Meliora: a podcast from the Sustainability & Resilience Institute
Welcome to the Meliora Podcast from the Sustainability and Resilience Institute at the University of Southampton!
This podcast explores the greatest and most wicked problem that is sustainability, whilst looking at how we are collectively addressing this critical global challenge.
Sustainability needs to be addressed by understanding how the economy, society, culture, politics and environment intersect, and this is the focus that informs each episode of the Meliora podcast.
In each episode, host Professor Simon Kemp and guest hosts are joined by a variety of guests, including academics, students, staff, researchers, alumni, community groups and business leaders.
The aim of the podcast is to shine a light on the vast range of topics surrounding sustainability and to allow listeners to learn about the critical challenges we face, as well as how they can be part of the solution. We also ensure our fantastic students have the opportunity to share their brilliant work with the world.
Podcast host: Professor Simon Kemp, Deputy Director of the Sustainability & Resilience Institute, University of Southampton
Podcast editors: Lily Killner, Sophie Green, Libby Kale, Jack Dinham, Ellie Howell, School of Geography and Environmental Science, University of Southampton
Podcast communications: Hannah Parish, Alexander Ayerst, Maya Stevens, University of Southampton
Please do get in touch to discuss this podcast and any of the issues we raise by emailing sri@soton.ac.uk
Follow us on instagram and X: @meliorapodcast
Meliora: a podcast from the Sustainability & Resilience Institute
Sophie Vokes: Does Crymlyn Bog follow the traditional theory of hydrosphere wetlands?
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
