Carbon Literacy Training
Develop your knowledge of the climate crisis by taking the accredited and award-winning Carbon Literacy Training here at the University of Edinburgh. The course is open to all staff and students.
Register your interest
The training is up to six hours in total. Attendees must be able to come to all sessions for the course they sign up for.
In the latest version, when you sign up, you will be asked to complete pre-training preparation that will take between an hour and 90 minutes so that you can get the most out of your training session.
Sign up for upcoming training [University login required]
What is Carbon Literacy Training?
Carbon Literacy means being aware of the impact of everyday activities on the climate, knowing what steps can be taken to reduce emissions and why it’s important that we all take these steps.
Carbon Literacy Training is a day's worth of training, currently being offered online and face-to-face.
The University offers Carbon Literacy Training for all students and staff, accredited (officially recognised) by the Carbon Literacy Project. The actions of individuals can and do make a difference.
Find out more on the Climate Literacy Project website
How does it relate to your work or study?
Understanding climate science basics and being able to act on them isn't just for environmental students or professionals. Every facet of society needs to know and be able to act to mitigate the effects of carbon. Climate change affects the air we breathe, the coffee we drink, the animals and wildlife we love and will have an even greater effect on future generations if we don't act now.
Every single student and professional will need to be carbon literate if we are to help make the world a better place.
Why take the training?
- The training is an engaging, interactive and fun way to learn.
- You will equip yourself with the facts and understanding you need to make positive change for the climate in your own life and to positively influence those around you.
- Learners who complete the training can be certified as Carbon Literate, with a certificate as evidence. This can be used to boost CVs and annual reviews.
Case study: What is carbon literacy and why does it matter? [external website]
The sessions flew by thanks to the very interactive format and good mix of presented information and group discussions.
The instructors were so knowledgeable, helpful and made the whole experience really enjoyable and fun. Before I did this course I used to think that ‘big corporations and governments’ were responsible for ‘sorting out’ the climate crisis. But I had a complete ‘aha-moment’ during one of the sessions that I am responsible too, and there are things I can do as an individual to contribute to a carbon neutral society by 2038.
The course covers topics such as:
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why the climate crisis is an urgent challenge
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understanding climate science basics and climate crisis impacts
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inequalities involved in the climate crisis
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actions being taken at a local and global level
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actions you can take to make an impact
Participants:
- should have a desire to learn about the importance of the climate crisis and a desire to make changes to have an impact
- do not need any prior knowledge in the area - this will be covered in the course
- will need access to a computer or smart device, such as a mobile phone or tablet, in order to complete the sessions
- should make sure they have availability for each of the three sessions and as spaces are limited, we ask that you only sign up if you are certain you can attend and participate
To become certified, you will need to commit to undertaking an individual action and a group action. You will need to detail these actions and your learnings from the course in a follow-up form after the final session. We will help you through this.
Contact us
If you have any questions about the Carbon Literacy Training, please contact Alan Peddie, Sustainability Training Manager (Alan.Peddie@ed.ac.uk).
General enquiries
- Social Responsibility and Sustainability
Contact details
- Work: +44 (0)131 651 3000
- Email: SRS.Department@ed.ac.uk
- @edsust
Address
- Street
Department for Social Responsibility and Sustainability
The Boilerhouse
High School Yards- City
- Edinburgh
- Post Code
- EH1 1LT