Top Skip to main content
Skip to Content
LOGO(small) - Queen's University Belfast
  • Our facebook
  • Our x-twitter
  • Our linkedin
  • Our youtube
LOGO(large) - Queen's University Belfast

School of

Biological Sciences

  • Home
  • Study
    • Undergraduate Courses
    • Postgraduate Taught Courses
    • Fieldwork Opportunities
    • Scholarships and Awards
    • Course Accreditations
  • Research
    • Postgraduate Research
    • PhD Opportunities
    • Find a PhD Supervisor
    • Research Impact
    • Research Culture
    • Centre of Excellence for Agri-Food Microbiomes (CEAM)
  • International
    • Partnerships
    • Students
    • Opportunities
  • Employability
    • Business Engagement
    • Employer Testimonials
    • Undergraduate Careers & Placements by Sector
    • Postgraduate Careers & Placements by Sector
    • Student Experiences
    • Alumni Profiles
    • News, Programmes and Events
  • About
    • Facilities
    • Nursing Mothers and Parents’ Room & Quiet Room
    • Athena SWAN
    • Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework (LEAF)
    • Applying for Honorary and Visiting Titles
  • People
    • Key Contacts
    • School Management Committee
    • Academic Staff
    • Professional Services Staff
    • Technical Staff
    • Research Staff
    • Honorary Staff
  • Staff Profiles
    • Dr Connor Bamford
    • Prof Lisa Connolly
    • Dr Lucia Lombardi
    • Prof Aaron Maule
    • Dr Linda Oyama
    • Prof Paulo Prodöhl
    • Dr Rachel Wheatley
  • News
  • Graduation
  • Events
  • Home
  • Study
    • Undergraduate Courses
    • Postgraduate Taught Courses
    • Fieldwork Opportunities
    • Scholarships and Awards
    • Course Accreditations
  • Research
    • Postgraduate Research
    • PhD Opportunities
    • Find a PhD Supervisor
    • Research Impact
    • Research Culture
    • Centre of Excellence for Agri-Food Microbiomes (CEAM)
  • International
    • Partnerships
    • Students
    • Opportunities
  • Employability
    • Business Engagement
    • Employer Testimonials
    • Undergraduate Careers & Placements by Sector
    • Postgraduate Careers & Placements by Sector
    • Student Experiences
    • Alumni Profiles
    • News, Programmes and Events
  • About
    • Facilities
    • Nursing Mothers and Parents’ Room & Quiet Room
    • Athena SWAN
    • Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework (LEAF)
    • Applying for Honorary and Visiting Titles
  • People
    • Key Contacts
    • School Management Committee
    • Academic Staff
    • Professional Services Staff
    • Technical Staff
    • Research Staff
    • Honorary Staff
  • Staff Profiles
    • Dr Connor Bamford
    • Prof Lisa Connolly
    • Dr Lucia Lombardi
    • Prof Aaron Maule
    • Dr Linda Oyama
    • Prof Paulo Prodöhl
    • Dr Rachel Wheatley
  • News
  • Graduation
  • Events
  • Our facebook
  • Our x-twitter
  • Our linkedin
  • Our youtube
In This Section

  • Home
  • School of Biological Sciences
  • News

News

Keynote Lecture Highlights Urgency of Climate Action for UK Food System

28 February, 2024

In a thought-provoking lecture held at Riddel Hall recently, Dr. Pete Falloon, Met Office's lead on Climate Service for Defra on Food, Farming, and the Natural Environment, asked the question "What does climate change mean for the UK food system?"

Dr Falloon speaking at the GSR2024 lecture

On the 27 February, Dr Falloon delivered the 2024 George Scott Robertson memorial lecture to a full house of delegates drawn from various sectors.

The annual lecture series was initiated in 1951 to perpetuate the memory of Dr George Scott Robertson who played a prominent part in promoting agricultural progress in Northern Ireland from 1921-1948.

This significant event is a cornerstone in the Northern Ireland agri-food calendar, organised in continuing collaboration between Queen's University, the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI), the Ulster Farmers' Union (UFU), and the Department of Agriculture, Environment, and Rural Affairs (DAERA).

Dr. Falloon's presentation unveiled critical insights into the future trajectory of UK weather patterns, emphasising significant shifts expected in the coming years. "The future weather in the UK will continue to see seasonal changes," Dr. Falloon remarked, noting projections of drier and hotter summers by up to 10°C, alongside milder, wetter winters characterised by more intense rainfall events.

Discussing the implications of these climatic shifts on the UK Food System, Dr. Falloon highlighted potential challenges including reduced productivity, infrastructure damage from extreme weather events, and pressures on food supply during temperature extremes. These findings underscore the urgent need for proactive measures to mitigate climate-related risks within the agri-food industry.

He concluded the lecture saying “Alongside well-known risks, there are opportunities for UK food security in a changing climate. However, it is imperative that we implement a whole system approach to adopt and implement potential solutions.”

Share
Latest News
  • PhD Students impress with their presentations in the School’s 3 Minute Thesis Competition
    13 May, 2025
  • PhD Expedition Maps Critical Habitats of Mobula Rays in the Galápagos Islands
    9 May, 2025
  • Black tea and berries could contribute to healthier ageing, research shows
    6 May, 2025
  • Celebrating RSB Accreditation Success and Student Achievement at the House of Commons
    11 April, 2025
  • Mia Constantinescu Wins Big at 2025 National Student Media Awards
    10 April, 2025
QUB Logo
Contact Us

School of Biological Sciences

Queen's University Belfast
School of Biological Sciences
19 Chlorine Gardens
Belfast BT9 5DL
Northern Ireland

GET DIRECTIONS

  • Phone: +44 (0)28 9097 5787
  • Email: sbsigfsoffice@qub.ac.uk 

Quick Links

  • Home
  • Study
  • Research
  • People
© Queen's University Belfast 2025
Privacy and cookies
Website accessibility
Freedom of information
Modern slavery statement
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
University Policies and Procedures
Manage cookies