The Environment Secretary Hilary Benn today announced the appointment of Lord John Krebs as the Chair of the Adaptation Sub-Committee of  the Committee on Climate Change (CCC). As the Chair of the Sub-Committee Lord Krebs will also sit on the main Committee.

The Adaptation Sub-Committee has been established under the Climate Change Act 2008 to provide advice  to the CCC on adapting climate change. It will provide advice on climatic risks in the UK, and ensure that the Government’s adaptation programme enables England to prepare effectively for the impacts of climate change.

Lord Krebs is an internationally renowned scientist. He is the Principal of Jesus College, Oxford University. Lord Krebs sits in the House of Lords as an independent cross-bencher and is currently chairing an enquiry by the Science and Technology Select Committee into Nanotechnology and Food. Lord Krebs was the first Chairman of the British Food Standards Agency (2000–05). He has received numerous awards and honorary degrees for his scientific work.

Hilary Benn said: “The Adaptation Sub-Committee will play a significant role in helping to prepare the country for the impacts of a changing climate. I am delighted that Lord Krebs will chair the Adaptation Sub-Committee. His experience and knowledge will make a vital contribution.”

Lord Adair Turner, Chair of the CCC, welcomed the appointment saying:

“I am delighted that Lord Krebs will be joining us. His experience will be valuable in helping us to understand the environmental impacts of climate change and how we might adapt to them in the future. Although the ultimate goal is to reduce the effects of dangerous climate change by reducing our emissions, it is clear that we are already committed to some climate change and we will therefore have to be prepared for some adverse impacts on our environment”.

This appointment was made jointly between the Government and the devolved administrations. The Welsh Assembly Government represented the devolved administrations in the selection process. The process of appointing the 5-8 members of the Adaptation Sub-Committee board is underway.

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