36 Local Residents Become Carbon Literate

More than 30 people living in Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire have become Carbon Literate since September thanks to a series of one day Carbon Literacy courses run by local charity Marches Energy Agency with funding from Local Authorities in the area.

Carbon Literacy courses equip people and communities to bring about the rapid reduction in carbon emissions required in the next few years by the climate emergency.  The Carbon Literacy Project defines Carbon Literacy 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 organisational basis.”

At least one more course for community groups is planned in the area in 2020. Everyone attending the courses makes pledges to cut their emissions and those of their community or an organisation they are involved in. If their pledges are accepted by the national Carbon Literacy Project they receive a certificate to certify them as Carbon Literate.

One participant, who attended a course said: 'I just wanted to say a HUGE thank you for today. The course was so informative, moving, thought-provoking &, for me, will be life changing. A lot of things I already knew have today converged with many other factors - the amazing people that were there, the time we are at, & all made for a powerful day for me personally.'