The UK Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) has appointed David Mackay, Professor of Natural Philosophy at the Department of Physics, as its Chief Scientific Advisor. The Chief Scientific Advisor’s role is to ensure that the Department’s policies and operations, and its contributions to wider Government issues, are underpinned by the best science and engineering advice available.
IHBC Director Seán O’Reilly said: “Mackay is noted for his lateral thinking on how to address climate change, including suggestions for generating solar power in north African deserts and using Scottish lochs to store power. He also highlights the more obvious answers to energy saving, including putting on a woolly jumper and turning down your thermostat! We hope Mackay will help the IHBC register with government the equally obvious energy saving potential in conserving our historic places.”
Professor MacKay is the author of the critically acclaimed book, “Sustainable Energy – without the hot air”, which sets out the various low-carbon energy options open to society. He has also made many contributions through his physics research, including using his expertise in information theory to design a widely-used interface called ‘dasher’ that allows disabled people to write efficiently using a single finger or head-mounted pointer.
Professor MacKay said: “Climate change and secure energy are two of the most urgent issues facing the UK and the global community. The solutions must be rooted firmly in the science and I look forward to advising the Government on how it can help deliver these important goals.”
Mackay’s book is available free on-line http://www.withouthotair.com/
http://www.admin.cam.ac.uk/news/dp/2009090701
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/environment/article6814915.ece
