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Ian Burton is an independent scholar, author and consultant.

Ian is Professor Emeritus at the University of Toronto, Department of Geography, and School of the Environment. His major career research contributions have been in hazards and risks both “natural” and anthropogenic. Ian is especially concerned with the use and mis-use of science in public policy and practice. Recent activities include involvement in international research activities on disaster risk reduction and disaster risk creation, including efforts to promote forensic investigations into root causes.

Ian has served as a Lead Author on three IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) Assessments and the Special Report on Extremes. He currently serves as a private member and advisor to a number of organizations including, for example, the Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction in Canada, and the Munich Climate Insurance Initiative. 

In 2023, Ian was appointed to the Order of Canada for his leading scientific contributions to climate change adaptation as an esteemed scholar and policy advisor.