Two Exeter climate researchers on King’s Birthday Honours List
Professor Peter Cox (left) and Professor Tim Lenton
Two University of Exeter climate researchers have been included in the King’s Birthday Honours List.
Professor Peter Cox has been appointed CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) for “services to science and to climate modelling”.
Professor Tim Lenton has been appointed OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) for “services to understanding climate tipping points”.
Professor Lenton – the University’s Chair in Climate Change and Earth System Science – said: “It was a total surprise and I felt deeply honoured and humbled.
“Having worked for decades to highlight the risks for all of us from climate tipping points, it means a lot to have that recognised by the government and the King.”
Professor Lenton was the founding director of Exeter’s Global Systems Institute (GSI).
Professor Peter Cox – current GSI Director – said: “I feel incredibly honoured to be awarded a CBE for services to science and climate modelling.
“Climate change is worrying, but it has been a fascinating subject to study over these past 35 years.
“I am hugely grateful for the long-term support of my family and my university, and for the input and friendship of numerous collaborators and students.”
Professor Lisa Roberts, President and Vice-Chancellor, said: “Everybody at the University of Exeter is thrilled that Tim and Peter have been recognised for their outstanding contributions to climate science in the King’s Birthday Honours List.
“Peter has made significant contributions to our understanding of climate change, and he has been a driving force behind the building of our world-leading community of climate researchers here at Exeter.
“Tim has dedicated his entire career to climate and Earth systems science, leading globally significant research that has been impactful for individuals, communities and businesses.
“We are very proud of their achievements, and I wish them my most heartfelt congratulations on these richly deserved honours.”
Professor Tim Lenton has more than 25 years of research experience, focussed on modelling of the biosphere, climate, biogeochemical cycles, and associated tipping points.
He leads cutting-edge research on the threat of Earth system tipping points, and the power of positive tipping points to bring about a thriving, sustainable future.
Professor Peter Cox is an international leader in the understanding of interactions between the land biosphere and climate change.
He is a lead author on the 4th, 5th and 6th Assessment Reports of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, and a member of the UK Government’s Defra Scientific Advisory Council.
