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The University of Reading's world-leading scientists contribute to a wealth of pioneering research, and are well placed to provide factual, informed accounts of the different ways climate change is affecting our planet.

Here are just some of the areas in which our scientists are investigating climate change around the world.

Changes to the environment

We've all seen images of glaciers melting and wildfires raging, but sometimes, the most unexpected changes can have a devastating effect.

The way we eat

Climate change is not only affecting the choices we make in the kitchen, but it is also impacting the availability of certain foods throughout the year and causing many of our farming methods to become unsustainable.

  • Faba beans: we have been conducting a £2 million, three-year study into the benefits for both the climate and the body if we switch from soya to faba flour in supermarket bread.
  • How heat stress affects cattle:understanding how livestock cope with climate change and how we can adapt animal husbandry methods to suit hotter temps.

The way we live

The choices we make every single day can affect both the climate and the impact we have on the environment. Our experts are researching how humans impact the planet and how we can adapt our behaviour to help make a change.

What could happen in the future?

We're green in all sorts of ways
People & Planet University League
1st in the People & Planet University League 2023/24
The Times and Sunday Times, Good University Guide 2025, Sustainable University of the Year
The Times and Sunday Times, Good University Guide 2025, Sustainable University of the Year
The Queen's Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education 2021
Queen's Anniversary Prize for climate research and action
London Higher
Winner of Outstanding Contribution to Sustainability Leadership, London Higher Award 2024
Times Higher Education Awards 2023
Winner of Outstanding Contribution to Environmental Leadership