Is this the COVID decade?

I subscribe to Stuart Elden's blog, Progressive Geographies, and there, on 13 April, read a post about the British Academy's 2021 independently commissioned review long-term societal impacts of COVID-19 pandemic, recently submitted UK Government Office for Science. Not surprisingly, lede in summary website referred how crises such as pandemics may precipitate dramatic forms innovation change—if there is sufficient integration across tiers government between governments other sectors, if something akin unifying vision. In that opening gambit, Academy also noted this particular pandemic will have long tail. As just one example observation, think we now know epidemiological, social, economic, spatial complications international vaccination programs are extremely challenging their variations. The has emphasised three areas specific concern strongly evidence Australia jurisdictions. first undeniably central importance health wellbeing, need find ways increase them both rather than see diminish face itself its correlate consequent effects. If contain my comments segment sector, wish would be that, collectively, establish novel approaches supporting wellbeing our early career academics (ECAs). To end, with two colleagues—Brett Paull Phillipa Watson—I instigated 12-month study of/with/for ECAs University Tasmania's College Sciences Engineering map then address experiences stage careers. That joins growing number works around world (see, example, Anderson, Gatwiri, & Townsend-Cross, 2020; Aprile, Ellem, Lole, Bosanquet, Mantai, Fredericks, Clare, 2019; Oberhauser Caretta, 2018), some which increasingly focused pandemic. second examined by embraces communities, culture[s], belonging. Closely paraphrasing report, focus upon elements sociospatial life bind: third touches relates primary, secondary, post-secondary education, skills, knowledge research, work employment [this close paraphrase from report]. it noteworthy many already-published pending special commentaries geographies these concerns. final analysis, provided Science resonates conditions similar jurisdictions leaves open questions registers affect effect elsewhere. Certainly, nine points suggest research agenda should shape at least what turn attention coming years (also paraphrased here website): writing out, confess strong desire try invert reframe those statements—for prepared called Pollyanna, storybook character an unfailingly optimistic outlook. So well increasing local can continue reach out borders? acknowledging diminished trust government, rebuilt it? How support each geographers global community stay energised inequities? all modelling self care? Such acts reframing, invocations hope, perhaps pay more exacting attention? And matters. Without doubt, among most important items news convey Institute Australian Geographers annual conference held 6 9 July Sydney virtually. theme Remembering, Reimagining Geography been selected provide opportunity attending person or online critically consider evolution geography discipline ask contribute sustainable futures, including more-than-human world. Phil McManus, host, noted, step “acknowledging Indigenous ownership continent given history discipline.” keynote lectures—including own Wiley Lecture Fay Gale Memorial Lecture, so journal—there themed sessions led groups, general sessions, fieldtrips, virtual meetings side events. Importantly, marks centenary university program Sydney. Finally, asked note registration costs reduced significantly, recognising people precarious incomes austerity measures accompanied … retreat into individual bunkers, remember appreciate disciplinary sense place utterly reliant other, ... We enact valuing already [and continue] do affirm unique geographical cultivating collegiality, standing up reaching out. bring together several ongoing series COVID-19. These range widely knowing (Smith et al.); geopolitics public (Cole Dodds); constituting national narratives rurality, isolation, islandness Tuvalu (Farbotko); capacity urban governance innovations during (McGuirk virus's effects shifting industrial landscapes—most specifically Port Kembla New South Wales (Gibson fashion's being reshaped result (Brydges manner extraordinary period autoethnographic reflections locality, scale, body (Burton). fascinating reading editorial team, delighted way. time, assemble issue extended set observations total (and look forward Dallas Rogers Matthew Kearnes due course). addition rich offerings COVID-19, feature original articles. Christine Eriksen Eliza de Vet incisive analysis involved untangling insurance seek properties after bushfires. Rupert Legg offered perceptive essay legal regulation PFAS contaminated land Williamtown Wales, focusing complex dynamics cross-border flows contaminants, pointing regulatory reforms result. Considering migrants encounter lifestyle destinations, Caitlin Buckle used narrative, visual, visitation methods explore ideas coastal idyll positive protected pressures development Maroochydore Queensland. Then, basing Los Arenales Antofagasta, Chile, Francisco Vergara-Perucich Martin Arias-Loyola present mapping participation geographic information system (PPGIS) informal settlements. process, they share insights PPGIS processes facilitate collective engagement crucial aspects precarity. last articles, Chen Yang colleagues account how, World Heritage listed site, Slender West Lake Scenic Historic Interest Area, different stakeholders understand authenticity means historic landscapes China. They dialectical approach foster creative cultural practices respect landscape conservation. Last but not least, terrific book reviews. Cecilia Chu considers Pui-yin Ho?s 2018 offering, Making Hong Kong: A development; Stephen Turton provides comprehensive reflection Peter Valentine's 2019 work, heritage sites Australia; Britta Ricker makes helpful Jennifer L. Johnson Krista Johnston book, Maternal geographies: Mothering place.