GA Annual Conference 2026

If our students are to become geographers who make a difference, they will need to understand the nuances of arguments based on environment values and how these affect policy and public attitudes. This session uses recent contestation concerning proposed new powerlines and associated pylons across East Anglia and other regions as a starting point, to examine how discourse analysis can provide a valuable approach to deep learning. The key concepts discussed can be applied to wind and solar farms, as well as a wider set of environmental discourses. The focus will be on ‘environmental values’ as a discursive resource. It will examine how individuals and groups use language (and imagery) strategically, to authenticate their own account and to denigrate opposing views. 

Increasing global attention is being paid to the spaces, and spatially-tied institutions, permitting, enabling and accelerating flows of illicit finance. This is, in large part, a result of the increasing attention being given to questions of wealth and inequality. Illicit financial flows are derived from organised and other criminal activity, tax evasion, and money laundering that is spatially concentrated in key cities, in tandem with related geographies of tax and offshore systems. This session will focus on recent research in this area to help develop a spatial imaginary of illicit finance.

In this session I will look at recent research evaluating the relationship between global warming and air quality, and local and global inequities in causes and impacts, along with new associated classroom resources. For example, a recent study concluded that strong climate mitigation would reduce the inequity in particulate-related mortality between the most- and least-deprived regions of Europe.

Third places are social environments that are distinct from home (the first place) and work (the second place). They are gathering spaces, such as cafes, pubs, parks and community centres, which help to create vibrant, connected communities. Join Discover the World Education and the GA as we explore the theory of third place and discuss how this interesting theory - which is evidenced to make a difference to an area in terms of social progress, wellbeing and urban design - can be incorporated into your KS3 schemes of work.

Food security is a critical component of the geography curriculum. In the UK, the conversation is often dominated by the rise of food banks. This session will argue that this focus, while important, obscures the systemic and geographical nature of food insecurity that affects the 'missing majority' who never use a food bank. Drawing on recent research, we will reframe food insecurity as a 'capability deprivation' - a failure of social and spatial systems. We will use the concept of the 'foodscape' to explore the everyday, local barriers people face, moving beyond simple proximity to consider mobility, time and social stigma. Finally, the talk will introduce the 'food ladders' framework as a more dignified and resilient, place-based approach. Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of local food security and practical activities to help GCSE and A level students critically analyse their own community's food systems.

Iceland is widely considered one of Europe's last great wilderness frontiers, particularly its vast, uninhabited Central Highlands, featuring glaciers, volcanic landscapes and vast tracts of land with minimal human presence, though threats from development and tourism are growing. It holds a significant portion of Europe's remaining wild areas, offering pristine, remote experiences often marketed as "Europe's last wilderness," but this status faces challenges. Karen will discover Europe’s last wilderness and how the use of maps is instrumental in protecting these areas. She will explore how the Icelanders are trying to balance conservation goals with growing human activity, plus economic and development pressures.

This session delves into the many faces of extreme weather - from the harsh conditions of naturally ‘extreme’ regions to the formation of devastating tropical cyclones. We’ll explore how the redistribution of energy from equator to pole shapes our weather systems. As we look ahead, we’ll examine how these extremes are evolving. Tropical cyclones are intensifying, bringing stronger winds and heavier rainfall, but is warmer ocean water the full story? Join us as we uncover the deeper dynamics powering the engine of extremes.

Drawing on cases studies, this session explores how large-scale marine renewable energy infrastructures affect hydro-environments and local communities. The aim is to highlight the opportunities of renewable energy generation from marine resources as well as place-specific challenges, showing how geographical context makes a difference in balancing energy generation and community well-being.