Join us

Become a member and discover where geography can take you.

Join us

The new series, which is open to the public, begins on 6 November with a talk entitled ‘Building Urban Climate Resilience’ by Dr Lee Chapman, Reader in Climate Resilience at the University of Birmingham.

Birmingham boasts the densest network of climate sensors in the world. Located across the city is a near real-time, high resolution network of 30 automatic weather stations and over 200 air temperature sensors, which together form the Birmingham Urban Climate Laboratory.

The audience will hear how this sensor network is monitoring the impacts of ‘urban heat’ on infrastructure and health, and learn about the ongoing work that is helping to improve of the city’s resilience to changing weather and climate.

Dr Lee Chapman said: “Heat waves are already felt most strongly in our towns and cities, and faced with a changing climate, their impacts are set to increase. With Birmingham’s climate sensor network, world-leading research into urban climate is now being conducted in our city.”

Dr Rita Gardner, Director of the Society, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with the BMI to bring engaging geographical talks to the people of Birmingham. Our changing climate is one of the biggest challenges facing society in the 21st century. Hearing how Birmingham is leading the way in terms of how cities are adapting to changing climate, makes for a fascinating subject to kick off this new series.”

Event information

  • First joint RGS-IBG and BMI lecture

  • Title: Building urban climate resilience by Dr Lee Chapman

  • Date: Thursday 6 November at 6.30pm

  • Venue: The Birmingham & Midland Institute (BMI), Margaret Street, Birmingham, B3 3BS.

  • Tickets: All welcome to attend. BMI and RGS-IBG members free, non-members £3 on the

  • door.

  • The lecture will be followed by a drinks reception (7.30pm-8.30pm).

ENDS
 

Notes to Editors

1. For further details about the Society’s activities contact Ben Parfitt, RGS-IBG Communications and Media Officer on +44 (0)20 7591 3019 or email press@rgs.org. For event details please contact the RGS-IBG Events Office on +44 (0)20 7591 3100.

2. The Royal Geographical Society (with the Institute of British Geographers) is the learned society and professional body for geography. Formed in 1830, our Royal Charter of 1859 is for 'the advancement of geographical science'. Today, we deliver this objective through developing, supporting and promoting geographical research, expeditions and fieldwork, education, public engagement, and geography input to policy. We aim to foster an understanding and informed enjoyment of our world. We hold the world's largest private geographical collection and provide public access to it. We have a thriving Fellowship and membership and offer the professional accreditation 'Chartered Geographer’. More details from www.rgs.org

3. The Birmingham & Midland Institute was founded by Act of Parliament in 1854, for "the Diffusion and Advancement of Science, Literature and Art amongst all Classes of Persons resident in Birmingham and the Midland Counties". Housed in an attractive Grade II* listed building in the centre of Birmingham, it continues to pursue these aims, offering cultural and educational activities, including a wide-ranging programme of Arts and Science Lectures, exhibitions and concerts for its members and others. More details from www.bmi.org.uk

4. Dr Lee Chapman is a Reader in Climate Resilience and Director of Impact and Innovation at the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham. His research interests are at the interface of climatology and engineering, investigating the impact of weather and climate on the built environment. More details from http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/staff/profiles/gees/chapman-lee.aspx.

5. Dr Chapman was the 2013 recipient of the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG)’s Cuthbert Peek Award “for advancing knowledge of urban climatology through GIS and remote sensing”. More details from www.rgs.org/medals.