Talking Carbon Literacy with our Environmental Lead, Melissa Penn
Melissa, shares her impact journey from becoming a Carbon Literacy Trainer to launching her own accredited course.
Q: When did your carbon literacy journey begin, and what prompted you to start it?
A: My carbon literacy journey began in November 2022. I already had some knowledge of climate change, but I didn’t fully understand the terminology well enough to feel comfortable discussing its impact or the greenhouse effect. After completing the Carbon Literacy Training course, I felt much more confident in discussing climate issues and the actions we can take, particularly what I could do as an individual without feeling overwhelmed or helpless.
Melissa Penn, certified Carbon Literate by the Carbon Literacy Project
Q: What inspired you to develop your own Carbon Literacy course?
A: In December 2023, I started developing a course on behalf of AG - "Carbon Literacy for SMEs." Initially, my goal was to share knowledge with employees and business leaders about the significant role SMEs can play in minimising environmental impact. As I continued to develop the course and researched the potential impact companies can have, coupled with being part of AG’s purpose journey, I realised I wanted to do more than just share information. I wanted to empower people to understand that they could make a substantial difference through their businesses.
Q: What challenges did you face while creating the Carbon Literacy course?
A: I didn’t expect creating my own carbon literacy course to be easy, but I underestimated the emotional journey I would experience during the process. The Carbon Literacy Project requires accredited courses to include key criteria such as understanding the difference between climate and weather, focusing on equity and fairness, motivating others, and encouraging climate action. As I researched extreme weather events in the UK and globally, I began to grasp the profound impact that ‘natural disasters’ have on people’s lives, families, livelihoods, and communities. The reality of what’s to come if immediate action isn’t taken hit me hard, and there were moments when I felt very emotional reading stories and watching videos that highlighted the devastating effects of climate change.
Q: How did you ensure the course was both informative and uplifting?
A: It was crucial for me to include positive news and stories of hope throughout the course. I wanted learners to understand the harsh realities of climate change, but also to know that there are people around the world already taking a stand. Whether it’s through lobbying those in power or developing initiatives to mitigate and adapt where possible, I wanted to show that efforts are being made to minimise the devastating effects. It was also important to convey to learners that there is so much they can do—whether as individuals or through their roles in the businesses they work for—and to highlight the incredible benefits of collective action.
Q: What outcomes do you hope to achieve with your course?
A: I hope that by the end of the course, learners will have gained the confidence to understand and use the language and terminology around climate science. I want them to feel capable of motivating others without making the other person feel intimidated. Climate action starts with one person having meaningful conversations and actively listening to others, ensuring that everyone works together to make change happen. The course is designed to equip learners with the tools to do just that.
Q: Any final thoughts or words of wisdom?
A: As Howard Zinn said, “Small acts, when multiplied by millions of people, can transform the world,” Climate action is about collective effort, and it begins with each of us taking responsibility and making changes, no matter how small they may seem. Together, we can make a significant impact.
A one slide summary outlining the benefits of climate action; Climate benefits, improved human health, economic growth, clean air, better biodiversity, Green job creation
Carbon Literacy Course FAQs:
How do I become Carbon Literate? Register for our next cohort here
How long is the course? 7 hours ( 1 full day in person or 2 x half days online)
How much will it cost? £130 pp (includes a £25 donation to Rewilding Britain)