Empowering Change: Celebrating Carbon Literacy Training Triumphs Towards a Sustainable Future

20 September 2023

Last night, Tuesday 19th September, prior to the Climate Change and Environment Committee Meeting, Ashington Town Council invited along Anne-Marie Soulsby of The Sustainable Life Coach to present Carbon Literacy Training certificates. Annie, to most who know her, worked with Allan Wilson and Richard Watkins of Save Our Shropshire to deliver Carbon Literacy Training to councillors, funded by Ashington Town Council.

Save Our Shropshire provide education approved by the Carbon Literacy Project through online and in-person workshops. The Trustees of Save Our Shropshire are all certified as carbon literate, and are accredited as a Platinum Carbon Literate Organisation, which is the highest accolade that the Carbon Literacy project awards.

Ashington Town Council was keen to take up Town and Parish specific training in Carbon Literacy as soon as it became available. Executive Officer, Sarah Eden completed the training in January 2023, as part of final trials. One of Sarah’s pledges was to seek the Council’s approval to fund training for councillors. The Town and Parish Council toolkit became available in March 2023. Writing about its release, Civil Service Coordinator at the Carbon Literacy Project, William Gibb said,

“With over half of the emissions cuts needed to meet net-zero relying on decisions that are made at a local and individual level, councillors and officers have a crucial role to play. They have a unique opportunity to engage the local community in climate action, create plans to mitigate and adapt to climate change, and integrate climate change into decision-making. To help to achieve this, councillors and officers need the knowledge and skills to cascade environmentally sustainable and socially responsible values and engage local residents in taking effective and transformative action.”[1]

The training was delivered online, to five councillors from Ashington: Cllrs Caroline Ball, Louis Brown, Sophie Robinson and John Tully, and Cllr at the time Michelle Brannigan. Additionally, Cllr Adam Hogg from West Bedlington, and Cllr Mike Domingue from Hexham. Officers of the Council, Stephen Humphrey and Sharon Parmley completed the training with the Society of Local Council Clerks in July 2023 to advance information sharing and collaboration with other officers, and councils further afield.

Carbon Literacy Training is of paramount importance in today's world as it equips individuals and organisations with the knowledge and awareness needed to address the pressing issue of climate change. Training empowers people to understand the carbon footprint of their actions and decisions, encouraging a shift towards more sustainable practices. By understanding carbon emissions and their environmental impact, individuals can make informed choices.

The training undertaken promotes a culture of responsibility and collective action, encouraging collaboration and engagement in efforts to mitigate climate change. Ultimately, a society that is carbon-literate is better equipped to contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future.

It is in responsibility, collaboration, and collective action that town and parish councils can have most impact. In leading by example and driving sustainable practices within our communities. Local Cllrs are now equipped to seize the sense of responsibility and urgency, and to prioritise climate action in their decision-making and community engagement efforts. They can not only integrate carbon literacy into the core of their governance, but also inspire residents to embrace environmentally responsible behaviours.

Ultimately, this commitment to carbon literacy at a very local level sets a vital precedent for broader climate action and lays the foundation for a greener and more sustainable future.

When asked about training on Carbon Literacy, Chair of the Climate Change and Environment Committee, Cllr Sophie Robinson said,

“At the community level, action involves raising awareness, engaging in local initiatives, and advocating for policy changes that support carbon reduction efforts. Investing in Carbon Literacy Training is an investment in our community's future. Together, we can make informed choices and inspire a wave of positive change, reducing our collective carbon footprint and leaving a legacy of environmental stewardship for generations to come. As a Climate Change Committee, we are keen to develop the pledges we made on the Carbon Literacy Training into plans and actions.”

Taking small local steps in tackling climate change is a crucial strategy in the fight against this global crisis. Local actions have a ripple effect, creating a foundation for larger-scale transformations. By starting at the grassroots level, individuals and communities can witness the immediate impacts of their efforts, fostering a sense of empowerment and motivation for further action.

The hope is that other town and parish councils will see the benefit of Carbon Literacy Training and will also invest in the future of their communities. Leader of Ashington Town Council, Cllr John Tully, was resolute that climate action should be a priority of Ashington Town Council, and that Cllrs should be equipped in this challenge, he said,

"As a local councillor, undertaking carbon literacy training was imperative for me. It's about leading by example and being accountable for the decisions I make that impact our community and environment. The training equipped me with the understanding and tools needed to advocate for sustainable policies, champion eco-friendly initiatives, and guide our community towards a greener, more sustainable future. It's about embracing responsibility, inspiring change, and ensuring that our actions today protect and preserve the world we leave for our children, and grandchildren. Through collective small actions, we can achieve significant change, paving the way for a sustainable future that begins right on our doorsteps.”

Celebrating climate action stemming from carbon literacy training promotes a culture of environmental responsibility and encourages a continuous cycle of education, action, and celebration. We want to recognise and acknowledge the efforts of individuals who have undergone carbon literacy training and taken concrete steps to reduce their carbon footprint. They are bringing forward ideas for the council and the community because of that training.

Positive change is achievable, and it is happening at a local level. Ashington Town Council is keen to share our good news climate stories, to exchange ideas, and to provide a platform onto the training. We hope to encourage more local councils to participate in training and to take proactive steps towards sustainability.

Anne-Marie Soulsby who was part of the team that delivered the training said,

"Empowering local town councillors with Carbon Literacy training isn't just about knowledge; it's about equipping them with the tools to drive meaningful change within their communities. They are now stepping beyond just shaping policies, crafting a greener future for their towns, driven by sound knowledge and a shared commitment to the health of our world. It was very exciting to witness the inspiring commitments made during this training, and I eagerly anticipate watching them evolve into tangible actions."

Carbon Literacy Training is a game-changer for a local council. It provides a fresh perspective and a deeper understanding of how decisions in a council meeting impact the environment. Armed with carbon literacy knowledge, councils can champion sustainability and climate action, and they can show up as part of a movement that stands for a cleaner, greener future for their communities and the planet.

For more information on Carbon Literacy Training for Town and Parish Councils, contact Richard Watkins richard@saveourshropshire.org or book directly at https://saveourshropshire.org/parish-council-workshop. You can also contact Northumberland based Anne-Marie Soulsby annie@thesustainablelifecoach.com

Photo Credit: Ryan Appleby

(pictured left to right) Cllr John Tully (Leader of Ashington TC), Michelle Brannigan (Former Cllr Ashington TC), Adam Hogg (Chair of West Bedlington TC), Sharon Parmley (Events and Engagement Officer, Ashington TC), Anne-Marie Soulsby (Carbon Literacy Trainer), Cllr Sophie Robinson (Chair of Climate & Environment Committee, Ashington TC), Sarah Eden (Executive Officer, Ashington TC), Stephen Humphrey (Assets & Facilities Manager, Ashington TC).

Not pictured but also attaining the certificate of Carbon Literacy as part of this endeavour; Cllr Caroline Ball (Ashington TC), Cllr Louis Brown (Deputy Leader of Ashington TC), Cllr Mike Domingue (Hexham TC).