The summer seems like a distant memory now but try to remember those weeks of hot, dry weather and the heatwaves we experienced.
It may seem a pleasant thought now as temperatures drop and winter approaches, but 2025 was the hottest summer on record in the UK and there have been consequences.
Vulnerable people’s health was affected, farmer’s crops suffered, wildlife and nature struggled and a hosepipe ban is still in force in parts of Reading due to water levels in reservoirs being so low.
Now, with our autumn and winter months being warmer and wetter, our thoughts turn to rain and concerns about flooding.
The worrying thing is that extreme weather is occurring more regularly and science shows much of it is down to manmade climate change.
The good news is that Reading is leading the way in cutting carbon emissions and there are plenty of things we can all do to reduce our impact on the environment.
Earlier this year, we learned that the borough’s carbon emissions have fallen by 57% since 2005, and Reading had achieved the 12th largest reduction in emissions out of 374 local authorities in the UK.
We also received confirmation that the town retained its CDP ‘A’ rating for climate action for the fourth consecutive year. Only 20 town and cities in the UK and 122 globally achieved this grade.
The Council continues to reduce its own carbon footprint by removing fossil fuel use in its buildings, including at our depot in Bennet Road and at the Civic Centre and Hexagon theatre, where exciting redevelopment projects are taking place.
We are also progressing with our programme of improving Council houses to make them more energy efficient and less costly to keep warm.
The Council’s fleet of bin lorries and smaller vans and cars are also being replaced with electric vehicles.
There are plenty of other organisations, community groups and charities which are committed to making our town, and the planet, a cleaner, greener, healthier place.
Volunteers are regularly out helping to maintain our parks and open spaces, growing food to share, running projects such as Reading Hydro, Reading Energy Society providing soler panels, fixing and repurposing items and running bicycle repair shops.
Other big local organisations such as the University of Reading, recognised globally for its climate research, and Royal Berkshire Hospital are also doing great work.
Throughout November, the Council is running a campaign called Clean, green, healthy Reading which will explore the six key themes in our emerging new Reading Climate Emergency Strategy: energy and heat; travel and transport; water; beyond waste; nature and open spaces and food.
As well as celebrating some of the borough’s climate achievements, it will also focus on actions you and I can take which will not only help the environment but also help us save money and to be healthier.
Keep an eye on the Council’s social media channels for tips, advice and information over the next four weeks.
By Cllr Liz Terry
