Reading Climate Festival

Thank you to everyone who supported Reading Climate Festival (RCF) 2024. Details of RCF 2025 will be added here in the future.

Led by the Reading Climate Action Network (RCAN), the Reading Climate Festival provided opportunities for local schools, organizations, and individuals to assist Reading in becoming a net-zero, climate-resilient town.

The University of Reading collaborated with RCAN to organize events at the Reading Climate Festival. The two-week program of events included activities for the entire community:

Support for businesses and schools to understand their impact on the climate
An immersive art installation
Well-being walks in nature
Talks on how to reduce your bills and create warmer homes
A Big Lunch in Forbury Gardens

All events were free.

University of Reading highlights

Show Your Stripes Day

21 June

Professor Ed Hawkins MBE, climate scientist and creator of the warming stripes, closed the festival and marked Show Your Stripes Day.

Climate Ambassadors

10 June

The University provided guidance to schools on creating climate action plans, reducing carbon emissions, addressing climate risks, and educating the next generation. They also informed students about becoming Climate Ambassadors.

Storing Carbon Under Your Feet

12 June

Professor Martin Lukac from the University of Reading's Department of Sustainable Land Management discussed strategies for carbon sequestration in urban soils.

Youth Mobilisation Day

15 June

Youth Mobilisation Day, organised by Reading student Raman Nijjar and other students, encouraged young people (aged 16-25) to participate in 'future visioning' for Reading and gain skills in campaigning, filmmaking, and engaging with politics.

Action for Pollinators

20 June

Led by the Institute of Education, this event focused on the world of bees, butterflies, and other tiny-winged wonders and their pivotal role in combatting climate change.

Clean Air Schools

20 June

The University collaborated with Reading Borough Council, Design Nature, and Stantec to organise a workshop for local schools. Students had the opportunity to explore, map, and measure air quality and learn ways to improve it.

Year of Climate Engagement

2024

2024 is Reading's Year of Climate Engagement. Anyone who lives, works, or studies here can help decide our town's climate action priorities for 2025 - 2030.

Get involved

We're green in all sorts of ways

1st in the People & Planet University League 2023/24

The Times and Sunday Times, Good University Guide 2025, Sustainable University of the Year

Queen's Anniversary Prize for climate research and action

Winner of Outstanding Contribution to Sustainability Leadership, London Higher Award 2024

Winner of Outstanding Contribution to Environmental Leadership