University community marches towards COP26 to take action on climate change

Staff and students from the University of Reading will show their support for climate action this month as they join a march from Cornwall to Glasgow in time for the COP26 climate change summit.

A group of students and researchers will complete the Reading leg of the Relay to COP26, run by the national Young Christian Climate Network (YCCN) organisation, on Wednesday 28^th July.

The overall 530-mile walk St Ives to Glasgow began on 11 June and arrives in Glasgow on 30 October - the day before the conference of world leaders, which will focus on international climate action progress and goals.

'We hope the passion for climate science and hope for a positive future comes through loud and clear' -- the Revd Mark Laynesmith

The Reverend Mark Laynesmith, Anglican Chaplain at the University of Reading, who is leading the Reading leg of the YCCN march, said: "COP26 will be a massive moment for climate action, with the delayed event aiming to get the world back on track with its climate targets after a year like no other.

"As well as words, we must take action to raise awareness of the terrible impacts of climate change and our role in preventing the worst of these. We hope the passion for climate science and hope for a positive future among the University community comes through loud and clear during this march."

The Reading YCCN march begins at Aldermaston Wharf at 10am and ends at Wesley Church in Reading town centre for an evening prayer.

It will be followed by a series of events focused on climate justice, hosted by Reading Minster and with involvement by Reading staff and students. This includes a creative climate workshop and an exhibition, across various churches in Reading.

The YCCN relay walk is open to everyone, and those wanting to take part should email Rev Laynesmith on m.d.laynesmith@reading.ac.uk

Supporting climate education

The University of Reading is contributing to ramping up public communication of climate science and the impacts of climate change, through a series of activities in the lead up to COP26 and beyond.

This includes a Climate Education Summit scheduled for 15 September, in partnership with the Royal Meteorological Society, Office for Climate Education, youth campaign groups, television weather presenters and many others.

The virtual event will bring together teachers, young people, climate science and education experts, and policymakers to discuss what aspects of climate education in schools needs to be improved, and how immediate changes can be supported by those involved.