Climate education champion receives OBE at royal investiture

A leading climate scientist and education advocate has received his royal honour in a ceremony at Windsor Castle.

Professor Andrew Charlton-Perez OBE, Head of the School of Mathematical, Physical and Computational Sciences at the University of Reading, was officially appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) by HRH Prince William, the Prince of Wales, on 14 January.

The distinguished academic, who was named in the King's Birthday Honours list in June 2025, was recognised for his exceptional contributions to climate science and education.

“Receiving this honour was a humbling and memorable experience,” said Professor Charlton-Perez. “It was a moment to reflect on the collective efforts of so many colleagues, volunteers and partners who share a commitment to ensuring every young person receives the climate education they deserve.”

Transforming climate education

Professor Charlton-Perez has played a leading role at the University of Reading in delivering the National Climate Education Action Plan, bringing together more than 80 organisations to collaborate on transformative climate education initiatives. As national co-lead of the Climate Ambassador programme, supported with nearly £4 million of Department for Education funding, he has helped provide free sustainability support to educational settings across the UK.

More than 1,200 volunteers have joined the Climate Ambassadors scheme, working with nurseries, schools and colleges more than 2,900 times to enhance climate education, promote green careers, and help educational institutions become more climate resilient.

As a scientist, Professor Charlton-Perez has made significant contributions to meteorology, particularly on stratospheric sudden warmings and their surface climate impacts – often a precursor to cold winter weather, which has led to major improvements in winter weather forecasts.

He has won the Royal Meteorological Society LF Richardson Prize and co-authored major scientific assessments on ozone depletion and stratospheric processes.

At the University of Reading, he played a key role in building international and government support to bring the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts headquarters to the University's Whiteknights campus.

The appointment recognises Professor Charlton-Perez's lasting impact on climate education and his commitment to supporting young people and the wider education system on a path towards a more positive, green future.