Meliora: a podcast from the Sustainability & Resilience Institute

Joseph Gray, BA Geography, joins us to discuss his research project 'Exploring how international visitors perceive the sustainability of transport at Milford Sound & the role of COVID-19 in reimagining travel at the site.'

Abstract: Environmental sustainability contradictions are at the heart of national park tourism. Increased transport accessibility allows tourists to experience the natural character but causes environmental degradation. COVID-19 was an unprecedented moment that catalysed a rethink of tourism transport, as reduced tourism activity saw the renaissance of the natural environment. 

This study used Milford Sound to explore the overlooked perspectives of international visitors. The study’s inquiry aimed to understand their engagement with transport, their perception of environmental sustainability, and their vision of tourism transport post-COVID-19. Inspired by the researcher’s visit, the research adopted a qualitative methodology. It took a novel approach, supplementing semi-structured interviews with photo-elicitation and a reflective visual autoethnography to deeply understand participants' lived experiences at Milford Sound, with the data combined for thematic analysis. 

The study uncovered participants’ complex perceptions of environmental sustainability, and they supported new transport policies post-COVID-19 to safeguard the site's long-term natural integrity. Milford Sound requires participatory transport policymaking that combines visitor preferences and overcomes structural barriers at the site. 

The study's outcomes appeal to audiences concerned with sustainable tourism transport and national park policymakers, where fresh insights from international visitors can resolve the current policy deadlock plaguing the industry’s environmental sustainability ambitions post-COVID-19. 

Section of my Introduction: Increasing international tourism is contributing to tourism’s growing contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions, which recently stood at 8% (Lenzen et al., 2018). Under current trajectories, carbon dioxide emissions from tourism transport will rise 25% by 2030 compared with 2016 (UNWTO and ITF, 2019). Therefore, it is a significant obstacle in achieving tourism’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, especially goal 13, ‘Climate Action’ (UNWTO, n.d.). National Park tourism destinations are both climate change contributors and victims through transport. In New Zealand, transport accounts for 90% of the overall carbon footprint of tourism (Tourism Industry Aotearoa, 2023), 18% higher than the global average (Peeters and Dubois, 2010).

Episode guest: Joseph Gray, BA Geography

Episode host: Prof Simon Kemp

Episode editor: Ellie Howell

James Machay, BA Geography, joins us to discuss his research project 'The Catalyst for change - exploring sustainability and pressures in non-league football'.

Abstract - Attentiveness towards sustainability has expeditiously intensified due to the evolving climate emergency. Yet non-league football remains neglected in academic and media discourse regarding its capacity to become more sustainable. With non-league clubs at the heart of communities and climate change posing an imminent threat to society, this contemporary area warrants further exploration. Therefore, the aim of this project is to investigate sustainable practices and challenges restricting implementation across non-league football clubs in the South of England. 

Adopting a qualitative approach, this study employs semi-structured interviews with 12 club representatives, alongside observations of club facilities. Analysis of these results conveys a prominent enthusiasm from clubs in improving their sustainability, with observations highlighting efforts in revenue diversification and a strong social sustainability focus. However, clubs encounter significant financial constraints and weak governance, hindering efforts. 

Despite these obstacles, this study concludes by identifying several opportunities for improving sustainability, including enhanced education, financial interventions, and increased regulatory support from the Football Association. Aligning with existing research on football’s financial disparities, this study challenges elite football’s resource-intensive operations and commercialisation. This is effectively achieved by elucidating the potential for non-league football to be a catalyst for positive sustainable change.

Episode guest: James Machay

Episode host: Prof Simon Kemp

Episode producer and editor: Jack Dinham

Sophie Vokes, BSc Geography joins us to discuss her research project "Does Crymlyn Bog follow the traditional theory of hydrosphere wetlands?"

Abstract

This study employed macrofossil analysis to investigate environmental changes in Crymlyn Bog (Swansea) and assessed the site's compliance with the conventional hydrosphere hypothesis of wetland succession. Based on distribution and abundance, macrofossil remains from the peat cores were identified and documented, with a particular emphasis on Sphagnum species. With a delayed decline in Sphagnum austinii and drier conditions near the margin mires, the results indicate a departure from earlier studies. The results further contradict Walker's (1970) hydrosphere theory by indicating a reversal in the predicted successional trajectory. The results have significant ecological implications, as peatlands are crucial hotspots for biodiversity and carbon sequestration. Natural succession changes may result from external factors, such as climate change or internal factors such as hydrological alterations. For the preservation of peatlands and the long-term resilience of ecosystems, these dynamics are crucial. These results relate to the UNSDGs: SDG 6: Clean water and sanitation: through the preservation of wetland health and an analysis of hydrological processes. SGD13: Climate Action: Understanding Peatlands' Capacity to Store Carbon and Adapt to Changing Climates. SDG15: Life on Land can be applied to understand wetland degradation, biodiversity loss, and habitat resilience by examining how it affects biodiversity and ecologically important plant habitats.

Episode Guest: Sophie Votes, BSc Geography

Episode Host: Prof Simon Kemp

Producer and Editor: Ellie Howell

Eleanor Toppin, BA Geography, joins us to discuss her research project 'A Comparative Study: Exploring Student Consumer Perspectives on the Transition from Non-Ethical to Ethical Fashion Purchases'.

Despite many students having an ethical mindset, they often fail to translate their intentions and attitudes into ethical purchases. This study aims to understand whether sustainability- based education can bridge these behavioural gaps in ethical fashion consumption. It examines students’ desire to shift towards ethical consumption, the challenges they encounter during this transition, and potential strategies to facilitate this change. To assess knowledge’s role, a total of 10 qualitative interviews were conducted and analysed. The interviewees were reached through stratified sampling. The average age of the participants was 20 years ranging from 20-21. Five participants were female and five were male. 

The results show that completing the USOM2043 Global Sustainability Challenges module enhanced students’ commitment to ethical fashion consumption by deepening sustainability- based knowledge and equipping them with the skills to assess ethical claims. Completers faced post-intentional barriers, while non-completers struggled with foundational uncertainties. Solutions differed, emphasizing the need for both awareness-building and systemic changes to support ethical consumption. 

Future research should use in-person or hybrid formats to encourage more reflective discussions on ethical consumption. Practical implications emphasise bridging knowledge gaps and raising awareness of consumer impacts.

Episode guest: Eleanor Toppin, BA Geography

Episode host: Prof Simon Kemp

Episode producer and editor: Libby Kale

Sam Atkinson, BSc Geography, joins us to discuss his research project "Is the Siberian Boreal Forest nearing a Tipping Point?"

Abstract

Increasing air temperatures, drought and wildfire is impacting the health of the Siberian Boreal Forest, with the boreal biome being predicted to be replaced by grasslands/steppe. Multiple scholars have referred to this transition as a 'tipping point' however few studies have tested whether any signals of a tipping point are present. Using remote sensing, the health of vegetation in the Siberian Boreal Forest, over the past 30 Summers was assessed. Statistics were calculated from quantitative data to determine whether the early warning signals of a tipping point were present. The results suggested that the state of the system in Eastern Siberia is closer to tipping than in the West and Central Siberian Boreal forest, with minimal early warning signals present in West and Central Siberia. 

However, these indicators cannot be used to predict a timeframe for tipping or quantify a likelihood of tipping, yet simply give indications of 'the state of play', they would be useful to be used (subjectively) alongside modelled predictions. With regards to the SDGs, the potential for the system to collapse and change state, has implications for Goal 15, and the release of terrestrial carbon which is currently stored in boreal forests has implications for Goal 13 and knock on impacts for Goal 15. There is the potential for a decline in species richness, as a changing climate causes competition between species to decline, with the Siberian Larch becoming unable to survive with warmer, wetter conditions. In addition to this, if conditions become too wet for the other main species, Siberian Pine, this is where the system will be replaced by non-boreal vegetation.

Episode Guest: Sam Atkinson, BSc Geography

Episode Host: Prof Simon Kemp

Producer and Editor: Libby Kale

Heidi Wheatley, BSc Environmental Science, joins us to discuss her research project "Invasive non-native species impacts on invertebrate communities".

Abstract

Invasive non-native (INN) plants pose an increasing ecological threat worldwide, creating monocultured plant communities and causing ripple effects across various species. Invertebrates are particularly affected due to habitat and food resource alteration, leading to changes in ecosystem services and trophic cascades. However, not all INN plants exert the same influence, and effects differ depending on species and invasion area, with some offering positive outcomes, particularly in urbanised regions with diminished biodiversity. Canadian goldenrod (Solidago canadensis) is an INN plant of concern in some European countries. Although it has spread considerably within the UK, research on its impacts on UK habitats is scant, and it is not yet deemed a species of concern. 

This research examined a Canadian goldenrod invasion within a meadow in Southampton, focusing on its impacts on invertebrate abundance. Variability was noted in pollinator, in-vegetation, and ground invertebrate abundance using pitfall traps, beat sheets, and visual observation methods. Findings indicated that goldenrod did not lead to a significant change in overall species abundance. However, some species exhibited marked changes in their abundance distribution. This novel research kickstarts critical data collection on Canadian goldenrod’s potential interactions and impacts on invertebrates in the UK and serves as a precedent for widening research on other known INN plants, not only those already classified as species of concern.

Episode Guest: Heidi Wheatley, BSc Environmental Science

Episode Host: Prof Simon Kemp

Producer & Editor: Ellie Howell

Darius Printer, BA Geography, joins us to discuss his research project "Left Behind Places as an Explanation for Geographies of Political Discontent - explaining right-wing populism rising trends"

Abstract 

My Thesis is about mapping political discontent in the UK through the rise of RUK. Using ArcGIS I plotted left-behind neighbourhoods identified by the OSCII study in 2019 who were concerned with the most deprived areas in the UK in order to allocate the Stronger Towns Fund of £2 billion in the most deprived areas in the UK. My Thesis used electoral data to compare these left behind neighbourhoods to areas of high Right-Wing Populism (RWP) to identify patterns between deprivation and political discontent in the UK. Findings show a strong relationship between economic deprivation being a key driver for RWP rises through political discontent mostly in the North-East and East of England due to de-industrialisation or coastal communities experiencing long-term economic grievances. Through using economic and cultural explanations for RWP in these areas my study's application is to reduce inequalities between regions in the UK by identifying the reasons for political discontent in those neighbourhoods. Identifying the most Left-Behind neighbourhoods that require the most regional economic development and links to SDG 10, 8 & 11.

Episode Guest: Darius Printer, BA Geography

Episode Host: Prof Simon Kemp

Producer and Editor: Jack Dinham

Julia Dines, BSc Environmental Science, joins us to discuss her research project "Growth vs Conservation - how can trekking tourism in Nepal adapt to a sustainable future?"

Abstract

The Himalayas are facing an ultimatum: limit trekking or lose the beauty of the mountains to environmental degradation, water contamination and waste accumulation. This research project aims to identify ways in which stakeholders can adapt their practices to protect the Himalayas, and their livelihoods, against climate change and anthropogenic destruction. To address these complex issues, four key stakeholder groups were researched using a mixed- methods approach. Data was collected from tourists, tour companies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and the Nepalese government using a variety of qualitative research methods including an online survey, semi-structured interviews and secondary data analysis. The findings reveal a critical gap between environmental awareness and the adoption of sustainable practices, underscoring the need for enhanced policy support and increased stakeholder collaboration. This research advances academic discourse on sustainable tourism and provides actionable recommendations to effectively safeguard the Himalayas against irreversible environmental damage. The fight against climate change is fundamental not only to protect the environment, but also to safeguard human health and the global economy. In an era of accelerating climate change, research into the world’s most vulnerable regions, such as the Himalayas, is crucial.

Episode Guest: Julia Dines, BSc Environmental Science

Episode Host: Prof Simon Kemp

Producer and Editor: Ellie Howell

Ethan Dennis, BSc Psychology joins us to discuss his research into the role of sub-clinical narcissism in the climate crisis, investigating the research on the relationship between narcissism and pro-environmental behaviour, and how this can be remedied. 

Three types of narcissism are examined: grandiose, vulnerable and communal. Literature suggests grandiose narcissists are detrimental to the environment, with communal narcissists claiming to be more environmental than they actually are. Research on the conspicuous consumption of material goods and the experiential consumption within tourism is analysed for each form of narcissism, within the context of the environment. Two potential ways narcissists can be encouraged to engage in pro-environmental behaviour and reduce their environmental impact are proposed, as well as recommendations for the future of research into narcissists’ environmental behaviour.

Episode Guest: Ethan Dennis, BSc Psychology

Episode Host: Prof Simon Kemp

Producer and Editor: Jack Dinham

In this episode of the Meliora podcast Student Takeover Season we are discussing “Food for Thought: Rethinking Meat for a Sustainable Future”.  Globally, we consume around 350 million tons of meat a year. Problems concerned with the future of our planet, the welfare of animals, and our health all come to mind because of this. In 2015, the WHO categorised red meat as carcinogenic to humans (Marinova, 2019) but this is yet to act as the wake-up call it should be to encourage people to rethink their diet.

Host: Lily 

Guest: Kenton