Prof. Ian Burton, former Scientific Committee member of IRDR, was awarded the Laureat d’Honneur 2016 from the International Geographical Union for his pioneering work on the understanding of disasters.
This prestigious award was established to recognize individuals who have achieved particular distinction or who have rendered outstanding service in the work of the IGU or in international geography and environmental research.
Professor Burton’s contributions to disaster risk and climate change research from a geographical perspective have made an indelible mark on several generations devoted to their study, in both the developing and developed worlds. He has been a leader in establishing theoretical frameworks and methodologies within the international area of environmental risk assessment climate, resilience adaptation, mitigation and sustainable development. His innovative contributions in disaster risk reduction and management across scales have provided clear paths for the transition from theory to practice.
