As part of the University of Reading’s Green Week, students and guests gathered for an inspiring Race Against Climate Change (RACC) event – a session that brought together voices from the world of motorsport and sustainability. The event highlighted how sport can be a catalyst for climate action, inspiring the next generation to take meaningful steps toward a more sustainable future.
The Race Against Climate Change initiative stands out for its unique approach, using sport not just for entertainment, but as a platform to raise awareness about the urgent need to address climate change. The speakers shared how the excitement, teamwork, and innovation found in motorsport can drive broader cultural and environmental transformation.
The event kicked off with a fireside chat, which featured Professor Ed Hawkins and Envision Racing Team Principal, Sylvain Filippi – two figures whose careers reflect how passion for research and racing can evolve into purpose-driven climate advocacy.
Ed spoke about his career journey and how a 2013 heatwave changed his perception of climate change. The extreme weather made him realise the urgency of the issue, prompting him to devote his career to making a difference. “We are making progress,” he emphasised, “but we need to do more.” His message underscored both optimism and accountability in tackling the climate crisis.
Sylvain shared his own story of transformation, explaining how sport is the biggest platform to influence fans, and why Envision Racing uses its voice to spread awareness for climate action. He spoke on his first experience driving an electric vehicle and how that inspired him for the future of technology in cars and that Formula E offered the perfect crossover of his two passions: motorsport and EVs.
The fireside chat closed on a hopeful note. The Race Against Climate Change isn’t about doom and gloom; it’s about inspiring positive action. Through collaboration, creativity, and innovation, motorsport – and sport more broadly – can help accelerate the global transition toward a cleaner, fairer, and more exciting future.
Next up for the students of Reading was a panel discussion on careers in green technology, featuring four panellists, all with varying job roles, linked to sustainability.
Saunders Carmichael-Brown, Formula E presenter and digital creator explained to the audience how once he found the world of EVs and sustainable technology, his interest grew to pursue a career in which he is passionate about.
Envision Racing Simulation Engineer, Ander Fraile, appeared on the panel and revealed how working for a motorsport team which has sustainability at its core has inspired him to learn more and be proud of the company he works for.
Whitney Love, Sustainability Aviation Consultant, shared how her passion for aviation started from a young age, enjoying travelling, and then discovered the sustainability aspect through her degree in geography, which made her realise she could combine her two passions to improve the industry within sustainable aviation fuels.
Finally, University of Reading lecturer Ieuan Higgs spoke on the ‘lightbulb’ moment for him in his journey in sustainability during a project on the Amazon Rainforest revealed satellite imagery of the deforestation – and helped him realise his skills in science could be used for good.
The students left feeling inspired and better connected on opportunities within the green technology and sustainability industries, with the event the most engaged outside of the careers fair for the University: highlighting the importance of supporting the next generation and bringing the Race Against Climate Change to our future.
One student post event shared the following feedback; “The automotive industry has always been a huge passion of mine, and I am a huge fan of Formula E, with that being the exact career path I would love to pursue.
I just wanted to thank Reading University for providing me with the opportunity to meet and talk to the professionals in the industry I want to pursue as a career in person and get to hear what they do and meet the team I have been following for years.”
