BBC News
By Mark Kinver
image captionProf Dieter Helm is widely considered to be one of the leading minds on environmental economics
The work of a number of the UK s leading scientists has been recognised in this year s New Year Honours.
Prof Dieter Helm, chairman of the government s advisory Natural Capital Committee, has received a knighthood.
Marcus Agius, former chairman of the board of trustees at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, becomes a CBE.
Meanwhile, Dr Hermione Cockburn, scientific director of Dynamic Earth, is appointed OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire).
Prof Helm received his knighthood in recognition for his services to the environment, to energy and utilities policy .