Tributes pour in for UK’s former Chief Scientific Adviser Sir David MacKay

The UK Government’s former Chief Scientist Adviser Sir David MacKay has passed away aged 48 after a year-long battle with cancer. Tributes have been pouring in for the Cambridge scientist […]

The UK Government’s former Chief Scientist Adviser Sir David MacKay has passed away aged 48 after a year-long battle with cancer.

Tributes have been pouring in for the Cambridge scientist noted for his work on climate change and praised as “a great man” and “a pleasure to work for” with “unrivalled intellect”.

His work has also been referred to as “key importance to energy and climate change”.

Sir MacKay was well known to many as the author of the 2008 book ‘Sustainable Energy – Without the Hot Air’, a widely praised piece of work.

He was knighted in late 2015 for his science outreach and scientific advice to government.

Energy Secretary Amber Rudd said: “David was the model of a scientist in government; challenging, insightful and with the ability to explain the most complex subjects in a clear way.

“His legacy, including the 2050 calculator now emulated across the world and his brilliant book on sustainable energy, was deservedly recognised by a knighthood earlier this year. His ideas and arguments will continue to influence how we deal with climate change.”

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