Can geographers save the world?

How can geospatial data help to end polio, prosecute illegal miners or find new habitats for endangered giraffes? It all starts by putting the world's most vulnerable people and habitats on the map. In this lecture, Ian draws on a career in international development to share examples of the role that geospatial data can play in delivering the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. It will consider some of the challenges to getting geospatial data used in decision-making, the role that the UN can play in advocating for geographers to be included, showcases some success stories, and ultimately, explains why those in power are finally starting to listen to the geography experts.

About the speaker 

Ian Coady is a human geographer with over 20 years of experience using geospatial data to try and put some of the world's most vulnerable people on the map and ensure that they are counted in decision-making. His current role as Deputy Director at WorldPop helps to produce population estimates for countries that are too fragile to run a census, and Ian previously held roles at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, and Office for National Statistics where he put geospatial data at the foundation of international development activity. Ian has also worked extensively with the UN system on developing international standards and guidance on how geospatial data should be used for international development. In his spare time, Ian is also a volunteer for the charity MapAction where he has used his geospatial skills to support disaster responses across the globe.