Carbon Literacy
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 December '23, over 76,000 people are now certified as Carbon Literate. Over 600 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!
Carbon Literacy training offers everyone a day’s worth of Carbon Literacy learning, covering climate change, carbon footprints, how you can do your bit, and why it’s relevant to you and your community, organisation or workplace.
After completing a day's worth of training and a short assessment form which includes two carbon reduction pledges, learners can be certified as Carbon Literate and receive a 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!
INTERESTED IN CARBON LITERACY FOR INDIVIDUALS AND
COMMUNITY GROUPS?
INTERESTED IN
CARBON LITERACY FOR THE VETERINARY PROFESSION?
INTERESTED IN CREATING
YOUR OWN
CARBON LITERACY COURSE?
INTERESTED IN A BESPOKE
CARBON LITERACY COURSE FOR YOUR ORGANISATION?
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, 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 600 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
Talking Climate is 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.
Over 400 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.
Carbon Literacy for the Veterinary Profession
This course does what it says on the tin and is for members of the veterinary profession. The course is delivered in association with Vet Sustain and since it's launch in March 2023 has seen nearly 100 participants from all over the world and from many sectors within the profession including small animal, equine, farm animal, academia and corporate.
Bespoke Courses
If you're interested in creating your own Carbon Literacy course or want a bespoke course for your organisation, I have options to help!
INTERESTED IN CARBON LITERACY FOR INDIVIDUALS AND
COMMUNITY GROUPS?
INTERESTED IN
CARBON LITERACY FOR THE VETERINARY PROFESSION?
INTERESTED IN CREATING
YOUR OWN
CARBON LITERACY COURSE?
INTERESTED IN A BESPOKE
CARBON LITERACY COURSE FOR YOUR ORGANISATION?
Sustainable(ish) and Carbon Literacy
Since undertaking my own Carbon Literacy training during the second Covid lockdown (alongside juggling the 'joys' of home schooling and running a business!) I have delivered Carbon Literacy training to over 500 participants, and developed and delivered 3 Carbon Literacy courses.
A day's worth of sustainability training can sound like a lot. And let's be honest, can sound like total dullsville. And it absolutely can be. However, I've worked hard to ensure that my courses are relevant, engaging and even, maybe, a little bit fun!
The course is very much an emotional rollercoaster, and looking more closely at climate change and it's impacts is always going to be uncomfortable. With that in mind, my main aim for any of the courses I run is that people finish the sessions feeling enthused and empowered to create and complete their carbon reduction pledges, and to continue to reduce their own carbon footprint and encourage others to do the same.
I can't tell you how much I enjoy delivering Carbon Literacy training! Taking people on that rollercoaster of a journey is intense, but also a complete privilege, and seeing the pledges that people create and the changes that occur as a result of the training brings the biggest smile to my face.
As of January '24, my own Carbon Literacy journey has seen me:
- Develop multiple Carbon Literacy courses including Talking Climate - the Sustainable(ish) Carbon Literacy course, and Carbon Literacy for the Veterinary Profession
- Deliver Carbon Literacy training to over 500 people, resulting in carbon reduction pledges totally 320,000kg CO2e
- Become an accredited Carbon Literacy Trainer
- Work with Bloomsbury Publishing to create a bespoke Carbon Literacy course for their organisation and facilitated the roll-out of the initial cohorts
- Develop and pilot a 'Write your own Carbon Literacy Course' course..!
INTERESTED IN CARBON LITERACY FOR INDIVIDUALS AND
COMMUNITY GROUPS?
INTERESTED IN
CARBON LITERACY FOR THE VETERINARY PROFESSION?
INTERESTED IN CREATING
YOUR OWN
CARBON LITERACY COURSE?
INTERESTED IN A BESPOKE
CARBON LITERACY COURSE FOR YOUR ORGANISATION?
If you have any questions about Carbon Literacy Training or would like to enquire about bespoke courses,
please do drop an e-mail to: jen@sustainableish.co.uk