Environmental campaigners took to the streets of Reading on Saturday to raise awareness about the risk of flooding due to climate change.

As world leaders met in Glasgow for COP26, Extinction Rebellion, Friends of the Earth and the Greater Reading Environment Network held a silent vigil for the victims of flooding at the Oracle Riverside.

At 6pm, there was a ‘Sound the Alarm’ cacophony to coincide with Reading Minster’s ringing of its bells for Ring Out for Climate.

Reading Chronicle: Environmental groups spread awareness of the climate emergency along the River KennetEnvironmental groups spread awareness of the climate emergency along the River Kennet

Read more: Deaths and injuries caused by floods and water incidents revealed

Extinction Rebellion activist Lisa Hill said: "It's frightening how quickly climate change is affecting us here in the UK. 

“Climate change brings increasingly high rainfall, which of course leads to flooding. 

“I am really worried about how this will impact people's lives. World leaders at COP26 must act to address the climate crisis - it's our last chance."

More deaths and injuries were caused by flooding and other water emergencies in Berkshire last year, according to Home Office Data.

In Berkshire, eight deaths or injuries occurred in incidents where firefighters were called to flooding or other water emergencies in 2019-20 – up from four in 2018-19.

The Fire Brigades Union said the effects of climate change mean it is "no surprise" that flood deaths hit a record high across England.

Campaigner Helen Palmer said: “Many people still think Climate Change will not affect them personally, that it will only affect low-lying Pacific Islands.

Reading Chronicle: Environmental groups spread awareness of the climate emergency along the River KennetEnvironmental groups spread awareness of the climate emergency along the River Kennet

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“But the Thames and the River Kennet meet in Reading, and that makes us highly vulnerable to flooding.”

Reading activist Lucy said: “Global warming causes extreme temperatures that are now linked to around 5 million deaths a year. Hurricanes, floods, droughts and wildfires are scarily common.

“Look at the flash floods in July, and again just last week, that brought parts of London to a standstill.”