Explorer comes to the highlands
AN explorer and investigative journalist is coming to the Highlands to talk about what it means to be an explorer today.
Oliver Steeds has presented critically acclaimed series in the US, UK and worldwide for Discovery Channel, Travel Channel, BBC World and Channel 4.
He will be speaking as part of the Royal Scottish Geographical Society’s Inspiring People talks programme in Inverness on Monday November 7.
Drawing from his experience on the frontlines of our changing world, as an expeditioner, investigative journalist and film-maker, Oliver plans to challenge audiences on what it means to be an explorer today.
He said: "We are discovering new species at a faster rate than ever, but we are destroying them at the fastest rate too – currently 30,000 species a year. We are on the brink of a mass extinction of species unseen since the dinosaurs were wiped out.
"What are the conservation priorities of today? Are they driven by sentimentality or science? Why are we so disconnected from nature? And what are the solutions?"
Oliver reports for the UK’s leading international investigative series Unreported World and his reports have featured on ABC News, ABC Nightline, BBC, Channel 4 and Al Jazeera amongst others.
He is also regarded as one of the most influential and pioneering explorers of his generation, Director of Digital Explorer and co-founder of the Academy of Exploration.
He is the youngest of 50 of the worlds leading explorers featured in Faces of Exploration: Encounters with 50 Extraordinary Pioneers alongside such luminaries as Buzz Aldrin, Dr. Jane Goodall, Sylvia Earle, and Bob Ballard. His travels have taken him to over 100 countries; he speaks Mandarin and French badly and is meant to be learning Spanish.
Oliver’s presentation will take place on Monday, November 7 at 7:30pm in the Highland Council Chamber, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness, IV3 5NX. £8 for adults (redeemable if buying membership) and free for under 18s, students and RSGS members. Tickets are available on the night from the venue. For more information about any of the RGS’ talks this season please visit www.rsgs.org/events/
The Royal Scottish Geographical Society is an educational charity that promotes an understanding of natural environments and human societies and how they interact.
