With the University of Reading proudly at its heart, the 2025 Reading Climate Festival brought the town together for two inspiring weeks of talks, tours and events – from tackling climate misinformation to visualising global warming with the iconic climate stripes.
After two packed weeks of events, conversations and community action, which focused on creating a net zero, climate-resilient future for the town, the Reading Climate Festival is drawing to a close. Held from 7 – 21 June and curated by Reading Climate Action Network (RCAN), the festival brought together individuals, schools, businesses, charities, and researchers in a collective effort to drive local climate engagement.
With University of Reading staff and students involved in a range of inspiring activities, the festival sparked real action. Read on to discover the festival highlights, the small changes one alumna is making to her everyday life, and how you can still get involved.
The highlights
One of the headline events was a public lecture, Clearing the Air: Climate Law in the Age of Misinformation, by Professor Chris Hilson from the School of Law. Held at Reading Town Hall, Professor Hilson tackled the growing threat of misinformation and explored how legal frameworks can be used to safeguard public understanding and support climate justice in an era where truth is increasingly under threat.
Watch Clearing the Air: Climate Law in the Age of Misinformation now:
Elsewhere in the programme, University students from the School of Agriculture, Policy and Development led ‘Reading Under Water’, an eye-opening session hosted at RISC World Shop. They explored how climate change impacts local water dynamics and attendees heard about the risks of flooding, the future of the River Thames, and sustainable water management solutions.
The Museum of English Rural Life (MERL), offered a unique perspective on environmental change through the museum’s collections. Led by curator Dr Ollie Douglas, and joined by special guest Tom Macmillan, from the Royal Agriculture University, the tour sparked discussion around the UK’s rural past, present and sustainable future.
Supporting action in schools was the theme of ‘Climate Action Planning in Education’, a practical workshop for headteachers and education leaders. Held at the University’s London Road campus, the session provided support and guidance for schools working towards the UK Government’s goal – for all education settings to have climate action plans by the end of 2025.
There’s still time to take part in one of the festival’s most visible and impactful activities – Show Your Stripes Day – on Saturday 21 June. The global initiative invites everyone to display the iconic climate stripes, a powerful visual reminder of our rapidly warming planet. Whether you’re on campus or in your community, wearing or sharing the stripes is a simple but striking way to show your support for climate action and spark climate conversations.
A lasting impact
For 1991 applied statistics graduate Mel Barltrop, attending a talk on the iconic climate stripes proved to be a turning point in her climate journey. Mel was introduced to the concept through the Reading Climate Festival and when she received a Show Your Stripes reusable cup at the University of Reading 2023 Community Festival, Mel became curious enough to attend the Ed Hawkins lecture later that year.
“What struck me was how a simple picture can demonstrate something so powerful,” she explained.
“For all the global warming doubters out there, you can’t argue with the science behind these stripes.”
Inspired by Professor Hawkins’ compelling storytelling and the global reach of the warming stripes, Mel has since made small but meaningful changes to her everyday life. She said: “I always try to take a reusable cup with me, preferably my Show Your Stripes one, so I can tell others what the messaging means. I’m more careful with recycling and aim to only put out landfill rubbish once a month, as well as being more conscious about not using the car where possible.”
A long-time member of the University’s SportsPark and a regular at community and alumni events, Mel believes strongly in the power of climate education: “If we don’t educate people, nothing will change. It needs to be something people can engage with and find easy to relate to.”
Get involved
Find out more about how you can get involved in Show Your Stripes Day on Saturday 21 June. Whether you’re an individual, an organisation or a school looking to involve your pupils, there are lots of accessible activities for everyone.
The University of Reading is also inviting groups of 10 to 15 Key Stage 3 students from Reading to take part in a design-led, action-planning workshop that explores, maps, and measures air quality on Tuesday 24 June at Whiteknights campus.
Students will be introduced to air pollution issues, work collaboratively using technology for outdoor air quality assessments, and develop an action plan aimed at improving local air quality.
Schools are invited to register their interest for this session by contacting Marta O’Brien: marta.obrien@reading.ac.uk.
