University community marches towards COP26 to take action on climate change
26 July 2021
Staff and students from the ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø 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 ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø leg of the , run by the national Young Christian Climate Network (YCCN) organisation, on Wednesday 28th 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 ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø, who is leading the ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø 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 ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø YCCN march begins at Aldermaston Wharf at 10am and ends at Wesley Church in ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø town centre for an evening prayer.
It will be followed by a , hosted by ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø Minster and with involvement by ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø staff and students. This includes a creative climate workshop and an exhibition, across various churches in ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø.
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 ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø 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 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.