children in Scotland were living in relative poverty after opportunity are closely related, yet too often the interventions housing costs. In 2016-17, the 10% most deprived areas in or measures they give rise to are separate and also generate Scotland had levels of child poverty at 34.9%, compared to isolated solutions. 3.7% in the 10% least deprived. Gender pay gap reporting is worth considering in this In Scotland, a person’s job and life chances are still instance. While there are issues with how accurate this determined by their socio-economic status at birth. In 2018, reporting is and also with how well it is enforced, it serves 55% of people in professional/managerial occupations had a crucial role for SDG5, Gender Equality, as it creates a parents with similar occupations, compared to 32.4% with baseline that can be acted on to tackle inequality as it is parents from working class backgrounds. On a positive note, mandatory and not dependent on ‘active considerations’. this gap has narrowed over the past four years. However, disability and race pay gaps, which exist, do not currently have the same level of political or policy commitment. What should Scotland do better to achieve this Goal? In regards to pay gaps, we could do better by adopting a unified approach to reporting across protected characteristics, and thus minimise the time or cost of assessing and implementing various evidence gaps, and diminish disparity between groups attempting to validate their experience, or tackle inequality in isolation and competition. Employers, by all means, ought to become more transparent and actively become more diverse (for example, by adopting the ‘50:50 by 2020’ voluntary scheme) when it comes to the workings and memberships of their pay and remuneration committees. In regards to SDG10, we could do better by joining up the facets of inequality so they can be understood, incorporated and tackled with due commitment across communities of practices.

“Addressing poverty always involves reducing barriers to education and work.”

Reduce inequality within and among countries.

24 Winter 2019 SDG11: Sustainable cities and communities

Ailsa Macfarlane, Policy and Strategy Manager, Built Environment Forum Scotland

The support for the SDGs from Scottish Government is Historic Environment Scotland’s (HES) policies and managing laudable, but there remain concerns. Currently, 50% of all change documents provide guidance and advice for how the of Scotland’s homes have disrepair to critical elements historic built environment can be protected and adapted. (according to the Scottish House Condition Survey 2017), These provide advice for progress with all kinds of building 40% of all dwellings failed to meet Scottish Housing Quality adaptations, but the line between protection and change can Standards (SHQS) and 30% of homes in Scotland failed the often appear as a barrier, rather than an enabler. Perhaps SHQS due to lack of energy efficiency. further positive messaging and case studies Ways to address this could include “How older buildings from HES will help to remove aspects of improving the ease and ability of repairing concern in relation to adaptation (from and maintaining Scotland’s tenement are viewed as part of improved environmental efficiency, to adaptive properties. Proposals have been put before a sustainable resource reuse). the Scottish Parliament by the Scottish To increase effective work towards SDG11, Parliamentary Working Group on Tenement to support the SDGs how older buildings are viewed as part of a Maintenance. needs to be reviewed.” sustainable resource to support the SDGs – Ensuring a supply of affordable housing specifically, how they are assessed for the EPC will also necessitate bringing more empty homes back into ratings – needs to be reviewed to enable accurate assessment use (the Empty Homes Network estimates 37,000 empty by appropriately skilled assessors for traditional buildings homes). As a ‘side effect’ of bringing empty homes back into types. Often older buildings, when correctly assessed, provide use, urban sprawl could be decreased and a better-integrated good standards (that can at times be improved upon) rather urban environment where people are closer to work, home, than being assessed as merely old and inefficient. transport infrastructure and the necessary facilities could be The changes that many older buildings could undergo to cultivated, helping to address two of the specific Targets of form more sustainable assets, within more sustainable SDG11. environments, is undoubtedly hampered by the current VAT The recent suggestions for Low Emission Zones in some rate on refurbishment and repair. The current 0% on new of Scotland’s urban areas are a positive step – but radical build and 20% on refurbishment and repair does not help changes are necessary to make improved public transport a the re-use and adaptation of buildings which could become reliable, positive choice for more of Scotland’s citizens. well-placed homes, workplaces, and service providers in often already connected places. This is the only SDG that attempts to address the importance of the world’s cultural and natural heritage. With an It is the role of governments to lead transformative change increasing recognition and understanding of the climate (examples from other areas are seatbelt legislation, smoking threat, our natural and cultural heritage can help to play a key regulation, cigarette sales) – sometimes to direct difficult role in promoting and increasing sustainability. Here, it will be changes – for the greater good. It is the role of the third sector the importance of policy action rather than the ‘declaration to push governments to raise and implement the standards of emergency’ alone which will enable positive change. which meet the needs of the future, not just the now. The Scottish Government have a strong community empowerment agenda which has brought in a variety of new rights and responsibilities. In relation to SDG11, one of the most central elements of this agenda is the Community Right to Buy. Funds have been made available to enable communities to buy land and certain assets, but it could be questioned whether the resources and skills necessary to run, maintain and sustain some of these endeavours have been as equally supported. Communities need to be genuinely empowered, not burdened by default. Aspects of the Planning (Scotland) Act 2019 go some way to enforcing the need for greenspace within areas of development. There are also positive proposals for the formations of Local Place Plans enabling communities and Make cities and human local people to shape the development of their places, but resourcing and settlements inclusive, safe, skilling for these proposals still needs resilient and sustainable. to be fully articulated. © Mike Robinson

The Geographer14- 25 Winter 2019 SDG11: Sustainable cities and communities Understanding global population densities

Ailsa Macfarlane, Policy and Strategy Manager, Built Environment Forum Scotland Professor Alasdair Rae FRSGS, Department of Urban Studies and Planning, University of Sheffield

It is often claimed in the media that the UK, and particularly just over 11,000 residents in a single square kilometre. This England, is one of the most densely populated places on may sound like a lot, but in both Spain and France there are Earth. While it is certainly true to say that, relatively several areas with more than 50,000 per square kilometre, speaking, England is densely populated, there are many parts including Europe’s most densely populated location, in of the world where population density Barcelona, with over 53,000 residents. far exceeds anything we see in the UK, “If the UK was as densely Population density in megacities even compared to the most densely Thanks to global population data released populated parts of central London. populated as the inner city at the UN Habitat III conference in Quito in This is the topic of some recent research of Manila, then the entire 2016, urban researchers now have a global I published with colleagues Stephen world’s population could population density dataset with which Hincks at the University of Sheffield fit in the UK.” they can work. There are many interesting and Charlotte Hoole at the University insights to be gleaned from it, including of Birmingham. In our paper entitled the fact that if the UK was as densely The contours of a new urban world? Megacity population growth populated as the inner city of Manila, then the entire world’s and density since 1975 (available online at eprints.whiterose. population could fit in the UK – all 7.7 billion of us. ac.uk/149455), we look at how 30 global cities have grown An area in the south of the city of Dhaka in Bangladesh over the past four decades, with particularly rapid growth in appears to contain the world’s most densely populated megacities of the developing world. area, with around 200,000 people living in a single square This paper is part of a series of projects I’ve carried out kilometre. This is a population roughly equal to that of the over the past few years looking at population density using a City of Aberdeen, which covers an area about 180 times number of different datasets, and it highlights the fact that larger. Population densities above 100,000 per square in a global context the UK may kilometre also appear in cities like not be as densely populated as Cairo, Kolkata, Guangzhou, Manila you might think. But how dense is and Hong Kong. dense? Well, it depends upon your In our new paper we look more perspective. closely at these patterns across a Population density in the UK and group of 30 so-called ‘megacities’ Europe (those with ten million people In the first part of my research on or more). Since the new global the topic, I used a dataset from population dataset is also available the European Union to identify for different time points, we also the most densely populated looked at how things have changed square kilometre in each country, since 1975, and found some quite including the four nations of surprising figures. For example, the the UK. The UK as a whole has wider urban region of Jakarta in a population density of around Indonesia appears to have gained 275 people per square kilometre, ten million people over the past 20 based on a 2018 population of years. approximately 66.5 million and One degree of population: density a land area of just over 242,000 by latitude and longitude square kilometres. Yet like most It is also possible to look at how countries, as everyone knows, the population is distributed the UK is actually quite unevenly across the entire globe, and for populated, with about 25% of the this I took a slightly different population living south of central approach, by dividing the world London and about 50% living into single cells of latitude and south of Birmingham – and only longitude. This helps highlight about 5% north of Edinburgh. This the fact that we are now living pattern is replicated throughout in an urban age, with a great Europe, with much lower densities demographic shift in Asia in at higher latitudes, as one might particular visible at the global expect. scale. In the UK, the most densely populated square kilometres are Professor Rae received the all in London and contain just over RSGS Bartholomew Globe 20,000 people. In Scotland, the at an event in Edinburgh in most densely populated square September. His blog is available kilometre is in Edinburgh, around at www.statsmapsnpix.com. Fountainbridge, with a density of

26 Winter 2019 Cathedrals of the 21st century

David McVey, RSGS Member

The great railway stations of the Victorian era were built on a to outshine the pleasing but simple form of the Great heroic scale with enormous ambition. They’ve been described Northern. In fact, it flopped and closed in 1935, subsequently as a 19th-century equivalent of medieval cathedrals. undergoing years of piecemeal use and neglect. In the 1960s, It wasn’t just big cities that boasted ambitious railway British Rail wanted to close the station and clear the site, stations. Some small holiday resorts were served by with surviving services re-routed to King’s Cross. There was impressive termini, like Helensburgh Central on the Firth of determined opposition from many, not least John Betjeman. Clyde or Windermere in Cumbria. To arrive in such terminals The station limped on, the hotel remained undemolished, suggested you were in places that mattered and that you’d and what finally clinched a bright new future for both was travelled by the most important means. Eurostar. Services to Paris and Brussels switched to St It all changed during the Beeching era. Many vast Victorian Pancras in 2007, to a newly-restored and converted station cathedrals, including Dundee West, Nottingham Victoria, with a new extension for domestic services and the Midland Glasgow St Enoch and Edinburgh Princes Street, were not renewed, partly as a hotel and partly as apartments. Within only closed but swept away completely. Even stations that the station you’ll find a statue of John Betjeman. survived were often brutally rationalised because, after all, Other modernisation works have transformed stations such as this was the age of the car. Weren’t trains history? Reading and Birmingham New Street. While neither of these The imposing station in Windermere was one of those to appeals aesthetically the way King’s Cross and St Pancras be demolished (though the supermarket that now occupies do, they do share a the site retains some features of the station building) and scale and ambition; replaced by a single-platform terminus whose main building arriving here to begin “In the 21st century, is the size of a domestic garage. At least it’s still staffed. your journey, you’re in something happened. Three stops down the line, the once substantial station no doubt that railways Main railway in Kendal now has only a stone bus shelter on its single matter. platform. Until recently, Haymarket stations began to be Even where the scale was undiminished, modernised major was Edinburgh’s built and restored as stations were often disappointing. The imposing Euston Cinderella station; its if they mattered.” Station, including its famous ‘arch’, was torn down in the pleasing original 1842 1960s and replaced by the present utilitarian structure. On main building led to a much smaller scale, something similar happened in Fort narrow walkways and William in the 1970s when the pleasing Victorian station stairs that took you was removed to make way, inevitably, for road-building. Its to the platforms. The replacement had comparable facilities, but was enclosed in a congestion when a soulless concrete box, a mini-Euston. busy train arrived, and a wedge of humanity The neglect and rationalisation of our great stations headed for the exit as continued until, in the 21st century, something happened. another tried to reach Main railway stations began to be built and restored as if they the platforms, had to be mattered. Centres of rail travel began to impose themselves seen to be believed. All on the cityscape again. that changed in 2013. A The two flagships of this revolution stand side-by-side, just new, bright, clear-roofed along Euston Road from their ugly sister. King’s Cross was building was constructed rather derided in Victorian times for its modern plainness. over the platforms. The Over the years its fine frontage was obscured by a shanty concourse beyond the town of modern accretions, housing shops and an expanded ticket barriers is built ticket office. A major refurbishment, completed in 2009, across the platforms and removed all of this, leaving a bright new public piazza and you can watch the trains revealing the restored iron and glass and butter-coloured ebb and flow. A new brick of the station. Plain, perhaps, but magnificent. entrance opens at the Where though, to put the ticket offices, shops and restaurants tram platforms, while the that any station needs? These were relocated to the west of original station building the main building, protected by a glorious new white roof has been retained as the that joins the station to the Great Northern Hotel, itself eastern entrance. Now wonderfully restored. Simon Jenkins describes this roof that the original building as being like a giant white palm tree; to me it’s more like a is just a gateway you beautiful swan’s wing. King’s Cross matters again, and the look inside it and wonder restoration states that boldly. how we coped. Just across the road is St Pancras, dominated from Euston There are significant Road by its gloriously over-the-top Midland Hotel, designed by stations in Scotland – Sir George Gilbert Scott. The station itself has a celebrated Inverness, Perth, curving roof. The Midland Railway clearly wanted the hotel Oban, Ayr and

The Geographer14- 27 Winter 2019

Motherwell spring to mind – that badly need refurbishment The next transformation will be in Glasgow. The magnificent or reinvention. However, smaller developments across the Central Station was refurbished in a lengthy process ending network have also contributed to the railway’s growing sense in 2005. However, across the city centre, a hotel extension of worth. Paisley Gilmour Street acquired a new glass overall and office block hid for decades Glasgow Queens Street’s roof in 2011. glass roof from George Square. Both have gone already and a Not long after its magnificent neighbour, Dundee West, was new extension will expand concourse space without obscuring demolished, Dundee Taybridge Station, whose platforms that gleaming glass heaven. Things will be a bit inconvenient are below street level, was given a new surface building that for travellers at Queen Street during restoration, but it’ll be resembled a community fire station. This has now been worth it. demolished in turn and replaced by a curving structure, Major railway stations are a significant element of the city opened in July 2018, that incorporates a hotel (the rebirth environment. In the Victorian era they were built as if they of the railway hotel has been a theme in the renaissance of mattered. Now that the railways seem to have recovered from major railway stations). The new concourse is bright and open the Beeching nightmare, their major centres are becoming and leads easily down to the platforms, where the Victorian cathedrals again. buildings survive. Dundee, the V&A city, now has so much to offer the visitor, and by far the best way to get there is by train.

King’s Cross Station. Image by Jeff Wallis from Pixabay

28 Winter 2019 SDG12: Responsible consumption and production

Barbara Morton, Director, Sustainable Procurement Ltd

Current consumption and production patterns present trillion, an equivalent of 15% of global GDP. Scotland is challenges for the environment, for economies, and for people. recognised as one of the leaders in sustainable public Worldwide, the extraction of primary materials has tripled in procurement, requiring public bodies to comply with the the past four decades, which has led to severe environmental Sustainable Procurement Duty under the Procurement damage and depletion of natural resources. The way we use Reform (Scotland) Act 2014. resources only adds to the challenge: Scotland has recently set a world-leading, legally-binding “Sustainable for example, through waste, pollution climate change target of net zero emissions by 2045. The consumption and and climate change. Human health, Scottish Government has stated that, “We will mobilise the biodiversity and communities are all £11 billion of annual public procurement to support our production is affected by how we heat our homes, climate emergency response.” This is likely to lead to many one of the most how we travel, and how we consume more purchases of energy-efficient and innovative products cost-efficient and and dispose of the products we use. and services, as was the case with the Scottish Government’s Many of our electronic products award-winning procurement of ICT equipment and services. effective ways to depend on the supply of raw materials Over their lifetime, products purchased via these Scottish achieve economic from conflict-affected areas. Human procurement frameworks can deliver: trafficking and modern slavery blight • savings of 53,290MWh of electricity (enough to power development, many supply chains. Meanwhile, 4,387 households for a year); reduce impacts on the richest countries of the world • a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions of 32,070 metric the environment, consume on average ten times as tons of CO2 equivalents (equal to taking 6,867 cars off the many materials as the world’s poorest. road for a year). and advance Inequalities continue to grow, both Governments can promote the use of renewable energy, zero- human well-being.” within and between countries. emission vehicles, sustainable building materials, and low- SDG12 promotes increased human carbon goods through their own procurement, as Scotland well-being while decoupling economic growth from resource is doing. Scotland has developed a suite of sustainable use and environmental degradation. SDG12 is linked to procurement tools to support delivery of its goals, building nearly all other Goals. So achieving sustainable consumption on earlier success in promoting community benefits including and production (SCP) will not only deliver SDG12, but also apprenticeships and vocational training. By taking a long- simultaneously contribute significantly to the achievement of term, whole life approach to procurement, the public sector almost all of the SDGs, directly or indirectly. Indeed, SCP is can create a positive environment for new solutions to be one of the most cost-efficient and effective ways to achieve developed. This allows smaller and more local businesses economic development, reduce impacts on the environment, to innovate to meet new needs, and in the process to open and advance human well-being, according to the UN. up skills, training and employment opportunities in a global market for environmental technologies estimated to be worth Since we are all consumers, to a greater or lesser extent, we over US$1 trillion. all have a role to play in SCP. It’s often said that the ‘greenest’ product is the one we don’t buy. If we rethink the need to buy But responsible consumption and production is not only a product or service, we may be able to avoid the purchase about what we buy; it’s also about who we buy from. For the altogether. But public sector in Scotland, this includes being concerned with we can also: how the people delivering services are treated. avoid or refuse Scotland is by no means alone in this, of course. The nature packaging; of global supply chains means that companies around the avoid single-use world are increasingly being asked – and audited on – how items; buy more energy-efficient they produce the goods we consume. Consumer pressure appliances; opt for products with and lobbying by non-governmental organisations have seen appropriate labels; choose products the rise of social auditing and the use of labels such as Fair with a high recycled content; opt for Trade, Forest Stewardship Council and Marine Stewardship products containing fewer harmful Council, amongst many others. chemicals; or choose products that can Sustainable procurement – whether at the level of individual be recycled or refurbished at the end of consumers or by governments – has the power to shape their first life. markets, to stimulate innovation, to drive the efficient use of All of these actions are in line with the move materials, to protect the environment, and to enhance human away from the linear model of ‘make, health. In the face of a climate emergency and profound The Procurement Hierarchy shows how we can make use, dispose’ towards a circular social challenges, the young people of today have every a difference to what is economy where products, services and right to ask us what we are doing to promote sustainable produced and consumed. systems are designed to maximise the consumption and production. lifespan of goods and materials to get the most value from our limited resources. While individuals can play their part, the volume of purchases Ensure sustainable consumption made by public bodies is enormous. Public procurement and production patterns. systems represent an annual expenditure of over US$10

The Geographer14- 29 Winter 2019 SDG13: Climate action

Mike Robinson, Chief Executive, RSGS

Although it is not widely recognised domestically, since However, as with so many things, this is not the whole story. the early adoption of greenhouse gas emissions targets Whilst we have achieved a good deal of success in terms of by Westminster in 2008 (a 34% reduction by 2020; an ‘production’ emissions, our consumption emissions have 80% reduction by 2050) the UK has been a global leader not declined by the same amount, so some of our domestic in expressing concern for climate change. This was most success has been achieved by relying on imported higher- recently evidenced by Westminster being first in the world carbon goods. To be credible, our total emissions (production to declare a climate emergency. And with the 2009 Climate and consumption based) need to fall equally – otherwise we Change Act, the Scottish Climate Justice Fund, and the are simply exporting the problem. 2019 Climate Change Act here in Scotland, we can If we are to achieve the new net zero targets (for justifiably claim to be leaders within the UK, and which all parties in Holyrood voted), it will require therefore the world. every sector of society to participate and deliver In 2009, we set a target in Scotland to deliver a change. Government cannot do it on their own. They 42% reduction in emissions by 2020, and an 80% don’t have all the levers. Some are held by the EU, reduction by 2050. With a plethora of detailed some by Westminster, some by local authorities, amendments and commitments like public bodies’ and others by each and every organisation and duties, it was world-leading and ambitious. The individual through the decisions we make. In general belief was that it was also going to be very Scotland, we have a detailed Climate Change difficult to reach. And yet here we are in 2019 with a new Act Delivery Plan which sets out how to get some way to the and revised targets: 80% cuts by 2050 have been modified targets. Whilst it only partially meets the new targets, and is to ‘net zero’ by 2045, reflecting concerns expressed in the a bit vague in places, not enough people understand it yet or Paris Agreement, and responding to public pressure. But are helping deliver action. largely unreported and with barely To truly deliver against targets, we a raised eyebrow, 2009’s seemingly “If we are to achieve the new net need a more universal understanding ‘impossible’ target of 42% by 2020 of how to cut emissions and a more was met in 2016, and it was then zero targets, it will require every concerted effort to do so from every revised substantially to 56%. sector of society to participate sector of society. And inevitably, to On this simplistic basis, Scotland and deliver change.” ensure we do this (and quickly), it has a great deal to be proud of. We will require funding. According to the are world leaders and, since we need 2006 Stern Review and reasserted other nations to do similarly, we need to find ways to share by the 2019 UKCCC Net Zero report, it is likely to cost 2% and project that leadership. The coming UN Climate COP in of GDP to deliver the necessary change. So somehow, in Glasgow in 2020 will be a great opportunity to do just that, Scotland, we need to find £3.5bn per year to fund change. as the world’s politicians and media descend on Scotland in If we don’t do this now, the same reports say it will cost 20- November for another round of international negotiations. 25% of GDP (£35bn-£44bn per year at 2019 levels) in the If we want this global issue to begin to be addressed more next two decades to protect us from its impacts. universally, it is vital we inspire and encourage others, and So whilst in the UK, and particularly in Scotland, we have promote this. made great strides in integrating climate change into national policy, and whilst we should celebrate that internationally, there is still a great deal to do. RSGS has played a positive role in establishing and informing these policy commitments. We also have an important role in helping share Scotland’s example more globally. But perhaps the most critical next contribution we can make in Scotland is reflected in the third priority for action under SDG13: the need to increase awareness, universal education, and the capacity of people and organisations to understand and tackle this. That is why we have been working with the Universities of Stirling and Edinburgh, the Institute of Directors, and the Scottish Government to develop an innovative training programme – Climate Solutions – targeted particularly at middle and senior managers in the public, private and voluntary sectors, to help raise awareness, broaden understanding of solutions, and accelerate adoption of lower-carbon behaviours and activity.

Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.

30 Winter 2019 SDG14: Life below water

Calum Duncan, Head of Conservation Scotland, Marine Conservation Society

Responding to the biodiversity crisis highlighted by the again and a 70% cut in Total Allowable Catch is advised. In the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity northeast Atlantic, fish discards remain a big problem, 40% and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) report, First Minister Nicola of assessed fish stocks were overfished in 2017, and many Sturgeon said, “the protection of our natural environment others are insufficiently assessed to even know their status. is such a priority that… as we have done on climate change, The 2015 Inshore Fisheries Strategy included a welcome we need to raise the bar of global leadership and make sure commitment to introduce an urgently needed Inshore that we are continuing to get much higher over the bar than Fisheries Bill, but was overtaken by Brexit. The recent Future anybody else.” A complete rethink of doing business at and of Fisheries Management discussion must therefore result around the sea is therefore needed. in new Scottish legislation that delivers ecosystem-based “Scotland has Scotland’s Marine Atlas highlights many fisheries management with the recovery of nature at core. shown fisheries concerns and declines, particularly affecting On pollution, the Scottish Government introduced the toughest leadership seabirds, sharks, skates and rays, harbour UK sanctions in its ban on rinse-off products containing seals, and sedimentary and deepwater plastic microbeads, and was the first in the UK to establish a offshore, with habitats. All UK administrations will meet Marine Litter Strategy, to ban plastic-stemmed cotton-buds, to initiatives only four of 15 Good Environmental Status commit to designing a return-to-retail deposit return scheme targets, and will fail to meet those for for plastic, glass and aluminium drinks containers, and to such as the cod seabirds, fish, benthic habitats, seafloor commit to meeting the EU Single-Use Plastics Directive. Whilst recovery plan.” integrity, non-indigenous species, commercial welcome, this is just the start of a long journey to stop the fish and shellfish, and marine litter by 2020. plastic tide. Much of Scotland’s legal and policy framework to tackle There is political commitment to achieving SDG14 in Scotland, these declines is world-class on paper, including the hard-won but to be truly transformative and tackle the ocean emergency, Marine (Scotland) Act 2010, but gaps between rhetoric and faster and deeper change is needed. reality remain. We need to greatly strengthen the UK marine strategy; Following scallop dredge damage to a flameshell bed in 2017, complete the MPA network and protect it from all damaging a General Policy in Scotland’s National Marine Plan (NMP) activities; drive large-scale ‘blue carbon’ restoration; enhance triggered swift emergency protection for Loch Carron (made marine ecosystems and ensure sustainable use of the a permanent Marine Protected Area (MPA) in 2019), and sea through marine planning; deliver robust strategies for proposals to improve protection for 11 vulnerable Priority seabirds and cetaceans; deliver ecosystem-based fisheries Marine Features outside the MPA network. However, these are management using spatial measures (including gear still awaited and, among 11 Scottish marine regions, only separation, no-take zones and a presumption against trawling regional marine plans for Shetland, the Firth of Clyde, and and dredging within a significant area of inshore waters), Orkney are progressing. The NMP also includes contradictions effort control, legal requirements to fish within sustainable between policies on oil and gas extraction and climate change limits, ending discards, and integrating with marine planning; targets, and between sustainable development principles and ramp up investment in marine research and monitoring, aquaculture growth targets. planning, governance, fisheries compliance and ecosystem Scotland’s MPA network comprises 231 sites, including 31 restoration; develop innovative industry cost recovery schemes from the Marine Acts, covering 22% of Scottish seas. Four to invest in ocean stewardship; eliminate plastic ‘leaking’ large inshore sites for basking sharks, whales and habitats into the sea through full implementation of the Marine Litter were consulted on during summer 2019, a huge offshore Strategy, an all-inclusive Deposit Return Scheme and new deep-sea marine reserve is under consultation, and 13 marine Circular Economy legislation; accelerate a just transition bird Special Protection Areas are awaited. Welcome statutory to a zero carbon future; and prevent activities that would 2 fisheries management measures protected over 2,200km of irreversibly damage fragile marine ecosystems such as deep- the most vulnerable inshore MPAs from damaging bottom- sea mining. trawling and mechanical dredging in 2016. However, fisheries Reducing existing pressure, particularly from mobile fishing measures for the remaining inshore sites (devolved) and all gear, would allow natural expansion of kelp forests, flameshell offshore sites, requiring member state agreement through the beds and more, and ‘active’ restoration of seagrass beds, EU Common Fisheries Policy, have been repeatedly delayed. saltmarsh, native oyster reefs and other lost ‘blue carbon’ The NMP states, “Two significant pressures are widespread: habitats would increase ocean resilience to climate change. human activity contributing to climate change, and fishing The large-scale recovery of nature at sea must be at the core which impacts on the seabed and species.” Scotland has of all decision making to ensure the ocean can provide food, shown fisheries leadership offshore, with initiatives such as energy, medicine, recreation and well-being in perpetuity. Only the cod recovery plan. Unfortunately, the stock is collapsing then will we meet SDG14 and live within environmental limits.

Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.

The Geographer14- 31 Winter 2019 SDG15: Life on land

Scott Leatham, Policy Specialist, Scottish Wildlife Trust

The abundance and distribution of Scotland’s life on land is Ecological Emergency officially declared. in net decline. While we’ve seen important advances, such The Sustainable Development Goals are interdependent – no as legal protection for beavers which if allowed to produce single Goal can be achieved without them all being achieved. sustainable populations can begin transforming aspects of This requires a similarly integrated, holistic approach. Scotland’s ecosystems for the better, these shouldn’t obscure Scotland’s National Performance Framework is a helpful tool the fact that Scotland’s life on land remains threatened by in conceptualising what this might look like, but we are yet to human action and actively pursued government policies. see coordinated action commensurate with the scale of the There is more Scotland can and must do to counter the worsening crisis. interrelated climate and ecological emergencies. Agriculture has a dramatic effect on life on land, and There is a widening gap between welcomed political landscapes generally. But under the Common Agriculture commitments and firm actions. Policy, we spend vast sums of public money producing The 2019 State of Nature Report showed that biodiversity private goods in unsustainable ways. This cannot function for in Scotland is in net decline, and while there are important much longer. We need a transformation in how we produce positive signs for some species, the overall trajectory is food: rewarding farmers and crofters for protecting nature negative. As the report says, “there has been no let-up in the and ensuring public money is spent net loss of nature in Scotland” over the past few decades: delivering public goods, ensuring food “Peatlands alone 49% of species have decreased in abundance while 11% are production is sustainable. account for up to threatened. With the loss of species and habitats, the natural The Scottish Government’s Land Use processes we rely on for food production, flood prevention, Strategy from 2014, which is generally 160 years’ worth of soil, carbon storage, and a host of other life-support systems, regarded as an excellent framework, is Scotland’s annual are also endangered. We also risk Scotland’s natural and rarely substantively consulted despite emissions.” cultural heritage, spaces for recreation, and the sense of the its potential for helping achieve these wild and wonders of nature. changes. That has put conservation organisations in the Scotland’s global impact on life on land is unsustainable. On strange position of advocating for the Scottish Government to average, our livelihoods would require three planets’ worth of give appropriate attention to its own strategy. resources if the rest of the world lived as we do in Scotland. The 2019-20 Programme for Government, however, has Our ecological footprint is substantial both at home and promised a renewed emphasis on Regional Land Use Plans around the world. Some of our solutions to environmental to help coordinate land use at sub-national levels. These are crises, like electric cars, have a considerable impact on life on essential. Scotland should take a lead by coordinating natural land elsewhere in the world: often our solutions simply shift climate solutions in these plans – helping regenerate and or export the problem rather than solve it. better connect our ecosystems, boosting native biodiversity As well as land use and the impacts of while sequestering huge amounts of carbon. Peatlands mass consumerism, climate change is alone account for up to 160 years’ worth of Scotland’s an important driver of change for life on annual emissions. When damaged, they begin emitting land. The problem is cyclical: as climate this; around 80% are damaged. We have to reverse this breakdown bites harder, biodiversity faces even in order to meet our climate targets and restore these more pressure from environmental change. As globally-important ecosystems. Forestry, urban greening, biodiversity declines, it fails to help regulate and agroecology all have important roles to play, the climate – from storing carbon to providing too, and a place-based approach, actively shade. Damaged and unconnected habitats involving local communities, could be mean species can’t move about as easily a step-change in how Scotland to adapt to a changing environment. Less tackles the declines in life on genetic diversity reduces the ecosystem’s land and the inextricably resilience to weather extremes, new interlinked climate diseases, and pests – all more likely due emergency. to climate breakdown. Around half of all of Scotland’s trees are a single, non-native species with little genetic diversity; yet woodlands are so essential to carbon storage that they’re the main reason Scotland has a 2045 deadline for net-zero emissions, rather Protect, restore and promote than the UK’s 2050. These are the ecosystems on which we’re betting our future. Restoring connected, native, biodiverse sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems is essential to reverse these trends and increase ecosystems, sustainably manage nature’s resilience. forests, combat desertification, and The deep interconnectedness of climate breakdown and biodiversity decline are beginning to be recognised in the halt and reverse land degradation Scottish Parliament and Government. Whilst the declaration and halt biodiversity loss. of a Climate Emergency is welcome, we’ve yet to see an

32 Winter 2019 SDG16: Peace, justice and strong institutions

Chris Pettigrew, Fundraising Manager, International Voluntary Service

Scotland is making significant progress on SDG16 and can 2018 was designated the even be regarded as a leader on some key Targets, especially Year of Young People by “The Scottish Government violence reduction, the strengthening of national institutions the Scottish Government; has developed ground- globally, and participatory and representative decision- a core objective of the making. celebration was to provide breaking initiatives such as As an established developed nation, Scotland leapfrogs a platform for more young the Climate Justice Fund.” many nations on Goal 16 progress, with Goal Targets such as people to have their voices 16.9 and 16.10 easily reached by most developed nations. heard. Furthermore, Scotland is a global leader on youth Furthermore, progress has been made on other Targets. participation in democracy, having lowered the voting age to Target 16.1 aims to “significantly reduce all forms of violence 16 in local elections, and for the development of the Scottish and related death rates everywhere.” Figures released in Youth Parliament, which aims to provide a national platform 2018 showed that the homicide rate in Scotland had fallen for young people to discuss the issues that are important to to its joint lowest level since 1976. This is a remarkable shift them, and to campaign to effect the change they wish to see. given that Scotland was named the most violent country in There is significant overlap between Scottish Government the developed world by a 2005 UN report. This success is policy priorities and the Goal 16 Indicators. This is, for attributed to the adoption of a public health approach to example, visible in the Government’s support of civil society violence. Target 16.3 urges nations to “promote the rule of initiatives such as Scotland’s Third Sector Governance law at the national and international levels and ensure equal Forum. In July 2015, the First Minister committed Scotland access to justice for all.” For Scotland, figures released in to the SDGs by mapping them to the National Performance 2018 show that the rate of reconvictions has fallen by 22% Framework which, as a result, is now part of Scotland’s since 2006-07 to a 19-year low. efforts to meet the Goals. Whilst not measuring the same indicators as the SDGs, the United Kingdom is one of the lowest-ranked developed Scottish Violence Reduction Unit nations on the Global Peace Index. In the past five years, Scotland has come a long way since being labelled the the UK fell over 12 places in the rankings. This decline is most violent nation in the developed world in a UN report mostly attributed to significant weapons exports, the UK’s in 2005, with Glasgow branded the ‘Murder Capital of prominence in external conflicts, and its stock of nuclear and Europe’ by the World Health Organisation. heavy weapons. Further, large weapons platforms such as The Scottish Violence Reduction Unit (SVRU) is a national the new Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers were built in centre of expertise in tackling violence. The unit was Scotland, and the UK’s nuclear submarine fleet is based on originally founded in 2005 by Strathclyde Police who Scotland’s west coast. This level of militarisation positions began investigating different approaches to tackling Scotland badly in relation to Target 16.1. violence. The SVRU adopted a public health approach Internationally, the Scottish Government has developed which treats violence as a disease. This approach sees the ground-breaking initiatives such as the Climate Justice Fund, Unit looking to diagnose and analyse the root causes of and wrote the SDGs into the international development violence in Scotland. assistance agreement with Malawi. Furthermore, Scotland is Since the founding of the SVRU, Scotland has seen leveraging the expertise of its national institutions such as homicides fall to their joint lowest level since 1976 with NHS Scotland to share best practice, increase capacity and the latest figures showing a 39% decrease over the last strengthen relevant institutions within partner countries. decade. That being said, violence remains a chronic Scotland can also be seen as a leader on the Target to problem in Scotland, with domestic abuse and sexual “ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and violence a growing concern. responsive decision-making at all The SVRU is funded by the Scottish Government with levels.” The ’50:50 by 2020’ an annual budget of around £1m in 2018. It is now campaign from the Scottish advising police units across the UK, and has supported Government’s Third Sector the development of a similar unit in London in an attempt Unit aims to encourage to combat rising knife crime in the city. The SVRU is an organisations across excellent example of research-based policy-making and is all sectors to have a ensuring that Scotland is on track to meet the 2030 Goals. gender balance by 2020. Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels.

The Geographer14- 33 Winter 2019 SDG17: Partnerships for the Goals

Lewis Ryder-Jones, Policy and Communications, Scotland’s International Development Alliance

In this globalised age, it is impossible to ignore the fact that To be more joined-up, we need leadership our actions here and now have a profound effect on people from the Government in a number of “Profit must not and planet, elsewhere and into the future. No longer can areas. We need to measure our global continue to trump we allow ourselves to be limited by tunnel vision or myopia footprint holistically. As indicators are as we attempt to solve global problems. Working together, developed that aim to measure progress other priorities.” sharing ideas and fostering innovation at all levels of society on our ‘positive contribution internationally’ in the National are essential for creating a sustainable future. These are the Performance Framework (NPF), we must ensure they go some principles of SDG17 ‘Partnership for the Goals’, and are way to measuring coherence in relation to our global footprint arguably at the centre of the whole 2030 Agenda. across a full range of sectors, as well as international Key to this is creating the space for partnership and development specific measures. By doing so, the NPF could cooperation, both physical and virtual. Examples include be a rigorous monitoring and reporting system that screens partnerships between schools in different countries, North- our domestic and international actions against sustainable South and South-South civil society partnerships, and development outcomes at home and abroad. networks linking the public, private and civil society sectors. The Scottish Parliament also has a role to play in ensuring At a geopolitical scale, it is also about ensuring richer that all new legislation and policy is scrutinised independently countries and regions do their bit to help achieve sustainable through a ‘sustainable development’ lens. Doing this requires development outcomes in poorer countries and regions, consideration of any given intervention’s transboundary through development financing, policy coherence, and and transgenerational effects – intended and unintended. technology transfer. At a minimum, ‘proofing’ all legislation or policy through As a devolved administration, the Scottish Government is systematic scrutiny in this way would allow the Parliament to limited as to how much progress it can make against many formally recognise any trade-offs that might exist between, targets under Goal 17. This is due to the fact many of these say, economic development here and environmental relate to reserved powers currently residing at UK level, such degradation elsewhere. Recently, the Parliament developed as overall aid and development finance, global governance a Sustainable Development Impact Assessment (SDIA) tool, and international trade. Nonetheless, Scotland can – in a but this is not yet used systematically nor comprehensively; wider societal sense – contribute meaningfully across a resources must be put in place to ensure this is done. number of areas, particularly in leading by example as a But we must also recognise that, whilst our Government and good global citizen. Parliament have a central and catalytic role in enhancing Take trade and investment, for example. Power to change coherence and ensuring that space exists for partnership the rules lies outwith the remit of the Scottish Government, and cooperation, all sectors of our society – particularly our but through a joined-up approach by public, private and civil private sector – must take responsibility for acknowledging society actors, we can present a united front and actively trade-offs, balancing inherent tensions, and finding synergies promote fairer rules to other national governments. We within and between different parts of the 2030 Agenda. Profit can also adopt procurement policies that take human and must not continue to trump other priorities. environmental impact into consideration, and publicly call Ultimately, as we attempt to solve global problems, an open ourselves out when supply chains and investment strategies and transparent approach to idea creation remains vital to undermine sustainable development elsewhere. encourage the multi-stakeholder and cross-sector buy-in This is about policy coherence, a concept that underpins that is necessary for holistic, whole-of-society action towards the entire 2030 Agenda. It asks decision-makers across achieving the SDGs. all sectors to look at the economic, social, governance Scotland’s International Development Alliance has created a wiki and environmental aspects of sustainable development (Improving Policy Coherence in Scotland, pcsdscotland.miraheze.org) holistically, balancing tensions and competing agendas to be developed by government officials and civil society from wherever possible. domestic and international sectors. This is a bit like solving a Rubik’s cube. If we try to solve only An OECD toolkit (Policy Coherence for Sustainable Development, one side of the cube, we are unlikely ever to succeed, but by www.oecd.org/governance/pcsd/toolkit) synthesises academic work considering all sides simultaneously we can get closer to the related to the SDGs. solution. Scotland often ‘talks the talk’ on this issue politically, but can do much more. Scotland’s Place in Building a Just World (2014) (www.intdevalliance. scot/resources/scotlands-place-building-just-world) proposes a Some work has been undertaken framework for international development policy in Scotland on specific thematic areas that based on the principle of policy coherence. reinforce Scotland’s international development work, such as on climate and global citizenship education, but this work is Strengthen the means of not systematic and, although implementation and revitalize the promising, only touches the iceberg in terms of ensuring global partnership for sustainable better policy coherence for development. sustainable development.

34 Winter 2019 St Andrew’s Clinics for Children

Professor John Briggs FRSGS, RSGS Board Member, and STACC Trustee

St Andrew’s Clinics for Children (STACC) is a Scottish charity (SC020553) which provides financial support for primary child care in selected countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Founded in 1992 by University of Glasgow staff with active research interests in tropical medicine, STACC has provided sufficient funds in the 27 years of its existence so far to support the treatment of over 1.5 million African children, and the work continues. The six clinics which STACC supports are located in Sierra Leone, Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya and Uganda (two clinics). Each of them provides treatments for children across all ailments, but the bulk of treatments are for malaria, worm infections, including schistosomiasis and gastroenteritis, and respiratory Reception area for the children’s ward at St Kizito’s hospital, Uganda. tract infections. Support is also given to the clinics to help 4,500 annual admissions. In Kenya, BION, an acronym from improve levels of child nutrition. the Maasai language – biotisho o ntomonko o nkerra – which in STACC relies solely on donations from friends and supporters English means ‘health for children and mothers’, is an NGO and typically raises about £100,000 annually to support supported by STACC which places considerable emphasis on its work, of which about 90-95% goes directly to support prevention and has an active bed- the clinics in Africa. Some of the specific work supported net campaign against malaria. “In Uganda, STACC by STACC includes the provision of 20 mobile clinics per If you would like to learn more month in Nigeria which treat 7-8,000 children under five about STACC and its activities to provides support annually. In Uganda, STACC provides support for 70 beds for support primary health care for for 70 beds for the the children’s ward at St Kizito’s hospital, with about 6,000 children in Africa, please feel free children’s ward at St admissions annually, and support for another 42 beds at to visit STACC’s website at www. Pope John’s hospital, also in Uganda, with about another standrewsclinics.org.uk. Kizito’s hospital.”

Tackling the global water crisis

Dr Nick Hepworth, Director, Water Witness

The scale and immediacy of the global water crisis and its 2030, the target for attaining the Sustainable Development significance for human progress are striking. Exacerbated by Goals, is a make-or-break date for the world’s development climate change and rocketing demand, water is consistently trajectory. Our new ten-year strategy will drive action on five ranked among the top risks facing the global economy. imperatives for a water secure world. Globally, one in three people still don’t have access to 1. Accountable governance – Across the world, laws and safely managed water, and almost two in three don’t have policies on water are pretty good. The problem is access to safe sanitation. Despite implementation: the rules simply don’t cut through to “This crisis isn’t international commitments, action on the ground. fewer than 40% of countries driven by an absolute 2. Progressive financing – It’s not surprising that we face a have effective water resource water crisis if those we ask to manage our water effectively scarcity of water.” management frameworks; 80% of receive only one pound for every ten they need to do the global wastewater goes untreated; job properly. freshwater species are being lost faster than in any other biome; and water-related disasters are on the rise. All these 3. Redefining corporate responsibility – The virtual water problems hit women, the poor and vulnerable the hardest. trade in clothes, food, electronics and other produce is important for livelihoods but can lead to depletion, This crisis isn’t driven by an absolute scarcity of water – pollution and conflict if water is used irresponsibly. there’s enough for everyone if we get better at managing it. We face a crisis of inequality and shockingly poor governance. 4. Confronting climate chaos – Water crises are the teeth of climate change. If we fail to take radical action, the Water Witness (waterwitness.org) is a Scottish charity, working water management challenges of the future will be almost with partners around the world to trigger social justice and impossible to overcome. system change for sustainable water management. We stand with those at the sharp end, to shine a light on impacts, 5. Activating people power – People are increasingly aware of understand root causes, and activate an effective response. their responsibilities and feel compelled to act for a fairer In the past decade we’ve helped over one million people to world. People power is a proven catalyst for change. become more water secure; driven improved enforcement and Now is the time to unlock the potential of water as the life- investment; and advised governments, NGOs, businesses and force of a better world, to break the cycle of water insecurity, aid agencies. We now have strong evidence and a clear vision poverty, environmental degradation and economic loss. for the action needed to unlock a fairer water future. Everyone has a part to play.

The Geographer 35 Winter 2019 Scottish forestry, and sustainable development standards

Professor Roger Crofts CBE, Chair, RSGS

Forestry is a totally devolved subject with new legislation, a covered with vegetation by using downhill ploughing cannot new strategy and a new government agency. It is the focus be allowed, and yet it is. Are the grant enforcers asleep? They of this commentary, comparing what is stated in the recent must be, as vegetation is destroyed, carbon released, soil documents with what anyone can see on the ground around and nutrients lost downhill, and the whole hillside becomes Scotland. a series of rills for removing nature’s legacy The rhetoric is positive, all-embracing, “Planting trees would rather than enhancing it. This is hardly the and clear articulation of the present seem to be a relatively practice of ecosystem management and administration’s ambition and action plans. environmental sensitivity. The First Minister supports the goal of benign activity. Well, And so to harvesting. Heavy machinery is in the Bonn Challenge, stating that, “we will it is not always.” use rather than more suitable techniques, play our part in global efforts to increase such as wire lining, which is only used on woodland cover and restore landscapes. Benefiting people steep slopes and near to roads. Heavy machinery, operated and the environment.” The Forestry and Land Management usually by contractors paying piece terms means lack of (Scotland) Act 2018 places “sustainable forest management” conservation to communities and nature. There are negative at the heart of the policy, although it fails to define what effects on the soil through carbon loss, structural damage it means. It states that government land will be managed and nutrient loss; on the amenity of the area by leaving it like to further the achievement of sustainable development, a bombsite; and to the local people who do not get the jobs defined broadly as tree planting providing climate change, and are left with the unsightly consequences and the timber environmental conservation and enhancement and social trucks passing through communities. The Strategic Timber benefits. This is reiterated and developed both in Scotland’s Routes are merely a matter of convenience for getting the Forestry Strategy 2019-2029 and in Forest and Land timber out to the processing factories. Although sea transport Scotland’s Corporate Plan 2019-2022. Cabinet Secretary has been used in part of the country, was any thought ever Fergus Ewing emphasises that “forestry has a huge part given when planting as to to play in helping to meet the net zero greenhouse gas how to transport the timber emission targets by 2045 by locking up significant amounts out? I doubt it. But that is of carbon within trees, soils and peatlands.” Key issues such exactly what the sustainable as Natural Flood Management are linked to tree planting development ethic requires: and management in the new agency’s corporate plan. It also think of the consequences for provides clear links to the UN Sustainable Development Goals people and the environment and the Scottish Government’s National Outcomes. All is well, before making decisions. one might think. And how are the wrongs Let’s take a tour around Scotland, as it provides a different of the past to be righted: picture. wrong trees, wrong designs, Planning future planting is a fraught issue as there are not unsupervised planting and obvious large areas that can be planted without removing thoughtless harvesting? We see it all over Scotland. other land uses and their workers, such as hill farmers. The Strategy has the principles of sustainable forest That does not seem to be socially equitable. And do the management at its core, including an adherence to the jobs created in the new forests and woodlands go to local principle of ‘the right tree, in the right place, for the right residents? It seems not in some areas, as contractors purpose’. To achieve this requires a change in the mind-sets are used for planting and harvesting. And what about the of the forestry industry and the engagement of people who landscape effects? The open moorlands prized by many understand rural communities and their natural environment, and with a host of ecosystem benefits, such as the roosting if the sustainable development ethic is to be achieved in and hunting grounds for many protected species, are lost. practice. Evidence the loss of golden eagle in south-west Scotland due to afforestation. Evidence also the strong resistance to more commercial forestry in that area which already has more than anywhere else in Scotland. So why is there no spatial strategy? It can be provided through the regional land use strategies which the government supports. This approach would allow communities and owners to participate in real decision making rather than leaving it to the whim of the market. This approach resonates with the social and environmental components of sustainable development in practice, ensuring an informed approach to land use planning and helping to safeguard the livelihoods of those who really understand how to manage the uplands sustainably. Planting trees would seem to be a relatively benign activity. Well, it is not always, even when the planting is supported by government financial assistance. Planting on land totally

36 Winter 2019 Lewis Pugh: an advocate for the world’s oceans

Jo Woolf FRSGS, RSGS Writer-in-Residence

Lewis Pugh freely admits that he has spent more time in for journalists and news presenters; media coverage was cold water than any human being in history. As an endurance therefore guaranteed. Lewis was already concerned about swimmer, his jaw-dropping track record of global ‘firsts’ is the effects of climate change on the environment; he decided a testament to his ability to swim astonishing distances in to use his swim to support the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the coldest water on the planet. Yet the man who has swum and somehow it felt as if a missing piece in his life had across the North Pole and braved leopard seals and icebergs fallen into place. He wrote, “It wasn’t that I had found my in the Southern Ocean is remarkably modest about his own calling, because it was there all the time, but, at last, I had achievements. He speaks quietly and reflectively, but with a recognized it.” strong current of emotion running beneath his words. For Swimming the length of the Thames – 350km from source him, the real question is not what he has done, but why he to sea – was far more challenging than he anticipated. The continues to place himself at the very edge of survival in river stopped flowing due to the drought, and the ten days some of the world’s most hostile environments. that had been allocated turned into three weeks; on several Born in Plymouth and raised in Cape “There could be nothing more Town, South Africa, Lewis spent every symbolic than travelling to the spare moment of his top of the world and swimming childhood either playing in the water or running across a stretch of open ocean on the beach. Both his that used to be frozen over.” parents had served in the Royal Navy, and gave him the freedom to follow his dreams. He trained as a maritime lawyer and served in the British SAS, but never lost his deep sense of connection with the ocean. Endurance swimming became his passion, and from Spitsbergen to South Africa’s Cape Peninsula he took on some of the world’s most gruelling physical challenges. What remained was for him to find a calling that filled his heart. In 2005, when Lewis arrived at Deception Island in the South Shetlands, he occasions the stagnant river water made him sick. A day of had drawn together a team of doctors and scientists and acute vomiting was followed by a night in the John Radcliffe was intending to examine the effects of extreme cold on Hospital in Oxford, but he still managed to swim a kilometre the body during a one-mile swim – the longest ever in the the next day. On the plus side, the media attention was all polar regions. He knew that he would be braving water that he could have wished. When he reached London, he temperatures of 2°C; he was not, however, prepared for the was invited to meet Prime Minister Tony Blair to discuss the grim spectacle that appeared beneath him as he swam. country’s carbon emissions. Having started out with little Thousands of bleached whale bones littered the sea floor, knowledge about the science of climate change, Lewis was discarded by a former whaling station that had once butchered fast becoming a strong and well-informed advocate for the cetaceans on a massive scale in order to satisfy our greed for environment. whale oil and ‘whalebone’ or baleen. Some of the bones were In 2007, when Lewis decided to attempt a one-kilometre piled so high that he could touch them. Having grown to love swim across the North Pole, he was deeply concerned about whales from his encounters around the coasts of South Africa the impact of climate change on the polar regions. Two years and Norway, Lewis was so disgusted that he almost called a previously, 23% of the Arctic sea ice cover had melted. At halt to his swim. that time, however, most of the available scientific reports It was a year later, in 2006, that Lewis considered the idea were complex and difficult to understand. He felt that the of using his expeditions to draw attention to environmental public, the media and politicians needed a simple explanation issues. He was about to swim the length of the Thames, an in order to grasp the seriousness of the situation. There could endeavour that offered the advantage of easy accessibility be nothing more symbolic than travelling to the top of the

The Geographer 37 Winter 2019

world and swimming across a stretch of open ocean that ability to tap into our own source of used to be frozen over. it. How we respond to the climate “Lewis’ voice is heard “At the North Pole there would be one day, one swim and one crisis is our own choice, but every by leaders and policy opportunity to send ripples south and touch the conscience of individual has the capacity to make makers worldwide.” people on every continent.” a significant difference. There can be no better proof of that than Lewis himself. It was easy to say, and another thing entirely to put it into practice. Being the first person to “We cannot afford the luxury of cynicism swim across the North Pole carried immense, or even pessimism in our reaction to unknowable risks. Lewis would be diving into climate change. The situation is too water at a temperature of minus 1.7°C, which serious. We must tackle it head on – and was very close to the freezing point of seawater, immediately.” and somehow he was expecting his body to perform efficiently for the best part of 20 minutes. Irrespective of his intensive cold-water training, no one knew how his body would react to prolonged submersion at that temperature. As ever, there would be no wetsuit to mitigate the impact. On 15th July 2007, when he dived into the inky-black water at the North Pole, he was wearing only goggles and a pair of Speedo swimming trunks. Swimming in a pair of Speedos across the North Pole is guaranteed to make front-page headlines, not least because of the photographs. Lewis’ decision had been a very conscious one. Quite apart from the simple but astounding fact that he succeeded in swimming for one kilometre in water that would have killed most humans within minutes, the implications of his achievement were unmistakeable. He was not, he says, swimming in Speedos for bravado. He was doing it because he knew it would be a world story… and he was urging world leaders to be courageous in their policy-making, in order to protect the world’s oceans. Today, as the first UN Patron of the Oceans, Lewis’ voice is heard by leaders and policy makers worldwide. His message is clear and impartial, and his eye-witness accounts are irrefutable. He sees three main threats to the world’s oceans: over-fishing, pollution and climate change. As a direct result of his campaigning, over 2.2 million square kilometres of Marine Protected Areas have already been created, encompassing some of the world’s most fragile ocean environments. His next mission is to persuade world leaders to agree to fully protecting 30% of the world’s oceans by At Perth Concert Hall in September 2019, Lewis Pugh gave an inspiring talk entitled Achieving Your Impossible. Afterwards he was presented with the RSGS Mungo Park 2030; he will focus on the Commonwealth countries, most of Medal by 13-year-old Duncan Kay. which have coastlines, because, as he explains, “our common wealth is our oceans.” FURTHER READING Lewis is quite candid about his fears. He faces them down repeatedly. Courage, he says, is a muscle which must be Achieving the Impossible by Lewis Gordon Pugh constantly exercised, and he believes that we each have an lewispugh.com

38 BOOK CLUB Winter 2019 Walking Scotland’s Lost Railways ReWild Track Beds Rediscovered The Art of Returning to Nature Robin Howie and John McGregor (Whittles Nick Baker (Aurum Press, March 2017) Publishing, July 2019) In our busy, technology-driven lives, Scotland still has hundreds of miles of we have become less connected to ‘dismantled railways’, the term used by our natural surroundings. It is by Ordnance Survey, and the track beds give rediscovering our links to the world scope for many walks. This book provides a around us that we can rekindle the handy guide to track bed walks with detailed natural, human connection we have to information, black and white old railway the wild. Baker introduces rewilding as a photographs recalling past days, and coloured concept that needs to be established at a personal level. Taking photographs that reflect the post-Beeching the reader back to their natural sensitivities, we rediscover the changes. Hand-crafted maps identify the old instinctive potential of our senses. His expert advice offers railway lines and the sites of stations, most of which are now practical tools to experience the wilderness on your own unrecognisable. These walks offer a fascinating and varied doorstep, as well as in the wider, wilder world. ReWild mixes selection of routes that can fill an afternoon, a day or a long memoir with practical advice, to delight, inform and inspire us weekend – an ideal opportunity to get walking! all to discover the art of returning to nature.

In Extremis How To Be Right The Life of War Correspondent Marie Colvin In a World Gone Wrong Lindsey Hilsum (Chatto & Windus, November 2018) James O’Brien (WH Allen, Marie Colvin was glamorous, hard-drinking, braver than the November 2018) boys, with a troubled and rackety personal life. She reported from the most dangerous places in the world, Every day, James O’Brien listens to going in further and staying longer than anyone people blaming hard-working immigrants else. She sought to bear witness to the horrifying for stealing their jobs while scrounging truths of war, to write ‘the first draft of history’, benefits, and pointing their fingers at the and to shine a light on the suffering of ordinary EU and feminists for destroying Britain. people. She covered the major conflicts of our But what makes O’Brien’s daily LBC show such essential time, and went to extraordinary lengths to tell the listening is the incisive way he punctures their assumptions story. and dismantles their arguments live on air, every single Written by fellow foreign correspondent Lindsey morning. In this bestseller, he provides a hilarious and Hilsum FRSGS, this is the story of the most invigorating guide to talking to people with unchallenged daring war reporter of her time. Drawing opinions. He shows how people have been fooled into thinking on unpublished diaries and interviews with Marie’s the way they do, and outlines the key questions to ask to friends, family and colleagues, Hilsum conjures a fiercely reveal fallacies, inconsistencies and double standards. compassionate, complex woman who was driven to an extraordinary life and tragic death. Scottish Mountain Landscapes A Geomorphological Perspective A Planet of 3 Billion Colin K Ballantyne (Dunedin Academic Christopher Tucker (Atlas Observatory Press, November 2019) Press, August 2019) The diversity of Scotland’s mountains is How many people can the Earth support? remarkable, encompassing the isolated Tucker makes the case that the Earth’s summits of the far northwest, the ‘carrying capacity’ is limited to three serrated ridges of Skye, the tor-studded billion humans, and that humanity’s high plateau of the Cairngorms and the century-long binge has incurred an rolling hills of the Southern Uplands. unsustainable ecological debt that This book explains the geological evolution of Scotland’s must be paid down promptly, or else cataclysm awaits. In mountains: the effects of successive ice sheets, frost his exploration of the frontiers of scientific knowledge, he action, deglaciation, earthquakes, frequent gale-force urges all of us to question his estimate. Equal parts history, winds, and floods. Written in clear, non-technical language science, economics, demography, conservation thinking, and abundantly illustrated, this book is designed to ethics, and foreign affairs – all through a geographic lens – provide an essential guide to landforms for all those who this book is for anyone interested in the world around them, walk, climb, live and work in the mountains of Scotland. concerned about the fate of the planet, and seeking insights And the author, a Coppock Research Medallist, has that can help them become part of the solutions that would generously pledged all proceeds to the RSGS! put us on a path to a resilient future. chemistry-free process. inks in a 100% 100% FSC certifiedvegetable-based using on Claro Silk 115gsm paper. www.jtcp.co.uk Printed by

RSGS: a better way to see the world Phone 01738 455050 or visit www.rsgs.org to join the RSGS. Lord John Murray House, 15-19 North Port, Perth, PH1 5LU Charity SC015599