Christine Helen Foyer, professor of Plant Sciences at University of Birmingham delivering a lecture on ‘Photosynthesis in a Changed Climate: Research Frontiers and India’s Food Security’ at Kuvempu University on Saturday.
| Photo Credit: SATHISH G.T.
Elevated carbon dioxide levels caused by climate change will have a direct impact on food production, denying a large section of people nutrition, said Christine Helen Foyer, professor of Plant Sciences at University of Birmingham.
Ms. Foyer delivered a talk on ‘Photosynthesis in a Changed Climate: Research Frontiers and India’s Food Security’ at the Kuvempu University headquarters in Shankaraghatta near Shivamogga on Saturday.
Elaborating on research activities being conducted at the Birmingham Institute of Forest Research Free Air Carbon Dioxide Enrichment (BIFoR FACE) facility, Ms. Foyer stated that elevated carbon dioxide conditions would bring down protein and reduce mineral concentration. Many countries would suffer because of this condition in the coming days, she stated.
Ms. Foyer, one of the top scientists conducting research on photosynthesis, has been part of the study on how elevated carbon dioxide affects carbon flows, nutrient cycles, water use, biodiversity, and ecosystem culture. As part of the study at BIFoR FACE, carbon dioxide levels were increased to 550 ppm (parts per million), mimicking the future environment, to study the impact.
In her presentation, Ms. Foyer said that the elevated carbon dioxide condition would increase photosynthesis, leading to increased growth, leaf mass, and timber. However, it would have an impact on the quality of nutrition. Such a situation would impact food production, leaving the poor badly affected. Many countries, including India, would face the consequences of such a situation, she stated. Highlighting the need for deeper research into photosynthesis, Ms. Foyer suggested the students of the university to take up research in the area.
Kuvempu University Vice-Chancellor Sharath Ananthamurthy, the teaching faculty of the university, research scholars, and students interacted with Ms. Foyer on the occasion. Rakesh Tiwari, a postdoctoral researcher at Uppsala University of Sweden introduced Ms. Foyer and her research. Yogendra K., professor of the Department of Studies in Environmental Sciences, and others were present on the occasion.
Published – September 06, 2025 08:09 pm IST
