READING Borough Council has shown its commitment to tackling the climate crisis by launching its climate change awareness month with some of the town’s most recognised organisations.
The council has teamed up with Reading Buses, the University of Reading’s Prof Ed Hawkins and Reading Football Club at the team’s official team photo to kick-off November.
Prof Hawkins’ climate stripes feature on the Championship side’s home and away shirts, a visual demonstration to supporters how global temperatures have risen over the decades.
Cllr Tony Page, Reading Borough Council’s lead member for climate strategy and transport, said: “I’m delighted that the Council-owned Reading Buses and Reading FC joined Prof Ed Hawkins to launch the council’s climate month. Both the bus company and the club are doing their bit to highlight awareness of his important climate stripes.
“More residents, communities, businesses and organisations across Reading need to get involved to spread the word.”
The climate month launch took place at Reading FC’s Bearwood Park Training Ground to the backdrop of Reading Buses climate stripes gas-powered bus.
Recently featuring on the front cover of Greta Thunberg’s The Climate Book, the world famous climate stripes depict the progression of annual average temperatures, changing from blue to mainly red in more recent years.
In February 2019, the council declared a climate emergency on behalf of the community of Reading, stating it would require a unified effort to achieve its goal of becoming a net-zero town.
Starting on Monday, November 7, the council will work to educate, engage and inspire residents, businesses and organisations to make positive changes and reduce their carbon footprint.
The four-week campaign will focus on young people, raising awareness, inspiring communities and promoting low-cost energy efficiency measures, among other aspects.
Cllr Page explained: “Like many other places, Reading experienced its hottest day on record this summer on July 19, when temperatures hit 37.6 degrees celsius.
“This is not a one-off. Our own climate stripes clearly illustrate the warming temperature in Reading over many years which, if it continues, will create enormous challenges in terms of infrastructure we all take for granted and rely on.
“Our four-week climate change campaign is an opportunity to learn and be inspired to build a cleaner, greener town. Resident will get the chance to see the decarbonisation work the council has completed in schools across the town, how the council is leading by example in reducing its own emissions and to pick up low-cost and no-cost energy efficiency tips as we head into winter.”
