Reading Climate Festival returns to town this June

4th June 2024

Two weeks of online and in-person events to inspire climate action and collaboration in Reading.

Reading Climate Festival 2024 offers two weeks of free events to inspire and support Reading’s journey to net zero. The annual festival, led by Reading Climate Action Network (RCAN), returns this June to offer a mix of public and business-focused events to bring the topic of climate change to everyone in Reading.

The programme includes some whole town events such as a Youth Mobilisation Day organised by and for young people, art installations, wellbeing walks, help with bill reductions, a Big Lunch in Forbury Gardens for the whole community, with music and climate-friendly street food - and much, more.

Reading businesses are also encouraged to get involved with the programme though a number of events and talks to help measure, understand and reduce their climate impact, as well as the opportunity to form part of a collective pledge to work towards net zero in Reading.

WHAT DOES ‘NET ZERO BY 2030’ MEAN FOR READING?
12:30pm – 1:30pm | Wed 12 June | ONLINE

REDA’s Chief Executive, Nigel Horton-Baker, will be forming part of a panel and Q&A discussion as part of the programme, discussing that it means for an entire area to be ‘net zero’. “I’m delighted to join the panel to discuss what net zero by 2030 means for Reading, as part of this year’s Climate Festival programme,” Nigel said. “I look forward to debating this important topic with colleagues, particularly looking at issues affecting the economy, such as the development of the Reading 2050 Vision, engaging businesses around green skills and helping to boost local business with the skills needed to deliver net zero ahead of 2050.”

Nigel joins the panel on Wednesday 12 June at 12:30-13:30 – register for free for this online event.

Other business-focussed events and talks over the two-week festival include:

JOIN THE READING CLIMATE PLEDGE FOR ORGANISATIONS
4pm – 5pm | Wed 12 Jun | ONLINE
All businesses and organisations in Reading are invited to sign the Reading Climate Pledge for Organisations. In doing so, you become part of a collective effort to reduce our town’s contribution to climate change and to shift systems towards climate resilience. On this path you’ll also discover many, many positive spin-offs like cost savings, purpose, community and innovation. Come and find out about the pledge and hear about a range of resources that are available to help you on the path to net zero. Find out more and register

FUNDAMENTALS OF NET ZERO REPORTING
10:30am-12pm | Mon 17 Jun | ONLINE
Businesses are under increasing pressure from their customers to account for – and reduce – their impact on climate change. This ‘starter’ session is for people who want to help their organisations measure, understand and reduce these impacts. Find out more and register

THE CARBON FOOTPRINT OF DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES
1pm – 1:45pm | Wed 19 Jun | ONLINE
If the internet were a nation it would be 4th largest CO2e contributor on the planet, collectively it is often cited as being responsible for more CO2e emissions than the aviation industry! Join this session to hear from digital carbon expert, Scott Stonham to discover the unexpected impact of digital technologies and what you can do to reduce yours. Find out more and register

FREE SOLAR PV FOR BUSINESS & SCHOOL ROOFTOPS
2:30pm – 3:30pm | Wed 19 Jun 2024 | ONLINE
Reading Community Energy Society (RCES) has a mission to accelerate the uptake of community-owned renewable energy in Reading and surrounds. RCES owns and operates 23 solar PV systems on roofs in and around Reading, with a combined capacity of over 600 kWp energy – enough to power the equivalent of 146 homes each year. The team is always on the lookout for new sites. If you would like to hear more about their model for putting free solar PV on local school, community and business rooftops, and ask questions, please join this session. Find out more and register

CLIMATE AMBASSADORS SCHEME FOR SCHOOLS
4pm | Mon 10 June 2024 | ONLINE | Staff
In April 2022, the University of Reading launched the Climate Ambassadors Scheme in collaboration with EAUC and STEM Learning. It is a free service for schools and other education settings that want to develop a climate plan to reduce carbon emissions, tackle climate risks and inspire and inform the next generation. Find out more and register

FROM LOCAL TO GLOBAL:  HOW THE CLIMATE STRIPES SPREAD A MESSAGE AROUND THE WORLD
7pm | Fri 21 June 2024 | Reading Town Hall or ONLINE
Reading BID is supporting the University of Reading’s closing event for the 2024 Climate Festival, with Professor Ed Hawkins MBE - climate scientist and IPCC author, and creator of the famous climate warming stripes - in conversation at the Concert Hall. Find out more and register.

Reading businesses can also play their part in Reading’s journey to net zero through their roles as a householder, volunteer, community member, parent, student, etc. We all wear many hats! Browse the full programme of 30+ online and in-person events to inspire and support climate action in Reading.