Dr Martin Parham (from The Humanitarian and Conflict Response Institute at University of Manchester) will discuss why hazards can become disasters, even in locations where they are common. He will guide you through a series of recent hazards, including the LA fires (2025), the Myanmar earthquake (2025), the Pakistan floods (2025) and a look back at the White Island (Whakaari) eruption in New Zealand (2018).
These examples will provide alternative case study material, discuss the concepts of vulnerability and resilience and to assess disaster management efforts.
Dr Parham will also bring his experience of 20 years teaching in secondary education and of writing GCSE and A Level examinations to provide guidance on how to discuss hazard events in your A Level studies.
About the speaker
Dr Martin Parham is currently a Lecturer in Disaster Management at the University of Manchester. He has interests in physical landscape, multi hazard risk, hazard perception, and disaster risk education. He also creates simulations for students and teaches GIS. He also teaches Environmental Science (for the Open University) and is currently the Chief Examiner for AQA Environmental Science Specification.
Martin has 20 years' experience as a secondary school teacher and has led multiple geography departments. He used to write GCSE and A Level Geography examinations for Pearson.
Booking information
- Advance booking for this event is required. In order to book you will need an account on our website. If you already have an account you will be prompted to log in when you click 'book now'. Please create an account if you do not have one yet (you do not need to be a member of the Society to create an account).
- School Members will be provided with a code to book this event via our regular email updates.
- If you are a School Member and require this code to book your free places, please email Claire at c.brown@rgs.org
- This lecture is aimed at A level students. Students can attend with or without a teacher. There is no limit on the number of tickets each School Member can book. Tickets must be booked in advance.
If you have any questions or require assistance with your booking, please email events@rgs.org
Venue information
This event will be held at the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG), 1 Kensington Gore, London, SW7 2AR.
Plan your visit to the Society and find more information about our venue, including our address, accessibility and transport links.
Accessibility at our events
We want everyone to feel welcome at our events. Key accessibility features of this event include:
- Step-free access to the event
- Accessible toilets
- Assistance dogs are welcome
- Hearing loop
For full details, please visit our accessibility page. If you have any questions or specific access requirements, feel free to get in touch with us on access@rgs.org
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