Anson W. Mackay is an emeritus Professor of Geography in the Environmental Change Research Centre at University College London, having retired in April 2022 because of ill health.

They have extensively investigated the impact of pollution on Lake Baikal, as well as the Aral Sea and Okavango Delta.

[12] Mackay believes that the water quality has deteriorated due to inadequate sewage treatment.

UCL Inclusion Awards: Sir Stephen Ward 'Inspiring Role Model' and EDI Team Award for 'Inspirational Engagement' (2022)[14] Royal Geographical Society's Victoria Medal (2023) for 'their transformative impact on the discipline of geography'.

[15] Mackay was editor-in-chief of the Royal Geographical Society journal Geo: Geography and Environment (2015-20) and sat on the board of Open Quaternary.

[17] They have been nominated for Student Choice awards, including Inspiring Teaching, Equality & Diversity and Exceptional Feedback.