What is Carbon Literacy?
Carbon Literacy® is “an awareness of the carbon costs and impacts of everyday activities, and the ability and motivation to reduce emissions, on an individual, community and organisational basis.” It’s an accredited training programme that equips school staff with the confidence, knowledge and tools to take meaningful climate action in their roles and wider school communities.
Participants develop both individual and group action plans, laying the foundation for measurable, real-world change. The training also fosters a sense of shared purpose, often sparking wider cultural shifts within organisations.
Why it Matters
Carbon Literacy training is more than just climate facts. It’s about positive, empowering action. Attendees leave with:
- A background to some key terminology and history of Climate Change
- A deeper understanding of climate science
- Insight into the school’s or college’s carbon footprint
- Ideas for realistic, achievable climate actions
- Motivation to lead sustainability initiatives
Why is this Relevant to Education?
Green skills are crucial for a sustainable future because they equip individuals and organizations with the knowledge, abilities, and values needed to address environmental challenges and transition to a low-carbon economy. These skills are essential for mitigating climate change, promoting resource efficiency, and ensuring a sustainable future for all.
Here are some of the reasons Green Skills are vital:
1. Addressing Environmental Challenges:
Climate Change Mitigation:
Green skills are vital for developing and implementing solutions to combat climate change, such as renewable energy technologies, energy efficiency practices, and carbon capture and storage.
Pollution Reduction:
Green skills are essential for minimizing pollution in all its forms, including air and water pollution, and for developing cleaner technologies.
Biodiversity Conservation:
They support efforts to protect and restore natural habitats and biodiversity, which are crucial for a healthy planet.
2. Enhancing Social Equity:
Improved Public Health:
Addressing environmental challenges through green skills can lead to cleaner air and water, improving public health and well-being.
Job Creation and Economic Opportunities:
Green skills can create jobs and economic opportunities for individuals and communities, particularly in regions transitioning away from polluting industries.
Social Justice:
A just transition to a green economy ensures that the benefits of a sustainable future are shared by all, including vulnerable populations.
3. Ensuring a Sustainable Future:
Long-Term Resilience:
Green skills build the capacity of individuals and communities to adapt to climate change and other environmental challenges, making them more resilient in the face of future shocks.
Intergenerational Equity:
By promoting sustainable practices, green skills help to protect the environment and resources for future generations.
In essence, green skills are not just about environmental protection; they are about building a more just, equitable, and sustainable future for all. They are becoming increasingly important in all sectors, not just those traditionally associated with environmental work. The demand for green skills is growing rapidly, and individuals and organizations that develop and embrace them will be well-positioned for the future.
Who is the Training for?
Teachers and staff in primary and secondary schools or colleges, Sustainability Leads, Eco Coordinators, SLT members, any staff member motivated to reduce emissions and inspire change.
What does the Training Cover?
- The course ensures an understanding of how climate change is affecting us now and into the future, opportunities to better communicate climate issues at work and at home and introduces social aspects such as climate justice.
Course learning and outcomes:
- Climate science made simple and key terminology
- Carbon footprints and what they mean for schools
- The role of education in climate action
- The impact of climate change now and how it will affect us in the future
- Identify ways that you and your organisation can take action to reduce emissions
- Actions staff and schools can take — and how to lead them
- Independently Accredited Carbon Literate certification
What's included?
- Engaging, accessible training (delivered online or in person) certified by the Carbon Literacy Project
- Resources tailored to your school or college setting
- Time for questions, discussion and peer networking
- A fully certified training certificate from the Carbon Literacy Project
Course Requirements
The accredited course takes around 8 hours and includes guided activities and and requires completion of an evidence form which includes both an individual and a group action, to ensure there are some tangible follow up actions from the training.
Flexible delivery options are available including self study, in person delivery and discussion, or online training in shorter modules.