Talking Climate – the Sustainable(ish) Carbon Literacy Course
One of the most important things to fight the climate crisis, is talk about it.
But that feels hard right?
What if we don't get the facts right and someone calls us out?
What if we get into an argument?
What if we upset someone?
According to climate scientist Katharine Hayhoe, about 75% of us are worried about the climate crisis, but only about 8% of us are 'activated' (taking action and/or talking about it).
Maybe because:
- We don't really know what to do
- We're overwhelmed with information (lots of it contradictory) about what's the best thing to do
- We feel like we can't make a difference
- We feel like it's just us (it's not - see above!) and that maybe friends, family and colleagues will think we're turning into 'crusty green hippy types'
- We're busy, and tired, and it feels like 'climate action' could be the straw that broke the camel's back
- And a myriad other reasons.
Which is where Talking Climate comes in.
Talking Climate is the Sustainable(ish) Carbon Literacy course, that's designed to give you the knowledge, and importantly, the confidence you need, to talk to others about the Climate Crisis, and to take effective action both as an individual, and as part of a group - whether that's a workplace, school, community group, as a family, or something else.
UPCOMING DATES
SEPTEMBER 2026
WHEN:
THURSDAY 17th SEPTEMBER 9.30am - 1.30pm
FRIDAY 18th SEPTEMBER 9.30am - 1.30pm
NB. You must attend both sessions in person to be eligible for Carbon Literacy certification.
WHERE:
ONLINE (ZOOM)
JOIN THE WAITING LIST HERE:
What is Carbon Literacy?
Carbon Literacy is defined as:
“An awareness of the carbon dioxide costs and impacts of everyday activities, and the ability and motivation to reduce emissions, on an individual, community and organisational basis.”
The Carbon Literacy Project was formed in 2012 and as of August '26, over 165,000 people are now certified as Carbon Literate. Over 1000 training courses have been developed, each with a specific audience in mind and it's a training tool that is being used in many sectors including local authorities, the NHS and even the automotive industry!
Participants in Carbon Literacy training undertake a day's worth of training and pledge two actions to reduce carbon emissions. They are then eligible to apply for their Carbon Literacy certificate, which is something you can add to your CV, and makes a great 'hook' for talking about climate-y stuff in your workplace or any other organisations you're involved in. And once you've got your certificate, you can go on to create your own course to deliver within your community to create more ripples!
Why is it important?
The science is clear - we are in a climate and an ecological crisis.
We have a closing window of opportunity to act to ensure the health of the planet and a stable climate both for those of us alive now, and for the generations to come.
All the studies show us that the vast majority of people are concerned about the climate crisis, but often we don't really feel like we know what to do for the best.
Carbon Literacy training gives us all a baseline of understanding around how our activities are impacting the climate, where our emissions are coming from, and what are high impact actions and what are low impact actions. And importantly, as discussed above, it gives us the confidence to make better decisions more of the time, and to talk about our concerns for the planet, share the actions that we're taking and get others on board.
Who is it for?
Anyone and everyone! We all need this knowledge so that we can tackle the climate crisis together.
There are over 1000 different Carbon Literacy courses, and each one has been designed with a specific audience in mind to ensure that the training is as relevant and applicable as possible. Talking Climate - the Sustainable(ish) Carbon Literacy course has been designed for individuals and community groups. The focus is on individual actions and how we as individuals, families and community groups can influence others and create ripples of climate action.
Nearly 500 people have taken the Talking Climate course - with an age range of 15 through to 84, from all over the world and from all walks of life. No previous knowledge is necessary - it's not overly scientific and we try and bust any jargon and make sure that the information is delivered in an accessible (and enjoyable!) way.
How does it work?
Course are delivered online via Zoom - there are a variety of dates and times available.
The course is 8 hours of training - some are split into two four hour sessions, and some are run as four two hour sessions. However it's delivered, we cover four modules:
By the end of course you will have:
- Gained (or developed) an understanding of the basic science of climate change and how climate change is affecting us both globally and locally
- Gained (or developed) an understanding of climate justice
- Explored the different scenarios that lie ahead
- Created an action plan to help reduce your carbon footprint and take collective action in your workplace, school, community group
- Explored strategies for influencing others to take action on climate change
- AND be enthused and empowered to want to reduce your carbon footprint and the carbon footprint of those around you!
On completion of the course, you are eligible for your very own shiny Carbon Literacy certificate, verified and issued by the Carbon Literacy Project.
SIGN UP FOR THE WAITING LIST FOR SEPTEMBER'S COURSE
FAQs
Anyone and everyone!
I know that's super broad, but if you want to feel more confident talking about climate-y stuff, you want to be able to make more informed choices about actions you can take to reduce your own carbon footprint, and you want to learn more about the things that can be done by families, and community groups (anything from an eco group, to a WI, a choir to a bookclub!) then this is the course for you!
Talking Climate is delivered online via Zoom.
You need access to a device and a reliable internet connection.
The course costs £79.
This includes all 4 sessions (8 hours of training in total) delivered via Zoom, follow up resources and materials, and submitting your pledges for certification with the Carbon Literacy Project.
It's super important that climate education is accessible to all. If you'd love to attend but are unable to pay, please do get in touch (jen@sustainableish.co.uk) for a pro bono (free) place.
And please know if you are able to afford the cost, you're helping to fund places for those who can't.
The course is 8 hours worth of training in total, with optional 'homework' and activities in between (these don't count towards your certification!)
You need to have attended all four sessions live (and complete your Carbon Literacy pledges) to gain your Carbon Literacy certificate.
Please do ensure before you book, that you can attend all the sessions live.
Obviously last minute emergencies crop up and can't be helped - in which case, I will be in touch with you to see what other arrangements we can make.
I'm super aware that this is a big chunk of time to find, especially if you're juggling work and kids and other stuff as well.
I'm aiming to be as flexible as I can with times and to eventually offer a range of times to suit as many people as possible. If you're keen but the times below don't suit, please do drop me an e-mail on jen@sustainableish.co.uk and I will endeavour to help!
Yes, I'd love to!
Drop me an e-mail on jen@sustainableish.co.uk.
Fab! Drop me an e-mail on jen@sustainableish.co.uk