Free Climate Emergency Training for people in East Dunbartonshire

People who live or work in East Dunbartonshire are invited to attend free training to learn what the Climate Emergency means for local communities and find out how they can take positive action.

Taking place in February and March 2024, the training is designed for people who are involved with, or interested in, community organisations or East Dunbartonshire communities.

Using local case studies and examples, the training will help you to cut through jargon and gain a clear understanding of terms like ‘net zero’, ‘global warming’, ‘climate change’ and ‘carbon footprint’.

Participants who complete the training will have the opportunity to be certified as Carbon Literate, after gaining knowledge of the carbon costs and impacts of activities and an understanding of how to identify practical action to reduce your community’s contributions and vulnerability to climate change.

There will also be an online Introductory Session available for people wanting to find out more in just 60 minutes.

We'll be delivering the training, which has been designed in partnership with East Dunbartonshire Council and East Dunbartonshire Voluntary Action. It is fully funded by the UK Government with £42,175 being provided through the Shared Prosperity Fund.

Catherine Gee, our Deputy Chief Executive, said: “We’re delighted to partner with East Dunbartonshire Council and East Dunbartonshire Voluntary Action to offer these bespoke workshops and training sessions, so that people living in East Dunbartonshire can find out about what the Climate Emergency means for them and how they can make positive changes that will benefit people and planet.”

“Climate change can seem like a scary and overwhelming prospect, so this training emphasises hope over despair and introduces co-benefits of climate action, such as improved resilience to extreme weather, reduced costs and improved environments. It helps people to become Climate Literate.”

Councillor Pamela Marshall, Vice Convener of the East Dunbartonshire Council's Place, Neighbourhood and Corporate Assets Committee, said: “The climate crisis is one of the greatest challenges we have ever faced. It affects all aspects of society and can affect communities differently depending on geography and environment.

“At East Dunbartonshire Council we are committed to tackling climate change and our emerging Climate Action Plan will co-ordinate and outline our work in this area as well as determine how we plan to empower communities to act.

“By offering this training we are taking a step in ensuring local people gain a real understanding of the impact of the Climate Emergency as well as giving them the tools to make a positive difference which ultimately benefits us all.”

Anne Innes, Chief Officer of East Dunbartonshire Voluntary Action, added: “Communities not only have an important role in ensuring that local areas are ready for impacts of climate change but are also vital in developing green initiatives that benefit local communities and people.

“That’s why we’re so pleased to have our staff attend this training to learn more, and we encourage people in local communities to do the same."

The Climate Emergency Training is scheduled to take place in-person at venues across East Dunbartonshire in February and March 2024, with the Introductory Session taking place online.

Details on training dates, locations and how to register is available on our Eventbrite.