Keynotes

Monday 11th August 2025

Keynote presenter: Dr Tim Fox CEng FIMechE FRSA

Title: Becoming Critical – Cooling as Critical National Infrastructure

Discover Why Cooling is Mission Critical and Must Be Recognised As Such Now.

This compelling keynote session will explore how the cooling industry has evolved into a cornerstone of modern infrastructure — not just for maintaining comfortable spaces in which to live, work and play, but more broadly across a wide range of vital sectors. From commercial air-conditioning and food cold chains, to health products distribution, industrial processes, transport and data centres, you’ll learn how cooling is now a “mission-critical” service essential to public health, food security, global commerce, and economic well-being.

The session will take a global perspective, highlighting the challenges ahead as the planet continues to warm and climates experience significant change, as well as the importance of international collaboration and coordination in delivering viable, deliverable solutions. You’ll gain valuable insights into how governments view critical infrastructure, the importance of recognising cooling as such, and progress towards achieving that status in the UK and beyond. Vitally, you will understand the implications for society of ignoring the importance of cooling as mission critical, not only in terms of the direct human costs, but also the trade, commerce and economic development losses and, ultimately, degraded national security and stability.

What you’ll learn:

• Why cooling systems are now essential across a wide range of sectors
• How it underpins health, security, the global economy and human well-being
• The implications of a warming world and climate change for the future of cooling
• How to make the case for cooling as critical infrastructure
• Practical takeaways for improving the resilience in your own cooling based operations

Dr Tim Fox CEng FIMechE FRSA

Dr Tim Fox is an internationally recognised expert in climate change adaptation and mitigation with specialist knowledge of clean energy, sustainable cooling and cold chains, and process engineering-based industries. He works as an independent consultant operating at the intersection of science-engineering-policy-business-communications and is experienced in working with international bodies, such as the UN; EU; national governments in the UK, Europe, India, Africa and Japan; industry; business; financiers; academia; NGOs; the press, media and wider general public. Tim is a Chartered Engineer (CEng), Fellow of the IMechE, and a member of the Adaptation to Climate Change Group of BSI Committee SES/001/07, as well as the ISO Task Group TC207/SC7/TG2 Adaptation to Climate Change, and UK Infrastructure Operators Adaptation Forum. He has been lead author of numerous peer-reviewed papers, research reports, policy papers and thought leadership reports, most recently including “Adapting industry to withstand rising temperatures and future heatwaves” for the IMechE and the Centre of Sustainable Cooling’s “The Hot Reality: Living in a +50C World” report.

Tuesday 12th August 2025

Keynote presenter: Dr Pete Falloon FRMetS, FRSA

Title: Risk and Resilience: What climate change means for the UK food system

Climate change is, and will continue to, impact the UK food system in a variety of ways, posing both challenges and opportunities. In this keynote address, Dr. Peter Falloon—Science Lead for Food Security at the UK Met Office—will explore the systemic risks and opportunities facing the UK food system as climate conditions evolve.

Drawing on his expertise in climate modelling, weather and climate data, and agri-environment systems, Dr. Falloon will outline how climate change is expected to affect the UK food system from farm to fork and considering domestic and international dimensions. He will present the latest climate projections and illustrate how data-driven adaptation planning is essential to building resilience.

What you’ll gain

• Clarity on climate trends: An evidence-based overview of projected changes in climate and  extreme events, informed by Met Office climate data.
• Understanding systemic vulnerabilities: Insights into how climate change will impact the UK food system and its activities, with a particular focus on extreme events.
• Practical adaptation strategies: Approaches to building resilience, including integrating weather and climate forecasts into planning, design, and operational practices.
• Opportunities for cross-sector collaboration: Emphasis on partnerships between climate scientists, engineers, policymakers, and industry leaders to drive innovation and mitigate risk.

Dr Pete Falloon FRMetS, FRSA

Dr Pete Falloon is the Met Office’s Science Lead – Food Security, and leads the Met Office’s Climate Service for Defra on Food, Farming and Natural Environment. Pete has over 25 years of experience in the impacts of climate and land use change on food systems and the environment. Pete has been at the Met Office Hadley Centre since 2004 and led the Climate Impacts Modelling team from 2009 to 2019. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and of the Royal Meteorological Society,  a contributing author to the UK’s Climate Change Risk Assessment (CCRA) and was a member of the Global Food Security Programme’s Programme Coordination Group board from 2013-2023. Pete is also Associate Professor in Climate Resilient Food Systems at the University of Bristol, Sustainability Director for Food Drink Devon CIC and an Honorary Associate at the Walker Institute.