Exeter climate scientists honoured in King’s Birthday list

Two climate experts from the University of Exeter have been recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours List.

Professor Peter Cox has been appointed CBE for services to science and climate modelling, while Professor Tim Lenton has been awarded an OBE for services to understanding climate tipping points.

Professor Lenton, Chair in Climate Change and Earth System Science at the university, 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.”

A founding director of Exeter’s Global Systems Institute (GSI), Professor Lenton leads global research on climate tipping points and sustainable transformation.

Professor Cox, current Director of the GSI, 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 at the University of Exeter, praised the pair’s achievements.

She 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.”

Professor Lenton has more than 25 years of experience in modelling the biosphere, biogeochemical cycles and Earth system tipping points.

Professor Cox is a global leader in land-climate interaction and has contributed as a lead author to three of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s major assessment reports. He also serves on the UK Government’s Defra Scientific Advisory Council.