Have you ever felt a surge of inspiration while surrounded by a group of passionate individuals working towards a common goal? That’s exactly how I felt co-facilitating In Good Company’s (IGC) Carbon Literacy Certificate Cohort 3 this past June. Witnessing the energy and commitment of our participants as they delved into understanding the impact of carbon emissions in our communities and on our planet was truly inspiring. Let’s dive into what made this cohort so special.
Program Overview
IGC’s Carbon Literacy Certificate program is a comprehensive 8-hour course designed to equip individuals with the knowledge and tools to understand how various greenhouse gas emissions contribute to a warming planet, what role human activity plays in carbon emissions increases, and take meaningful action. The course is led in 2.5-hour segments across 3 days of training experience. Participants delved into topics such as climate science, the age of industrialization, community disparities, and the impact of individual and organizational actions. The program combines justice-centered content, interactive breakout discussions, and practical exercises to foster a solid understanding of climate change and its solutions.
Trainer and Participant Experiences
Cohort 3 was a hive of energy and curiosity. Participants came from diverse backgrounds, united by a shared passion for creating a sustainable future. Their eagerness to share ideas and their commitment to learning was inspiring.
Cohort 3 was a hive of energy and curiosity.
A hallmark of success of the IGC Carbon Literacy training is when participants identify new actions they can take to reduce their carbon emission impacts, and Cohort 3 didn't disappoint! They embraced a wide range of impactful individual and group actions. From lowering fossil fuel use through initiation of innovative water-sourcing technologies, and establishing plant-based diets, to advocating for sustainable policies in their communities and workplaces. We define success not just by completing the course and earning the certificate, but also by catalyzing positive change within individuals' spheres of influence.
Benefits and Impact
Carbon Literacy motivates individuals to make informed choices that benefit themselves, their communities, and the planet. By understanding the costs and effects of human activities, as well as the capacity and drive to lower emissions at the individual, group, and organizational levels, we can all take action to mitigate our carbon impacts, make educated consumer decisions to help drive corporate change, and communicate community impacts to steer local policy and change toward clean renewable resource use and actions. This not only minimizes our individual contribution to climate change but also inspires others to take action and holds oil and corporate giants accountable as primary contributors to climate change.
[W]e can all take action to mitigate our carbon impacts [and] make educated consumer decisions to help drive corporate change...
The collective impact of a Carbon-Literate society is significant. Reduced carbon emissions translate to a healthier planet, with benefits such as cleaner air, improved water quality, and a more stable climate. This, in turn, fosters a more sustainable future for all.
Graduates of the Carbon Literacy Certificate program are equipped with the knowledge and confidence to become active participants in climate solutions. They can leverage their learnings to influence their workplaces, communities, and personal lives, creating a ripple effect of positive change.
Call to Action
The climate crisis is a pressing challenge, but it's not insurmountable. By joining forces and taking action, we can create a more sustainable future for generations to come. IGC's Carbon Literacy Certificate program is a fantastic first step. If you're interested in learning more and becoming a part of the solution, visit our program page and sign up for the next cohort!
Together, we can make a difference.
Link to program page: https://www.igc.earth/programs/carbonliteracy#enroll