Want to lessen your own impact on the climate? Here's how
Colleagues all across the University are taking part in Climate Literacy Training, which explains how our way of living is having an impact on the planet - and, most importantly, how we can take steps to reduce that impact.
The training takes place online, with a follow-up Gold certificate workshop in-person. We spoke to Gary Stocker (Test Engineer, WMG) to find out why he'd recommend the Gold certificate.
Why was it so important to you to take part in the Climate Literacy workshop?
Gary: "From a personal point of view, I feel very strongly about the environment and have done for a long time. Humanity and the rest of the ecosystem depend on it!
My views match the University鈥檚 policy on the environment very closely, so I felt that by taking part I was encouraging the University and hopefully contributing to its cause in this area."
Tell us a little about what workshop attendees can expect to learn...
Gary: "These Gold workshops begin by recapping the Classic training, and then use what we learnt from that to look at how we can all communicate about climate change and carbon reduction. The workshops give people a chance to network with likeminded colleagues, and allow collaboration to think about how we can work together to reduce our carbon footprint.
I appreciated learning about how sustainability is a truly worldwide problem - you might find it surprising which countries/regions are actually responsible for producing the most carbon! Moving polluting industries from your own country to another country does not actually make you net zero; it just means that you have moved the problem elsewhere."
Tell us one key thing you learned that surprised you or will change the way you do things in the future?
Gary: "I liked that the Gold workshop gave me the chance to interact with other people, from a range of positions in the University, who are similarly minded. As John Donne said, no man is an island! It made me realise that the environment is an important topic to almost everyone, even if it isn't a core part of their job.
It was bolstering to realise that a lot of people, not just stereotypical 'eco activists', are concerned and taking action, using their vocational skills. We are all part of something greater and all have something to offer."
What would you say to a colleague who was considering taking part, either via Moodle or face-to-face?
Gary: "Do it! It's a great chance to learn and network by meeting other people. It will hopefully make you realise what all the fuss about the environment is about, its importance and how together we can all make a difference."
Find out more
Want to sign up to the online Classic course, carry on your learning with the Gold certificate, or find out more about what these workshops involve? Take a look at the Climate Literacy webpages.