Explore climate solutions, create an action plan for you and your community, and gain Carbon Literate certification on our online course.

Specifically developed for those working in communities, this online course will cover the science of climate change, local and global impacts and how these will affect their work. Drawing on our Zero Carbon Britain research, we’ll look at low carbon objectives in the communities and create an action plan to influence others. Your output from this course will be evaluated by the Carbon Literacy Project in order for you to be certified as​ Carbon Literate.

What is Carbon Literacy? The Carbon Literacy Project describes it as ‘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.’ 

By joining this course you’ll be part of the Carbon Literacy Action Day, Training will take place throughout hundreds of organisations with thousands of learners completing their Carbon Literacy at the same time on 4 December 2023 (17:00 GMT).

Key information

• Duration: two afternoon sessions
• Day 1: Thursday 30 November 2023, Day 2: Monday 4 December 2023, 13:00 – 16:30 both days
• Location: online
  • This training is also offered as a bespoke course on a date to suit you. Please get in touch to arrange
• There is up to two additional hours of independent work for accreditation
• Fees: £95
  • Please get in touch if you would like to pay via invoice
• Includes: tuition, question and answer sessions, online course materials, Carbon Literacy Project accreditation

Terms and conditions

• You must be 16 years or over to attend this course
• For full list of terms and conditions click here

What you will learn

CAT’s Zero Carbon Britain project offers the hard data and confidence required for visualising a future where we have risen to the demands of climate science. It helps to reduce fear and misunderstandings and open new, positive, solutions-focused conversations.

This Carbon Literacy Project accredited online course will explore the solutions offered by the Zero Carbon Britain end point vision. Drawing on case studies and real life examples, we’ll look at practical steps to reach net zero from a community perspective.

During the course you’ll commit to two carbon reducing actions; one as an individual and one which will influence a group of individuals. These actions will be evaluated by the Carbon Literacy Project in order for you to be certified as​ Carbon Literate, enabling you to go on to train others in your community.

This online training is suitable for all who work in communities – as individuals or as part of groups, organisations, networks etc. Across the day there will be timetabled discussion and reflection sessions, Q&As, networking and offline breaks to keep the online format refreshing and engaging.

Looking for more Zero Carbon training?

Our popular Zero Carbon Britain: Live online courses cover a range of topics from renewable energy and energy efficiency to diets and land-use. Over the two days you’ll take part in workshops, debates and reflection sessions with a diverse mix of attendees on catalysing action across all areas of society.

Meet your tutors

John Anderson

John holds degrees in international relations, law and international security.  He has a background in decision support consultancy, training, research, facilitation and project management in the private sector.  He is currently researching climate change adaptation with CAT, and is an outdoors enthusiast and a keen piper.

Amanda Smith

Amanda is the Training Manager in our Zero Carbon Britain team. She has over 20 years experience in teaching, school leadership, adult training and organisational improvement. Amanda is a highly qualified, competent and experienced educator, with Qualified Teacher status, National Professional Qualification for Head Teachers and a Specialist Leader of Education.

Prior to joining the Centre for Alternative Technology Amanda was a Head Teacher, she also worked in an advisory capacity for the Local Education Authority from 2003, working with schools and other organisations in challenging circumstances to enable them to develop effective action plans and bring organisational change and improvement as a result.