Formula E accelerates climate conversations on campus

Stunned staff and students at the University of Reading got a close-up look at a Formula E racecar that is leading the way on climate action on Wednesday, 12 November.

Envision Racing brought the electric-powered vehicle to campus to help celebrate the University’s Green Festival 2025. 

The bright-green racecar is emblazoned with the University of Reading’s climate stripes, created by Professor Ed Hawkins. The blue and red stripes represent the average temperature for a single year, relative to the average temperature over the past 170 years. Shades of blue indicate cooler-than-average years, while red shows years that were hotter than average.

The stripes have adorned Envision’s car since the opening race of Season 10 of Formula E, which commenced in January 2024, to help raise awareness and start conversations on the climate crisis. In addition to featuring the global warming stripes on the car, the stripes are integrated into the team’s Race Against Climate Change programme, which aims to accelerate the transition to clean, secure and affordable renewable energy.

Professor Hawkins said: “Envision are sharing an important climate message on a global stage, racing around the world with the climate stripes on their car. 

“Making racing fans conscious of climate change is another example of how the stripes are reaching new people all the time. By starting more conversations about climate change, more people will understand the risks we face and what we can do to take action.

“Envision launched their climate stripes at COP28 in 2023. This year at COP30, we are seeing how vital it is to keep talking about our environment and build momentum for real change."

Professor Ed Hawkins and Sylvain Filippi, Envision Racing Managing Director, spoke in front of staff and students about their joint mission of engaging people with climate action, before a panel of experts joined them to discuss ways people can get into green careers. 

Envision also brought a simulator to campus to let staff and students experience the thrill of competing in a Formula E race. 

The University of Reading’s Green Festival 2025 started on Tuesday, 11 November and concludes on Thursday, 13 November. The Festival included talks, workshops, competitions and hands-on activities showcasing the sustainability work happening across campus.

Find out more: Green Festival 2025

Read: Climate stripes launched on Formula E race car at COP28

View and download climate stripes graphics for your city or country at showyourstripes.info