Scientists in Reading say climate change is here

Scientists from the IPCC and the Met Office met at the University of Reading and reported a consensus that climate change is already affecting weather; Met Office researchers noted wetter seasons and recent flooding as consistent with expectations.

Many of the world's top climate scientists are in Berkshire this week for workshops at the University of Reading. The meetings include the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and the Met Office and focus on climate research and action over the next decade. Officials and presenters at the events said there is a general agreement that climate change is already affecting weather patterns. The visit included a public lecture that showcased climate stripes and other visual representations of long-term temperature change. Key points: - The workshops are hosted by the University of Reading and include the IPCC and the Met Office. - Workshop participants reported a general consensus that "climate change is here." - Professor Rowan Sutton of the Met Office Hadley Centre said the UK has seen wetter winters and autumns and recent flooding, which he described as part of a long-term pattern linked to greenhouse gas build-up. - The university reported its longest unbroken spell of rainy days since records began in 1908. - Public events included a lecture and displays such as the climate stripes and a jacket illustrating global temperature changes from 1850 to 2025. Summary: Scientists at the Reading workshops reported that observed changes in weather, including wetter seasons and flooding, align with scientific expectations about a warming climate. The meetings are intended to help assess the growing body of climate literature and to provide guidance for leadership. Undetermined at this time.