Central Bedfordshire Council news and press releases

Central Bedfordshire residents invited to make a climate change

Tuesday, 12 December 2023

Together with community environment charity Groundwork East, we're excited to announce a new initiative offering free climate change training to our residents.

As of today, people will be able to book themselves onto an online course providing an introduction to Carbon Literacy completely free of charge – thanks to the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). Spaces are limited and available on a ‘first come first served basis’.

The accredited course introduces people to the science behind climate change and equips learners with information and tools to take action in their own lives and communities. It features sections on greenhouse gases and their relation to climate, how the climate is likely to change, and the effect this could have in the UK and other parts of the world. Our knowledge on climate change is constantly changing and the course features a collation of up-to-date information with links back to original sources.

The online course is free for anyone living, working, or studying in the Central Bedfordshire area and can be booked online via Eventbrite.

Councillor Tracey Wye, our Executive Member for Sustainability and Climate Resilience said:

We’re delighted to be working with Groundwork East on this scheme. It’s about empowering the whole community to do more to address one of the most critical issues of today, giving people the skills they need to make a real difference.

Our Sustainability Plan, adopted in 2020, sets out a clear 'road map' of commitments and projects to work towards supporting Central Bedfordshire to be net zero by 2030. Increasing our understanding of the issues at stake plays a big part in helping us achieve that aim, and the UKSPF funding we’ve received is allowing us to do that.

Laura Ferrier, Project Lead at Groundwork East, said:

We often have conversations with people who feel helpless when it comes to tackling climate change. This training is a positive step focused on action and presented in an accessible way that cuts through the jargon. The short eModule course can be completed at home, work or college and is a great introduction to the issue.