Reading Climate Festival returns this week, with multiple events involving the University of Reading.

Running between 24 September – 4 October, Reading Climate Festival offers a series of free in-person and online events to inspire and encourage positive action on climate change.

Curated by Reading Climate Action Network (Reading CAN), the Festival is aimed at helping individuals, communities and organisations understand how they can support Reading’s commitment to being a Net Zero, climate resilient town by 2030.

Following on from the launch of the Climate Ambassador Scheme, and the announcement of a sustainability partnership with Reading FC earlier this year, the University will be hosting two events at this year’s Reading Climate Festival.

Reading FC Shows its Stripes

Tuesday 27 September, 12-1pm - online

At this event Reading FC's Commercial Director Tim Kilpatrick will explain the reasoning behind the club's decision to take action against climate change and how it is developing its strategy.

Professor Ed Hawkins, who designed the climate stripes, will talk about the origins of the climate stripes and how they are helping to raise awareness globally, as well as discussing some of the ground-breaking work being done at the University to develop effective solutions to climate change.

Climate in the Classroom

Wednesday 28 September, 4-5pm - online

Learn about the work that’s underway to transform climate education in UK schools and colleges for young people aged 8-18 and how you can get involved.

Following the University’s successful Climate Education Summit in September 2021 and the launch of the National Climate Education Action Plan at COP26, find out about progress that’s being made, including the Climate Ambassador Scheme and the Climate Education & Sustainability Initial Teacher Education Framework.

Dylan Parkes, Head of Strategic Engagement for Climate & Environmental Sustainability at the University of Reading, said: “The University of Reading is a world leader in climate science and has an ambitious plan to reduce its net carbon emissions to zero by 2030. We are pleased to be involved once again in Reading Climate Festival so we can help people understand how even small changes in our everyday lives can help make a big difference in the fight against climate change.”

Further events

The University is involved with further events at this year’s Reading Climate Festival. These include:

• The Reading Climate Festival Youth Fair: Saturday 24 September
  • Colleagues from the University’s Outreach team are involved in this event
• Reducing energy bills by creating warmer homes: Tuesday 27 September, 3-4pm
  • Featuring Dr Mehdi Shahrestani, from the School of the Built Environment

• Converting heating systems to heat pumps: Thursday 29 September, 3-4pm
  • Featuring Dr Mehdi Shahrestani, from the School of the Built Environment
• Powering our everyday life: how much energy do our daily activities need?: Monday 26 September, 1-2pm
  • Featuring Jose Ramirez-Mendiola, from the School of the Built Environment

All events must be registered for through the Event website.