David King (chemist) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir David King
FRS FRSC FInstP
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King in 2019
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David Anthony King
12 August 1939 |
| Citizenship | United Kingdom |
| Education | St John's College, Johannesburg |
| Alma mater | University of the Witwatersrand (BSc; PhD 1963) |
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| Thesis | A Study Of The Ammonia Synthesis Over Vanadium Nitride, Correlated With The Structure Of The Catalyst (1963) |
Sir David Anthony King, born on August 12, 1939, is a British chemist. He was born in South Africa. He is known for his important work as a scientist and for leading the Climate Crisis Advisory Group (CCAG).
King taught at several universities, including Imperial College London, the University of East Anglia, and the University of Liverpool. He was a professor of Physical Chemistry at the University of Cambridge for many years. He also led Downing College, Cambridge, as its Master. Later, he worked at the University of Oxford.
Beyond his university roles, Sir David King was the Chief Scientific Adviser to the UK Government from 2000 to 2007. In this role, he gave scientific advice to the government. He also served as a Special Representative for Climate Change for the UK government.
Contents
Early Life and School
Sir David King was born in South Africa on August 12, 1939. His father, Arnold Tom Wallis King, was a director of a paint company. David went to St John's College, Johannesburg, an all-boys private school.
He then studied at the University of the Witwatersrand. He earned his first degree, a Bachelor of Science (BSc), and later a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in 1963.
Academic Career
After finishing his PhD, King moved to the United Kingdom. He was a scholar at Imperial College, London, from 1963 to 1966. He then became a lecturer at the University of East Anglia.
In 1974, he became a professor of Physical Chemistry at the University of Liverpool. He was also involved with the Association of University Teachers, even serving as its president.
Work at Cambridge
In 1988, King became a professor at the University of Cambridge. He led the University's Department of Chemistry from 1993 to 2000. He was also a Fellow at several colleges within Cambridge, including St John's College and Queens' College.
From 1995 to 2000, he was the Master of Downing College, Cambridge. This is a leadership role within the college.
Research in Chemistry
Sir David King has published over 500 research papers. His work focuses on chemical physics and how science can help with public policy.
At Cambridge, he helped develop the field of surface science. This area of chemistry studies what happens at the surface of materials. His work helped explain how heterogeneous catalysis works. This is a process where a substance speeds up a chemical reaction without being used up itself.
Career Outside Universities
Sir David King was the Chief Scientific Adviser to the UK Government from October 2000 to December 2007. He advised Prime Ministers Tony Blair and Gordon Brown. During this time, he highlighted the importance of governments taking action on climate change.
He also helped create the £1 billion Energy Technologies Institute. This institute works on new energy technologies. In 2008, he co-wrote a book called The Hot Topic about climate change.
Advising the Government
As Chief Scientific Adviser, King made people more aware of climate change. He also started several "foresight studies." These studies looked at long-term issues that might affect the UK, like flooding or obesity.
He advised the government on many important issues. These included the foot-and-mouth disease epidemic in 2001, risks to the UK after 9/11, and GM foods. He also worked on the government's Science and Innovation Strategy.
Climate Change Representative
From 2013 to 2017, Sir David King returned to work with the UK Government. He was the Special Representative for Climate Change to the Foreign Secretary. In this role, he worked on international efforts to tackle climate change.
He was also the first chairman of the Future Cities Catapult. This group researches how to make smart cities better.
Independent SAGE
In May 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, King formed Independent SAGE. This was a group of experts who gave advice on the pandemic. They aimed to be a transparent source of information, separate from the government's official advisory group.
Views on Important Issues
Climate Change
Sir David King has always been very clear about his views on climate change. He has said that "climate change is the greatest challenge facing Britain and the World in the 21st century." He believes it is even more serious than the threat of terrorism.
He strongly supports the work of the IPCC. This group brings together scientists from around the world to study climate change. King has stated that their reports are the best information available on the science of climate change.
In 2021, King became the head of the Climate Crisis Advisory Group (CCAG). This group holds public meetings and publishes reports. They advise on how to cut emissions and remove greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. The CCAG promotes a "4R planet pathway":
- Reducing emissions.
- Removing extra greenhouse gases.
- Repairing ecosystems.
- Strengthening global Resilience against climate impacts.
Energy
King is a strong supporter of nuclear electricity generation. He believes it is a safe way to produce electricity and can help reduce carbon emissions. He also supports second generation biofuels. These are fuels made from plants that are not used for food, like wood chips.
He is a member of the Global Apollo Programme. This program works to find ways to make low-carbon electricity cheaper.
Awards and Recognition
Sir David King was made a Knight in 2003. This means he can use the title "Sir." In 2009, the French government awarded him the Chevalier of the Légion d'Honneur.
He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS) in 1991. This is a very high honor for scientists in the UK. He also became an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering in 2006.
Personal Life
Sir David King has two sons from his first marriage. In 1983, he married Jane Margaret. They have a son and a daughter together.
Books Published
- Sir David King, Gabrielle Walker, The Hot Topic: how to tackle global warming and still keep the lights on, Bloomsbury London 2008
- Oliver Inderwildi, Sir David King, Energy, Transport & the Environment, 2012, Springer London New York Heidelberg
Images for kids
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King in 2019
