“Quantitative Human Geographies – seven children, four shattered nations, a slowing down planet”

Report by Dr. Qiujie Shi (Lecturer, Geographical Sciences, University of Bristol).

On the 6th March 2025, it was my great pleasure to welcome Professor Danny Dorling, my friend and mentor, and introduce him to an audience of local students and teachers.

“Seven children, four shattered nations, a slowing down planet.” These were his opening words: Themes drawn from his latest titles. Danny guided us through a whirlwind of evidence, maps and reflections that made big global issues feel urgent and enabled us to see these issues from a different (geographical) light.

This time the focus was squarely on people, inequality and global change. The evening covered everything from the rising cost of living to the legacy of colonialism, the climate crisis to moral values. Dorling’s central idea across all these issues is that the pace of change on our planet, especially in terms of population growth, economic growth, and emissions — is slowing. But this ‘slowdown’ doesn’t mean things are getting better for everyone. In fact, some of the most vulnerable are being hit hardest.

We were shown stark graphs of income inequality: by the time the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the richest 0.01% were taking 130 times the average income, a figure not seen since the 1940s. We also learned that by 2023, the poorest people in the UK were worse off than those in many eastern European countries. One chart showed the UK and Estonia leading the way in rising living costs for the poorest. This was human geography with teeth.

But the talk wasn’t just about doom and gloom. It also offered new ways of seeing. Rather than measure progress by speed or growth, Dorling urged us to rethink what a successful society looks like. He quoted Stephanie Flanders explaining that “the poorest fifth of the population [in the UK] are now much poorer than in most of the poorest countries in central and eastern Europe.” A sobering fact, but one that led to hopeful discussions about fairness, education, and political courage.

Throughout the lecture, a series of maps and charts offered alternative ways of viewing global trends. From shifts in birth rates and emissions to the enduring impact of colonial borders, Dorling’s message was that geography isn’t just about place, it’s about different ways of seeing things.

The talk ended with a powerful quote, a 19th-century call for justice, solidarity and peace. In 2025, as conflict and division dominate headlines, Dorling reminded us of that education, kindness, and action still matter, and that geography can help us imagine a better future.

Slides are available in Resources (students)