Geography Expert

Ritchie Cunningham

My podcasts on Geography Expert will cover a range of geographical topics which might be of interest to teachers and students of geography. I've also included some podcasts on Leadership, Health and Fitness as well as some Funny Stories. Music intro and ending -We Are One by Vexento https://soundcloud.com/vexentohttps://www.youtube.com/user/VexentoFree Download / Stream: http://bit.ly/2PaIKcRMusic promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/Ssvu2yncgWU

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73 episodes
Updated July 27

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Episodes73

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March 30 · 9 min
Patterns in Mortality
Send us Fan Mail As countries become richer and improve living conditions, they move from a pattern dominated by infectious diseases and high mortality to one dominated by chronic (degenerative) diseases and lower mortality. This shift is closely linked to changes in demography (falling death rates, then falling birth rates), urbanisation, and improvements in health care, nutrition and hygiene. Support the show Check out my website, Facebook groups and other social media. www.ritchiecunningham.com Geography Expert Substack | Ritchie Cunningham | Substack Geography Expert - Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/3514097965371452 UK Geography teachers | Facebook Twitter - @RRitchieC YouTube Geography Expert@geographyexpert BlueSky @geographyexpert.bsky.social Threads cunninghamritchie LinkedIn (7) Ritchie Cunningham | LinkedIn Thank you for listening
March 24 · 7 min
Measuring Population Change
Send us Fan Mail Geographers measure population change by looking at how many people are born, how many die, and how many move in or out of a place. In other words, population change is driven by three main components: fertility, mortality and migration. Support the show Check out my website, Facebook groups and other social media. www.ritchiecunningham.com Geography Expert Substack | Ritchie Cunningham | Substack Geography Expert - Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/3514097965371452 UK Geography teachers | Facebook Twitter - @RRitchieC YouTube Geography Expert@geographyexpert BlueSky @geographyexpert.bsky.social Threads cunninghamritchie LinkedIn (7) Ritchie Cunningham | LinkedIn Thank you for listening
March 17 · 7 min
World Population Change
Send us Fan Mail For much of recent history, people have equated population change with population growth. Over the last two centuries, global population has risen dramatically, with especially rapid growth between the 1950s and the late 20th century. However, this is only part of the story: some regions still grow quickly, others are close to zero growth, and several countries now face population decline. Support the show Check out my website, Facebook groups and other social media. www.ritchiecunningham.com Geography Expert Substack | Ritchie Cunningham | Substack Geography Expert - Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/3514097965371452 UK Geography teachers | Facebook Twitter - @RRitchieC YouTube Geography Expert@geographyexpert BlueSky @geographyexpert.bsky.social Threads cunninghamritchie LinkedIn (7) Ritchie Cunningham | LinkedIn Thank you for listening
March 10 · 12 min
Critical Thinking in Geography
Send us Fan Mail Critical thinking in geography means slowing down, asking sharp questions about places and patterns, and using evidence and logic (not just opinions) to reach a better conclusion. Geography is more than maps and place names; it is about the “whys of where” – why things are located where they are, and how places are connected. Critical thinking in geography means making sense of spatial patterns, questioning sources, and linking local places to global processes. Support the show Check out my website, Facebook groups and other social media. www.ritchiecunningham.com Geography Expert Substack | Ritchie Cunningham | Substack Geography Expert - Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/3514097965371452 UK Geography teachers | Facebook Twitter - @RRitchieC YouTube Geography Expert@geographyexpert BlueSky @geographyexpert.bsky.social Threads cunninghamritchie LinkedIn (7) Ritchie Cunningham | LinkedIn Thank you for listening
March 3 · 5 min
Why study Geography
Send us Fan Mail The world of work is changing fast. New jobs pop up overnight. Others disappear just as quickly. You’re constantly hearing that AI is replacing workers and that traditional education doesn’t matter anymore. On top of that, you’re expected to choose a major—and basically predict your entire future—before you’ve even had time to explore what you’re good at or what you enjoy. A lot of students feel stuck thinking: “I want options… but I’m scared that choosing something broad is risky.” That fear makes sense. But here’s the truth: in today’s world, flexibility isn’t a weakness—it’s a superpower. And that’s where Geography comes in. Support the show Check out my website, Facebook groups and other social media. www.ritchiecunningham.com Geography Expert Substack | Ritchie Cunningham | Substack Geography Expert - Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/3514097965371452 UK Geography teachers | Facebook Twitter - @RRitchieC YouTube Geography Expert@geographyexpert BlueSky @geographyexpert.bsky.social Threads cunninghamritchie LinkedIn (7) Ritchie Cunningham | LinkedIn Thank you for listening
February 24 · 6 min
What will happen to green energy use in the future?
Send us Fan Mail The mainstream media always seems keen to talk down “Green Energy” and expects us to believe that “Fossil Fuels” will not only be dominant but will continue to increase until at least 2050. Where do they get their assumptions from? Often, they use data from the IEA, but tend to misquote the source. Support the show Check out my website, Facebook groups and other social media. www.ritchiecunningham.com Geography Expert Substack | Ritchie Cunningham | Substack Geography Expert - Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/3514097965371452 UK Geography teachers | Facebook Twitter - @RRitchieC YouTube Geography Expert@geographyexpert BlueSky @geographyexpert.bsky.social Threads cunninghamritchie LinkedIn (7) Ritchie Cunningham | LinkedIn Thank you for listening
February 17 · 12 min
Tropical Cyclones
Send us Fan Mail Tropical cyclones are powerful weather systems that develop over warm tropical and subtropical oceans. They are associated with extremely low air pressure, meaning that air at the Earth’s surface is rising rather than sinking. As air rises, pressure at the surface decreases, which helps draw in surrounding air and fuels storm development. Tropical cyclones are sometimes referred to as tropical storms, hurricanes, or typhoons depending on where they form, but they are all the same type of atmospheric phenomenon. Tropical cyclones gain their energy from warm ocean water, which provides heat and moisture. As the storm strengthens, surface winds begin to rotate around the centre in a continuous circular pattern known as closed circulation. The direction of this rotation depends on the hemisphere: storms rotate anticlockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere due to the Coriolis effect, which is caused by the Earth’s rotation. Support the show Check out my website, Facebook groups and other social media. www.ritchiecunningham.com Geography Expert Substack | Ritchie Cunningham | Substack Geography Expert - Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/3514097965371452 UK Geography teachers | Facebook Twitter - @RRitchieC YouTube Geography Expert@geographyexpert BlueSky @geographyexpert.bsky.social Threads cunninghamritchie LinkedIn (7) Ritchie Cunningham | LinkedIn Thank you for listening
February 10 · 13 min
The Industrial System
Send us Fan Mail The industrial system The industrial system is a multifaceted web of economic activities and processes dedicated to the large-scale production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. This system encompasses diverse sectors, including manufacturing, mining, energy production, transportation, and infrastructure, all of which collaboratively drive economic growth and development. At its essence, the industrial system involves transforming raw materials into finished products through a series of interconnected activities. This intricate process often begins with the extraction or procurement of raw materials, such as minerals, metals, or agricultural produce sourced from natural resources or primary producers. Support the show Check out my website, Facebook groups and other social media. www.ritchiecunningham.com Geography Expert Substack | Ritchie Cunningham | Substack Geography Expert - Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/3514097965371452 UK Geography teachers | Facebook Twitter - @RRitchieC YouTube Geography Expert@geographyexpert BlueSky @geographyexpert.bsky.social Threads cunninghamritchie LinkedIn (7) Ritchie Cunningham | LinkedIn Thank you for listening
February 3 · 12 min
Counter-urbanisation
Send us Fan Mail Counter-urbanisation, also known as de-urbanisation, refers to the movement of people and economic activities away from major cities and into suburban or rural areas. This process represents a significant reversal of the traditional urbanisation trend that dominated the 19th and 20th centuries, where people migrated in large numbers from rural areas to cities in search of employment and opportunities. Counter-urbanisation has gained considerable prominence in recent decades, particularly in More Economically Developed Countries (MEDCs), as a response to various push and pull factors. This demographic shift has had notable and far-reaching effects on society, the economy, and the environment as rural populations increase and the character of these areas transforms. Support the show Check out my website, Facebook groups and other social media. www.ritchiecunningham.com Geography Expert Substack | Ritchie Cunningham | Substack Geography Expert - Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/3514097965371452 UK Geography teachers | Facebook Twitter - @RRitchieC YouTube Geography Expert@geographyexpert BlueSky @geographyexpert.bsky.social Threads cunninghamritchie LinkedIn (7) Ritchie Cunningham | LinkedIn Thank you for listening
January 27 · 8 min
Urbanisation in the 20th and 21st Centuries
Send us Fan Mail Urbanisation is the process by which an increasing proportion of a country’s population comes to live in towns and cities rather than in rural areas. This process has been one of the most powerful forces shaping society during the 20th and 21st centuries. It has changed where people live, how they work, and how they interact with the natural environment. In 1900, only about 16% of the world’s population lived in urban areas. By 1960 this had risen to 34%, and by 2040 it is expected to reach around 67% — meaning two-thirds of all people will live in cities or towns. The shift has been global but has taken place at different speeds in different regions. Support the show Check out my website, Facebook groups and other social media. www.ritchiecunningham.com Geography Expert Substack | Ritchie Cunningham | Substack Geography Expert - Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/3514097965371452 UK Geography teachers | Facebook Twitter - @RRitchieC YouTube Geography Expert@geographyexpert BlueSky @geographyexpert.bsky.social Threads cunninghamritchie LinkedIn (7) Ritchie Cunningham | LinkedIn Thank you for listening
January 20 · 17 min
Moisture in the air
Send us Fan Mail Moisture in the Air - From Invisible Vapour to Wild Weather Atmospheric moisture is all about how water moves between the surface and the air, constantly cycling through evaporation, condensation, clouds and precipitation. Think of the atmosphere as a leaky storage tank whose capacity depends strongly on temperature: warm air can hold a lot of water vapour, while cold air can only hold a little. Support the show Check out my website, Facebook groups and other social media. www.ritchiecunningham.com Geography Expert Substack | Ritchie Cunningham | Substack Geography Expert - Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/3514097965371452 UK Geography teachers | Facebook Twitter - @RRitchieC YouTube Geography Expert@geographyexpert BlueSky @geographyexpert.bsky.social Threads cunninghamritchie LinkedIn (7) Ritchie Cunningham | LinkedIn Thank you for listening
January 13 · 13 min
Impacts of Changing Precipitation on Hydrological Processes in Different Types of Drainage Basins
Send us Fan Mail Climate change is now widely accepted as one of the biggest global challenges, influencing not only temperatures but also how water moves through the environment. Around the world, patterns of rainfall and snowfall—known collectively as precipitation—are changing. These shifts affect rivers, lakes, groundwater, and even the timing of floods and droughts. Precipitation changes can vary by region: some areas are becoming wetter, while others are drying out. These changes have strong effects on drainage basins, the land areas where all the water that falls eventually drains into a river or lake. The way a drainage basin reacts to changing precipitation depends on its climate, geology, vegetation, and human activity. Scientists are studying these systems to predict how rainfall changes might affect river flow, groundwater levels, and overall water balance in places such as deserts, temperate plains, rainforests, and mountains. Support the show Check out my website, Facebook groups and other social media. www.ritchiecunningham.com Geography Expert Substack | Ritchie Cunningham | Substack Geography Expert - Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/3514097965371452 UK Geography teachers | Facebook Twitter - @RRitchieC YouTube Geography Expert@geographyexpert BlueSky @geographyexpert.bsky.social Threads cunninghamritchie LinkedIn (7) Ritchie Cunningham | LinkedIn Thank you for listening
January 9 · 14 min
Geography of Oil
Send us Fan Mail Venezuela and the Global Geography of Oil Oil, often referred to as “black gold,” is one of the most crucial resources in our modern world. Understanding its geography can help us grasp its impact on economies, politics, and our environment. This introduction will explore where oil is found, how it is extracted, and its significance on a global scale. Support the show Check out my website, Facebook groups and other social media. www.ritchiecunningham.com Geography Expert Substack | Ritchie Cunningham | Substack Geography Expert - Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/3514097965371452 UK Geography teachers | Facebook Twitter - @RRitchieC YouTube Geography Expert@geographyexpert BlueSky @geographyexpert.bsky.social Threads cunninghamritchie LinkedIn (7) Ritchie Cunningham | LinkedIn Thank you for listening
January 8 · 6 min
Counting the heads
Send us Fan Mail Collecting Population Data in Developed and Developing Countries Counting the heads Accurate population data is a fundamental resource for governments worldwide, whether in developed or developing countries. It provides essential insights into the size, distribution, and characteristics of populations, enabling informed decision-making and effective planning across multiple sectors. Support the show Check out my website, Facebook groups and other social media. www.ritchiecunningham.com Geography Expert Substack | Ritchie Cunningham | Substack Geography Expert - Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/3514097965371452 UK Geography teachers | Facebook Twitter - @RRitchieC YouTube Geography Expert@geographyexpert BlueSky @geographyexpert.bsky.social Threads cunninghamritchie LinkedIn (7) Ritchie Cunningham | LinkedIn Thank you for listening
January 7 · 3 min
The Global Carbon Budget
Send us Fan Mail This podcast examines how well the world is doing, cutting carbon emissions. Support the show Check out my website, Facebook groups and other social media. www.ritchiecunningham.com Geography Expert Substack | Ritchie Cunningham | Substack Geography Expert - Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/3514097965371452 UK Geography teachers | Facebook Twitter - @RRitchieC YouTube Geography Expert@geographyexpert BlueSky @geographyexpert.bsky.social Threads cunninghamritchie LinkedIn (7) Ritchie Cunningham | LinkedIn Thank you for listening
Dec 30, 2025 · 7 min
Deforestation in the Rainforest
Send us Fan Mail Rainforest deforestation is not confined to the Amazon Rainforest deforestation is not just a problem in the Amazon; it affects tropical forests across the globe. In 2024 and 2025, record-breaking deforestation has been reported in Southeast Asia, Central Africa, and other parts of South America. For example, Indonesia and Malaysia have seen their primary rainforest losses slow, but the Congo Basin, which contains the world’s second-largest rainforest after the Amazon, has reached its highest-ever rates of untouched forest loss. Agricultural expansion for crops like soy and palm oil, cattle ranching, illegal logging, and especially wildfires driven by climate change have been key causes. In Bolivia, forest loss has increased almost fivefold since 2020, driven by drought, fires, and policies promoting cash crops and livestock. Support the show Check out my website, Facebook groups and other social media. www.ritchiecunningham.com Geography Expert Substack | Ritchie Cunningham | Substack Geography Expert - Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/3514097965371452 UK Geography teachers | Facebook Twitter - @RRitchieC YouTube Geography Expert@geographyexpert BlueSky @geographyexpert.bsky.social Threads cunninghamritchie LinkedIn (7) Ritchie Cunningham | LinkedIn Thank you for listening
Dec 16, 2025 · 6 min
China’s Looming Demographic Challenge
Send us Fan Mail China, home to over 1.4 billion people, stood as the world’s most populous country until recently, surpassed by India in 2023. Its demographic trajectory, however, presents a mounting challenge that threatens to reshape the nation’s economic and social fabric profoundly. After decades of sustained population growth, which fuelled rapid industrialisation and urban expansion, China is now encountering a steep demographic transition characterised by a rapidly aging population and a declining birth rate. Support the show Check out my website, Facebook groups and other social media. www.ritchiecunningham.com Geography Expert Substack | Ritchie Cunningham | Substack Geography Expert - Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/3514097965371452 UK Geography teachers | Facebook Twitter - @RRitchieC YouTube Geography Expert@geographyexpert BlueSky @geographyexpert.bsky.social Threads cunninghamritchie LinkedIn (7) Ritchie Cunningham | LinkedIn Thank you for listening
Dec 10, 2025 · 19 min
Air Masses and the ITCZ
Send us Fan Mail Air masses and the inter-tropical convergence zone The inter-tropical convergence zone (ITCZ) is where the trade winds converge; it is an area of uplift of air. The air that converges on the ITCZ does not have the differences in temperature and density that are typical of convergence at the polar front, and therefore there are no weather fronts. Equatorial weather, despite this, is far from placid. Heating the tropical air can cause instability and periods of heavy rainfall, which is of vital importance to some tropical regions. This rainfall occurs when mT (maritime Tropical) air is drawn in over the land but, when the source region is a continent, dry weather persists. This conflict between mT and cT (continental Tropical) is played out each year over the west coast of Africa. Support the show Check out my website, Facebook groups and other social media. www.ritchiecunningham.com Geography Expert Substack | Ritchie Cunningham | Substack Geography Expert - Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/3514097965371452 UK Geography teachers | Facebook Twitter - @RRitchieC YouTube Geography Expert@geographyexpert BlueSky @geographyexpert.bsky.social Threads cunninghamritchie LinkedIn (7) Ritchie Cunningham | LinkedIn Thank you for listening
Dec 10, 2025 · 12 min
Urban World's Apart
Send us Fan Mail The comparison of London and Mumbai illustrates how the issues of urbanisation are universal but are shaped and expressed in drastically different ways by a city’s stage of development. London, as a post-industrial city, grapples with issues of social inequality, gentrification, and the challenges of managing a highly regulated, yet ageing, infrastructure. Its environmental challenges are being met with sophisticated policy tools and technological solutions. In stark contrast, Mumbai, as a rapidly urbanising EDC city, faces more fundamental challenges, from extreme poverty and a lack of basic services to environmental crises rooted in rapid, often unregulated, growth. Support the show Check out my website, Facebook groups and other social media. www.ritchiecunningham.com Geography Expert Substack | Ritchie Cunningham | Substack Geography Expert - Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/3514097965371452 UK Geography teachers | Facebook Twitter - @RRitchieC YouTube Geography Expert@geographyexpert BlueSky @geographyexpert.bsky.social Threads cunninghamritchie LinkedIn (7) Ritchie Cunningham | LinkedIn Thank you for listening
Nov 15, 2025 · 20 min
Atmospheric and Oceanic Circulation
Send us Fan Mail An explanation of Atmospheric and Oceanic circulation Support the show Check out my website, Facebook groups and other social media. www.ritchiecunningham.com Geography Expert Substack | Ritchie Cunningham | Substack Geography Expert - Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/3514097965371452 UK Geography teachers | Facebook Twitter - @RRitchieC YouTube Geography Expert@geographyexpert BlueSky @geographyexpert.bsky.social Threads cunninghamritchie LinkedIn (7) Ritchie Cunningham | LinkedIn Thank you for listening