How did becoming Carbon Literate impact you? How have you used what you learned in your own life?

Before I became Carbon Literate, I thought I was doing as much as I could to make my climate impact as minimal as possible. After I attended training, I realised I was only touching the surface and that everything I do has an environmental impact, which I now consider daily.

Would you recommend the Carbon Literacy training to other students? Why?

I would recommend Carbon Literacy training to other students as it helps you to realise how you can make a difference to climate change both personally and on a wider scale. The issues of climate change are becoming more and more relevant, and employers are looking for skills related to climate action. Becoming Carbon Literate demonstrates those skills.

What made you want to take the next step and become a Carbon Literacy trainer? How would you describe that experience?

Before training I was environmentally conscious, I found the training very inspiring and afterwards realised how little I had known about climate change. I felt that I wanted to tell others about the real scale of the issues and to try and inspire them, the way I had been, to take climate action. The more people who know, the bigger the change we can make.

What benefits do you see in becoming a Carbon Literacy trainer? What advice would you give to anyone interested in becoming a trainer?

For me personally, as I am interested in a climate change focused career, completing the training, and subsequently becoming a trainer has opened countless opportunities to me within this area. Even if you are a student and not particularly interested in climate change or environmental issues, the soft skills you gain are numerous. I have massively improved my presentation skills and gained more confidence in engaging with different audiences.

Is there anything else you’d like to say?

Becoming a Carbon Literacy trainer is one of the most beneficial things I have done during my time at Manchester Met. The skills I have gained and the opportunities that have opened up to me as a result of becoming a trainer are something I can take well beyond my time as a student.

If you are interested in Carbon Literacy training, or becoming a trainer yourself, email carbonliteracy@mmu.ac.uk.