FREE Climate Emergency Training for people across East Dunbartonshire

New training dates are available so people can learn what the Climate Emergency means for them and find out how they can take positive action. Anyone with ties to East Dunbartonshire is welcome to attend. People representing local organisations, communities and businesses particularly encouraged to get involved and we are available to deliver bespoke group sessions.

The training will be delivered by us and 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.

The additional training dates take place online and in-person throughout 2024 and follow sessions earlier in the year, which received a variety of positive feedback from participants. Using local case studies and examples, the training helps participants 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 their contributions and vulnerability to climate change in their community, business and home life.

New training sessions confirmed for 2024:

In-person sessions:

• Kirkintilloch Town Hall: 23 May (09:30-16:00)
• Westerton Town Hall, Bearsden: 11 September (09:30-16:00)

Online sessions:

• 17 & 24 June (both 14:00-16:30)
• 18 & 25 July (both 10:00-12:30)
• 22 & 29 August (both 14:00-16:30)
• 2 & 9 October (both 18:00-20:30)
• 8 & 15 November (both 10:00-12:30)
• 30 November & 7 December (both 10:00-12:30)

Register for all sessions via our Eventbrite.

Tim Mullens, our Senior Training Officer, said: “We’re delighted to offer further training sessions, which are available to anyone with ties to East Dunbartonshire, so they have the opportunity to learn what the Climate Emergency means for them and how they can make positive changes that will benefit people and planet.

“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, and will help people become Climate Literate.”

Councillor Pamela Marshall, Vice Convener of the 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.”

Ann Innes, Chief Officer of East Dunbartonshire Voluntary Action, said: “We were so pleased to have our staff attend this training and learn more about how we as communities can help navigate and tackle the Climate Emergency.

"We urge more people to find out how the training can help them – whether they are representing a community, a business or attending as an individual."

The Climate Emergency Training is scheduled to take place throughout 2024, with in-person and online sessions available.

Register to attend via our Eventbrite.