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

Since becoming Carbon Literate, I have been inspired and motivated to take the climate crisis more seriously and to help reach net zero carbon emissions. I’ve made significant changes in my life; for instance, I try to consider what industries support climate action and refrain from industries that don’t, such as massively reducing my meat and dairy consumption, going from eating meat very regularly to perhaps once every two weeks.

I’m also now more motivated to professionally develop myself in the sustainability field to help increase climate action and consult organisations to act responsibly towards achieving a net-zero world.

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

100%! Even if the student is not passionate about climate change or sustainability, in general, it’s important and relevant information to know and could stimulate more conversations about climate change.

I think through Carbon Literacy you could personally develop too. To receive a certification you have to complete a pledge on how you’re going to take personal action to reduce your carbon emissions. I think exercising said pledges shows true discipline because they could prove hard to follow, especially when the pledges affect your daily routine.

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

I think for me the first step to becoming a Carbon Literacy trainer was realising that the Carbon Literacy learning environment is a very comfortable and safe space to develop in. The staff and senior trainers are very welcoming and helpful and allow you to make mistakes to develop as a trainer.

The second reason was that I want to work in the sustainability field. The Carbon Literacy Project is a wonderful gateway for me to gain experience and understand the field a bit more and identify where my strengths and weaknesses lie.

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

There are many, many benefits to becoming a trainer. One of the biggest benefits is that my confidence has increased since becoming a trainer. Delivering Carbon Literacy has allowed me to step out of my comfort zone, as a result, I can deliver the training to almost anyone as well as talk to more people about climate action and in general.

I think some advice I would give to trainers is: don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Everything takes practice and the Carbon Literacy learning environment supports you through your development as a trainer.

Is there anything else you’d like to say?

Lots of organisations are now trying to become Carbon Literate so you should definitely consider becoming a trainer.

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