In the first episode of Series 4, I talk to the inspirational Prof. Chris Jackson about the myriad meanings of sustainable geoscience, his dangerous and exciting expeditions, the failings of universities to provide equitable environments for students and staff, and what it’s really like behind the scenes of the RI Christmas Lectures.

At the time of recording, Professor Chris Jackson is Equinor Professor of Basin Analysis at Imperial College London, but in February 2021 he will be moving to the University of Manchester to take up the position of Chair in Sustainable Geoscience. Even if you aren’t a geoscience buff, you will likely have heard of Professor Jackson through his broadcasting work. Most recently, many listeners will have invited him into their living rooms as one of the presenters of the Royal Institution’s 2020 Christmas Lectures, broadcast on the BBC. He made history by being the first Black presenter in the programme’s 195-year record. He has also starred in a number of BBC, National Geographic and Channel 5 documentaries, including the BBC series "Expedition Volcano".

Intro and outro music: Funky Chunk by Kevin MacLeod