Sustainability, climate, and carbon reduction: Primer series from Udemy

Many people want to improve how ‘green’ or ‘sustainable’ they are. With this course, you can build your confidence to discuss sustainability and feel empowered to take climate-friendly action. Whether you are in a sustainability committee, a green task force, or simply want to do what you can in your organisation, this course will give you a solid knowledge base, a boost of confidence, and the motivation to take action.

This course gives you the basics about climate change and a simple and effective framework to take climate-positive action. Content is relevant for people in any role, working in any sector, and based in any part of the world. It is suitable for all career stages.

Kate Whitfield is an accredited Carbon Literacy trainer. She trains professionals and students around the world on reducing carbon emissions. She has led climate-friendly action at work and in her community. Her communication style is friendly, and she uses plain language and straightforward terms.

This course is made up of short videos. All the videos have captions. The videos are concise and easy to digest, so this course is particularly suited to people with little time.

Resources and opportunities for further reading are included throughout the course. All the information is well-researched and from reputable sources such as NASA, Our World in Data, the United Nations, and the USA Environment Protection Agency.

This course was developed by Zeroverse in consultation with the Carbon Literacy Project. This course can therefore be taken alongside a 'Carbon Literacy' training that is accredited by The Carbon Literacy Project. The short videos can provide flexible and easily digestible content for people taking accredited Carbon Literacy training.

People like you and organisations like yours are taking action to reduce carbon emissions to create a healthier, happier, and more equitable world. By taking positive action on climate change, you can feel good about being part of this big collective effort.

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction

This course helps you take your first steps to better understanding the basics of climate change and what positive action you can take. Kate uses straightforward language and simple images throughout the videos.

Kate looks at how average global temperatures are increasing.

Kate invites you to think about how the impacts of climate change matter to you.

Carbon dioxide is the driver of global climate change. Carbon dioxide methane, nitrous oxide, and 'F-gases' are all greenhouse gases. Kate looks at where they come from.

Fossil fuels – coal, oil and gas – are the largest contributor to climate change. Kate walks us through how fossil fuels can be connected to the electricity, heating, and transport we use in our daily lives.

Meeting the challenges of climate change is a collective effort, and each one of us has a positive role to play. Kate invites you to think about what impactful action you could take to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

By collaborating with others, we can reduce greenhouse gas emissions further and faster! In this final video, Kate invites you to consider who you could work with on a group climate action.

Your contribution really matters! This video is a thank you message from Kate.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Provides a simple and effective framework for taking climate-positive action, making it accessible for individuals in any role or sector looking to contribute to sustainability initiatives

Developed in consultation with the Carbon Literacy Project, which allows learners to take this course alongside accredited Carbon Literacy training for flexible and easily digestible content

Uses plain language and straightforward terms, which makes the complex topic of climate change more approachable and understandable for a wider audience

Includes resources and opportunities for further reading from reputable sources like NASA and the UN, which encourages learners to deepen their understanding of climate change

Focuses on defining actions to reduce emissions using the Carbon Literacy Project criteria, which may require learners to familiarize themselves with the project's specific guidelines

Relies on short videos as the primary mode of instruction, which may not suit learners who prefer in-depth readings or interactive discussions to fully grasp the material

Reviews summary

Clear primer on climate action

According to learners, this course provides a clear and concise primer on sustainability and climate action. Students found the explanations simple and easy to digest, making complex topics accessible, especially for beginners or those new to the subject. The short video format is frequently highlighted as a major positive, particularly for busy professionals. Reviewers appreciated the focus on actionable steps and felt it helped build confidence in discussing climate issues. However, a minority of reviewers noted that the course is quite basic and may not be suitable for learners seeking in-depth coverage. Overall, it is seen as an effective introduction for anyone looking to understand the fundamentals and take initial steps.

Great start for beginners, maybe too basic for others.

"Good primer on sustainability..."

"...fine for complete beginners."

"However, if you already know a little about climate change, it might feel a bit too simple."

"A good introductory course. It does what it says - a primer."

"Honestly, this course is too basic for me. I was hoping for something more substantial."

"Solid primer. Good for beginners."

Provides practical steps and builds confidence.

"The focus on personal action is empowering."

"Provides a great overview and motivates action."

"...actionable insights."

"Gained a lot of confidence in discussing climate issues."

"Exactly what I needed - a quick, clear, and inspiring overview. It gave me the confidence to start talking about sustainability at work."

Short videos make content easy to digest quickly.

"It's short and easy to digest, perfect for getting a quick overview..."

"The short videos are great for busy people."

"The pacing is quick due to short videos."

"The format is perfect for busy professionals."

"Fantastic short course."

"...The videos are very short, almost superficial."

Complex topics are made easy to grasp with clear language.

"Very clear explanations, simple language..."

"Loved the clarity and simplicity of this course. It breaks down complex topics into easy-to-understand chunks."

"Clear, concise, and practical."

"Simple concepts, clear explanations..."

"Instructor explains things well."

Does not delve deeply into complex topics.

"I wish it went a bit deeper into specific industry examples..."

"Don't expect deep dives into complex science or policy."

"Honestly, this course is too basic for me. I was hoping for something more substantial."

"...not for those looking for detail."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Sustainability, climate, and carbon reduction: Primer series with these activities:

Review Basic Science Concepts

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Reinforce your understanding of the fundamental scientific principles underlying climate change before starting the course.

Browse courses on Greenhouse Effect

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Review the basics of the greenhouse effect.
Understand the carbon cycle and its role in climate change.
Familiarize yourself with basic climate models.

Read 'Drawdown: The Most Comprehensive Plan Ever Proposed to Reverse Global Warming'

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Explore a wide range of climate solutions and gain a deeper understanding of potential actions.

View Drawdown: The Most Comprehensive Plan Ever... on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of 'Drawdown'.
Read the introduction and overview of the book.
Select a few solutions that interest you and read those sections in detail.

Create a Personal Carbon Footprint Reduction Plan

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Apply the course concepts to your own life by developing a plan to reduce your personal carbon footprint.

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Calculate your current carbon footprint using an online calculator.
Identify areas where you can reduce your emissions (e.g., transportation, diet, energy consumption).
Set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals for reducing your footprint.
Outline the actions you will take to achieve your goals.

Four other activities

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Volunteer with a Local Environmental Organization

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Gain practical experience and contribute to climate action by volunteering with a local environmental organization.

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Research environmental organizations in your area.
Contact an organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
Participate in a volunteer activity.

Develop a Presentation on Climate Change Impacts in Your Community

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Deepen your understanding of climate change by researching and presenting on its specific impacts in your local community.

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Research the specific impacts of climate change in your community.
Gather data and evidence to support your findings.
Create a presentation outlining the impacts and potential solutions.
Present your findings to a local group or organization.

Read 'The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History'

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Understand the broader environmental consequences of climate change and the importance of biodiversity.

View The Sixth Extinction (Tenth Anniversary Edition) on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of 'The Sixth Extinction'.
Read the book, paying attention to the connections between climate change and biodiversity loss.
Reflect on the implications of the sixth extinction for the future of the planet.

Start a Community Climate Action Project

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Apply your knowledge and skills to create a tangible impact in your community by initiating a climate action project.

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Identify a climate-related issue in your community.
Develop a project plan to address the issue.
Recruit volunteers and partners to support your project.
Implement your project and track your progress.

Career center

Learners who complete Sustainability, climate, and carbon reduction: Primer series will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Sustainability Coordinator

A Sustainability Coordinator implements sustainability programs within an organization. This course provides you with a solid knowledge base and motivation to take action, key elements of this role. The course's framework for climate-positive action equips you with the tools to promote sustainability initiatives within your workplace or community. The course's focus on collaboration helps you to effectively engage colleagues and stakeholders in these efforts. You can use the concepts from this course to contribute to a healthier and more equitable world through sustainability projects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Coordinator

Sustainability Officer

A Sustainability Officer leads an organization's efforts to become more sustainable. The course will provide fundamental knowledge about climate change and carbon reduction. The course, which is appropriate for all career stages, can help you become more effective in your organization. The course also emphasizes the importance of collaboration. This can help the sustainability officer work with teams to improve their carbon footprint. The training provided about the Carbon Literacy Project can help the officer train others in the organization to reduce carbon emissions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Officer

Sustainability Consultant

The role of a Sustainability Consultant involves advising organizations on how to operate in a more environmentally responsible manner. This course helps you build a strong understanding of the basics of climate change and effective climate-positive actions. The course's insight into greenhouse gases and their sources directly informs a consultant's ability to assess a company's environmental impact and recommend targeted improvements. Moreover, learning about the Carbon Literacy Project and its criteria help a sustainability consultant advise clients on emissions reduction. The consultant can thus use the material presented in the course to develop and implement sustainability strategies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Consultant

Environmental Policy Analyst

An Environmental Policy Analyst researches and develops policies related to environmental protection and sustainability. The course provides the basics about climate change, giving a foundation for this career role. The course also goes a bit deeper by going into the main greenhouse gasses and their creation from human activity. This course can help the analyst in becoming aware of the consequences of rising temperatures and the need to reduce emissions. The analyst can learn to define actions to reduce emissions, which can inform environmental policies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Policy Analyst

Climate Change Analyst

The role of a Climate Change Analyst involves studying climate patterns, predicting future changes, and assessing the impacts of climate change. The course gives a good understanding of the basics of climate change. Furthermore, the course covers the consequences of greenhouse gas emissions, which are discussed in the course. The material on climate-positive actions will inform how you can contribute to mitigating the effects of climate change. This course can enhance an analyst's understanding of the factors contributing to climate change and provides a practical framework for addressing these issues.

See salaries and explore the career path for Climate Change Analyst

Corporate Social Responsibility Manager

A Corporate Social Responsibility Manager develops and oversees a company's CSR initiatives. This course's focus on taking climate-friendly action and understanding the basics of sustainability is directly applicable to this position. Learning about greenhouse gases and energy sources discussed in this course helps the CSR manager integrate environmental responsibility into the company's operations. The course's accessible content and emphasis on practical steps to reduce emissions will help in creating effective CSR programs. Further, the course directly addresses improving how 'green' an organization is, thus giving the CSR manager the tools to succeed.

See salaries and explore the career path for Corporate Social Responsibility Manager

Renewable Energy Specialist

The renewable energy specialist promotes and implements renewable energy projects. This course's coverage of energy sources is directly relevant to the role. The material about fossil fuels will give you a background on the impact of nonrenewable energies, and can help you communicate the need for changing to other sources. The discussions of climate-positive action can inform your recommendations regarding what type of renewable sources to implement. The course's content on energy, greenhouse gasses, and the carbon footprint will help build a specialist's acumen.

See salaries and explore the career path for Renewable Energy Specialist

Environmental Analyst

An Environmental Analyst assesses environmental problems and develops solutions. This course provides information on climate change and greenhouse gases. Understanding the impacts of climate change, as discussed in the course, is crucial for an Environmental Analyst to evaluate environmental risks. Using the course, an analyst will better understand the sources of energy used daily. This knowledge helps the Analyst in recommending alternative energy sources for organizations. Furthermore, the course helps build a foundation in climate-positive action, a core element in developing effective environmental strategies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Analyst

Environmental Project Manager

An Environmental Project Manager oversees projects aimed at protecting the environment and promoting sustainability. Understanding the basics of climate change and sustainable practices is critical to this role. The course will help you develop a knowledge base regarding climate-positive actions, which is useful in leading environmental projects. The course is suitable for any career stage, making it perfect for both new and experienced project managers. The focus on collaboration in the curriculum can prove useful for the manager.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Project Manager

Energy Auditor

An Energy Auditor assesses a building's energy efficiency and recommends improvements. An understanding of climate change and greenhouse gases is central to this career role. The course's syllabus focuses on these concepts. The examination of different energy sources will help in determining the best energy-efficient solutions for buildings. The course's discussion of climate-positive actions will allow you to recommend eco-friendly alternatives. By learning about the impact of fossil fuels on the environment, the auditor can suggest ways to reduce energy consumption and carbon footprint.

See salaries and explore the career path for Energy Auditor

Carbon Footprint Analyst

The job of a Carbon Footprint Analyst is to measure and analyze the carbon emissions of an organization, a product, or a service. This course provides fundamental knowledge about climate change, greenhouse gases, and carbon reduction strategies. The course provides a solid understanding of the main contributors to climate change, namely carbon dioxide. The analyst will benefit from course section on identifying the sources of energy use. This course may solidify the analyst's confidence in the impact of climate change, preparing them to help reduce overall emissions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Carbon Footprint Analyst

Conservation Scientist

As a Conservation Scientist, you would conduct research and develop plans to manage and protect natural resources. This position can require an advanced degree (master's or phd). This course can help you to build your confidence to discuss sustainability and empower you take climate-friendly action. The course's discussion of the impacts of climate change can inform your work. The course's content on reducing greenhouse gas emissions can help you to develop effective conservation strategies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Conservation Scientist

Environmental Educator

An Environmental Educator informs others about environmental issues and promotes sustainable practices. This course enhances your understanding of climate change, greenhouse gases, and their impacts. The course empowers you to discuss sustainability with confidence and helps build a solid knowledge base to teach others. The educator can use what they learned in the course to educate others on the impact of climate change. The short, accessible video format of this course can provide you with effective teaching materials.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Educator

Environmental Compliance Manager

An Environmental Compliance Manager ensures that an organization adheres to environmental regulations and standards. The insights related to carbon emissions and strategies for carbon reduction, can strengthen the manager's ability to develop and implement effective compliance programs. The specialist can use information about greenhouse gasses and energy sources to help companies adhere to environmental laws. Furthermore, the compliance manager can use the material on climate-positive action to craft policies and plans to achieve compliance.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Compliance Manager

Regulatory Affairs Specialist

A Regulatory Affairs Specialist ensures that a company complies with environmental regulations. This course will enhance one's understanding of sustainability, climate change and carbon reduction strategies. The insights into greenhouse gases and their sources can directly inform a specialist's ability to evaluate environmental risks. This foundation helps the specialist in working with companies to adhere to environmental laws. The specialist can use the information learned to craft policies and plans to achieve compliance.

See salaries and explore the career path for Regulatory Affairs Specialist

Sustainability, climate, and carbon reduction

Primer series

What's inside

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Clear primer on climate action

Activities

Career center

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