Climate Literacy course to help build a better future

A new Skills Bootcamp designed to help employees in the West Midlands incorporate climate literacy practices into their everyday working lives has been launched in Birmingham.

The Climate Literacy for Sustainable Futures Skills Bootcamp, backed by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and delivered by Birmingham School of Architecture and Design (BSoAD) at Birmingham City University aims to assist learners in developing a full understanding of sustainable strategies together with sought-after, sector-specific skills and their application in a real work context.

The free Skills Bootcamp has so far been attended by industry specialists from a wide range of disciplines including architects, town planners, designers and creatives, who all wish to introduce pioneering environmental and sustainable methodology into their existing skillsets.

It provides invaluable knowledge to support learners, such as details of the zero-carbon agenda, designing for biodiversity and meeting the criteria needed for infrastructure re-use and retrofit. Each session is directly linked to one of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Andy Street, mayor of the West Midlands and WMCA chair, took the opportunity to visit BCU to speak to students and staff associated with the course.

He said: “The UK government is committed to reaching net zero by 2050, which means there 's a clear and pressing need to develop talent across a wide range of industry sectors that is truly climate literate and well placed to effect change in their workplaces.

“Given our region 's own #WM2041 net zero commitment, it 's great to see good take-up on WMCA-backed Skills Bootcamps.

“Speaking to all the learners and lecturers, it 's clear that everyone is playing their part as we seek to reduce our carbon footprint and tackle the climate emergency together. ”

The Skills Bootcamp also ties in with the WMCA 's Plan for Growth efforts to spread opportunity and jobs across the region and help level-up the UK.

One participant on the course is Fiona Allen, who works as a Sustainability Manager and has joined the course to further her learning in recycling methodologies.

She said: "I 'm currently working on a net zero strategy in my full-time role so the course has been really insightful and informative in helping to ensure I can apply climate literacy practices into the project I 'm working on.

“We only have one planet so we need to look after it and it is so inspiring to see participants from across different sectors on this course taking on the methods we are being taught and thinking about how they can make their work more sustainable. ”

Professor Julian Beer, deputy vice-chancellor (Research, Innovation and Enterprise) at Birmingham City University, said: “It is vital that we play our part in driving sustainability and net zero initiatives right across the city and region.

“The Skills Bootcamp does just that, empowering businesses and employees across a range of industries to take action to help address the climate emergency. ”

Click here for more information about the course.

Pictured: Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands and chair of the WMCA, meets with learners on the Climate Literacy for Sustainable Futures skills bootcamp.