An expert on sustainable land management has been appointed as an adviser to the independent body that provides the UK and Devolved governments with guidance on how to tackle climate change.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has appointed Professor Chris Evans, a biogeochemist at the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH), to a key role with the Climate Change Committee.
Over the next three years, Professor Evans will be part of its Adaptation Committee, providing expertise on how the farming and wider land use sector can adapt to global warming. Working with in-house staff, other committee members and external contractors, he will contribute to the regular assessments and progress reports that the Climate Change Committee produces for the UK and Devolved governments.
Professor Evans will carry out the role while continuing his work with UKCEH, where he has spent more than 20 years. His research particularly focuses on the sustainable management of terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems, including peatlands, to limit greenhouse gas emissions.
Professor Evans says: “The UK does not produce enough food to supply its large and growing population, making it very vulnerable to a changing climate, so our farmers need support to deal with the impacts of extreme weather.
“I am looking forward to working with members of the Climate Change Committee, the agricultural sector and researchers to provide solutions to these complex challenges.
More about the Climate Change Committee and its reports are available at theccc.org.uk