Our research - University of Reading

The University of Reading's world-leading scientists contribute to a wealth of pioneering research, and are well placed to provide factual, informed accounts of the different ways climate change is affecting our planet.

Here are just some of the areas in which our scientists are investigating climate change around the world.

Changes to the environment

We've all seen images of glaciers melting and wildfires raging, but sometimes the smallest changes in our climate can have a devastating effect.

A study led by University of Reading experts investigated the regions which are experiencing the greatest fluctuations in temperature and rainfall, and the impact that the relatively smaller changes are having on communities in the tropics.
Postdoctoral Research Associate in Climate Science, Ella Gilbert, examines the impact of rising global temperatures on Antarctica's ice shelves.

The way we eat

Climate change is not only affecting the choices we make in the kitchen, but it also impacting the availability of certain foods throughout the year. While we have grown accustomed to having a steady supply of exotic fruit, vegetables and meats all year round, changes in our climate have caused many farming methods to become unsustainable.

Professor of Crop Production, Richard Ellis, reports that extreme weather events – such as floods and heatwaves – are affecting the quality of seeds all over the world, which can have severe consequences.

The way we live

The choices we make every single day can affect both the climate and the impact we have on the environment. Our experts are researching the ways humans are impacting the planet, and the ways we can adapt our behaviour to help make a change.

Professor of Applied Ecology, Tom Oliver, explains in his blog that while climate change can at first seem an overwhelming challenge, the key is to start viewing ourselves as part of a collective, rather than individuals.
PhD research student, Konstantinos Tsiolis, explains his research into the critical role of bees in our environment ands how we can understand and support their needs better.
Experts from the University of Reading were part of the 2020 Lancet Countdown report detailing the threat of climate change to health, lives and livelihoods in all countries around the world.
Professor of Energy Economics, Jacopo Torriti – along with postdoctoral researchers Jose Luiz Ramirez-Mendiola and Timur Yunusov – investigated the immediate impact of lockdown on energy demand, and how these differed from pre-pandemic routines.
Professor of Atmospheric Science, Paul Williams, examines how climate change is already impacting air trave l.

What could happen in the future?

Professor of Hydrology, Hannah Cloke, examines the possibility of living behind giant flood defences as a way to protect coastal communities against rising sea levels.

We're green in all sorts of ways

1st in the People & Planet University League 2023

Queens Anniversary Prize for climate research and action

Winner of Outstanding Contribution to Environmental Leadership