Carbon Literacy is defined as, “An awareness of the carbon dioxide costs and impacts of everyday activities, and the ability and motivation to reduce emissions, on an individual, community and Institutional basis,” and revolves around a day’s worth of learning and action on climate change.
A Carbon Literate Educator is an educational institution that has been accredited by The Carbon Literacy Project as being “culturally Carbon Literate”; maintaining a substantial proportion of its students and staff as Carbon Literate and positively utilising its influence in the community and wider world.
The department first engaged with Carbon Literacy when it developed a course for internal use for geography students. As a result, four postgraduate cohorts and two undergraduate cohorts have received the training and went on to become formally certified as Carbon Literate.
Dr Richard Hodgkins, Reader in Climate Futures at Loughborough University and Certified Carbon Literacy Facilitator, commented: “Our Students have made some incredibly impactful pledges to deliver their best climate action where they are. From active travel and dietary changes, to leading a solar PV project in Malawi, arranging sports kit donation schemes, and sustainability co-ordination for sports clubs. We’re proud to graduate students who can make an impact in education, employment and the world we all share.”
Dave Coleman, Co-Founder and Managing Director of The Carbon Literacy Project, said: “Carbon Literacy is an essential skill for any student to be properly prepared for the world of work and to thrive in a twenty-first century society. By becoming a Bronze Carbon Literate Educator (CLE), Loughborough has demonstrated a commitment to empowering its students through Carbon Literacy.