The Society facilitates the transfer of knowledge between researchers, practitioners and policymakers through responses to consultations, conferences and meetings, giving evidence, and briefings.
Consumption controversies: alcohol policies in the UK
Our latest policy publication presents an overview of research against a series of controversial questions and debates: from whether the UK actually does have a ‘drinking problem’ through to assessing the positive role that the British pub still plays in the economy, communities and people’s lives.
Launch event: House of Commons, 8 December 2010
A formal launch event of the Consumption controversies policy document (further details above) took place in the House of Commons on 8 December 2010, hosted and chaired by Kevin Barron MP (Health Select Committee Chair 2005-10).
The following speakers took part: Dr Nicola Shelton, University College London (UCL); Professor Marion Roberts, University of Westminster; Professor Gill Valentine, University of Leeds and Dr Mark Jayne, University of Manchester.
Media release (PDF)
Report on launch event (PDF)
The media release and a short report on the event are available above, and you can view a slideshow of the event below.
UK migration controversies: a simple guide
This policy briefing sets out the current state of geographics research evidence on migration and its impacts on UK economy and society.
Responding to ten key arguments that are currently in circulation in the UK, the briefing sets out, in simple terms, where the weight of research evidence lies.
Arsenic pollution - a global problem
Naturally occurring arsenic in groundwater used for drinking, cooking and irrigation is a catastrophe of global proportions, with enormous public health implications, especially in Asia.
This document makes recommendations for policy and action in the light of evidence on the extent and causes of arsenic pollution and its harmful effects to human health.
About the Society's policy briefings
These policy briefings began in 2008. They highlight geographical and cognate research that can inform on debates, issues and policies in complex and politically sensitive areas. They also highlight areas in which policy actions are needed.
This series takes one of two forms, either:
- summarising geographical research which has already contributed to policy debates and developments; or
- highlighting research and work undertaken by geographers in policy areas where actions are needed, or on which government and parliamentarians are focusing, and where it is felt greater awareness of this work would be mutually beneficial
Hard-copies of these briefing documents are available from the Society. Copyright of all briefings lies with the Society. These PDFs cannot be printed or edited.
Please contact the Society for further information.
policy@rgs.org
+44 (0)207 591 3008
Parliamentary briefings
09.02.2010 House of Lords Debate on Social Science
Archive of Society policy briefings
Below are the Society's summary statements on policy subjects such as water, transport, flooding, planning and many other geographical issues.
Most date from before 2008 and are predominantly an output of the Environment and Society Forum conferences.