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Bill McGuire

Professor of Geophysical & Climate Hazards at University College London

William J. McGuire, born in 1954, is a prominent volcanologist and Emeritus Professor of Geophysical & Climate Hazards at University College London (UCL). He has a PhD in Geology from UCL, obtained in 1980, and has dedicated much of his career to studying geological hazards, including volcanic instability, earthquakes, and the impacts of climate change on these phenomena.12

Academic and Professional Background

McGuire began his academic career in the 1980s, lecturing at the West London Institute of Higher Education. He later held positions at Cheltenham & Gloucester College of Higher Education before joining UCL as a Professor of Geohazards and Director of the Aon Benfield UCL Hazard Research Centre in the 1990s. He stepped down from the directorship in 2011 but continues to contribute to research and education at UCL.16

He has been involved with various governmental advisory groups, including the UK Government's Natural Hazard Working Group and the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE), particularly during crises such as the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and the 2010 Eyjafjallajökull eruption.15

Research Interests

McGuire's research focuses on climate forcing of geological hazards, exploring how climate change can trigger natural disasters. His work addresses topics such as supervolcanoes, tsunamis, and the effects of global warming on geological instability. He is particularly known for his assertion that climate change could lead to increased seismic activity due to processes like post-glacial rebound.146

Publications and Media Engagement

He has authored several influential books, including Waking the Giant and Hothouse Earth: An Inhabitant’s Guide, where he discusses the implications of climate change on natural disasters.13 McGuire is also a frequent contributor to media discussions on environmental issues, appearing on programs such as BBC's Horizon and writing for various publications like The Guardian and New Scientist.16

In addition to his academic work, McGuire is involved in activism related to climate change and sustainability. He serves as a Co-Director of the New Weather Institute, a think tank aimed at promoting environmental responsibility.12

Overall, Bill McGuire is recognized as one of the UK's leading experts on geological hazards and continues to influence both academic research and public discourse on climate-related issues.

Highlights

Jun 9 · en.wikipedia.org
Bill McGuire
May 6 · ucl.ac.uk
Spotlight on: Professor Bill McGuire | UCL News
Spotlight on: Professor Bill McGuire | UCL News

Related Questions

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Bill McGuire
Bill McGuire, photo 1
Bill McGuire, photo 2
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Location

Derby, United Kingdom