Carbon Literacy Training for Communities in North East Scotland
The North East of Scotland has powered industries and communities for generations. Now, as we face a changing climate and a changing future, communities across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire are asking what comes next and what role they can play in shaping it. This Carbon Literacy® course has been created specifically for people living and working in the North East. Using local examples and real community experiences, the course explores climate change in a way that feels relevant and grounded in the places we live.
Delivered by NESCAN Hub’s Community Development team, who work alongside the communities of Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire and understand the needs and barriers they face.
The training is open to community groups, constituted organisations, informal groups and individuals who want to better understand climate change and take practical action locally. Together, we will explore the causes and impacts of climate change, the evidence behind it and the choices we can make to reduce carbon emissions while creating stronger communities.
Throughout the training, participants will develop realistic actions that work for their own lives and communities. We will explore different ways of measuring carbon emissions and discuss the limitations of these tools and look at how climate conversations can connect to wider community benefits such as health, wellbeing, and resilience.
Carbon Literacy® is a globally recognised programme developed by The Carbon Literacy Project and recognised by the UN at COP21.
September & October 2026 is OPEN now
Carbon Literacy enables individuals, communities, and organisations to take impactful climate action and enact the cultural shift necessary for the tranition to a low-carbon economy – The Carbon Literacy Project
Course Schedule & Format
The training will run in two sessions:
- Wednesday 24th September at 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
(As part of Climate Week North East 2026) - Wednesday 8th October 2026 at 10 AM – 4 PM
Both sessions are delivered online via Zoom.
What You’ll Gain
By completing this course, you won’t just learn the science, but also gain the tools to act.
PLEASE NOTE: You are responsible for attending the course sessions and completing the end assignment to the agreed timeline. If you do not meet these conditions, we cannot guarantee your course completion and certification issue.
Not a member yet? Join the NESCAN network here.
Got questions? Contact us
The importance of climate know-how
“Tackling climate change is our collective responsibility and requires collaborative action at all levels.
Communities are uniquely placed to play a key role in sharing and driving forward Scotland’s transition to low carbon and climate resilient living. It is vital that we continue empowering people to take action in their neighbourhoods in a way which is right for them—which is why I am proud of supporting our hugely successful framework of regional climate hubs.
The national hub network are a way communities to come together and engage in collective grass roots action.
Through the hubs we will continue to support people and communities to take action, helping Scotland decarbonise by 2045 and prepare for the impacts of climate change which lie ahead.”
– Gillian Martin: Acting Secretary, Net Zero
The NESCAN Hub team believe building and sharing climate know-how is a collective effort and only by bringing together the expertise from across sectors and borders will we reach a more inclusive solution to the climate change challenges we all face.
Climate know-how equips individuals, community groups and business and governmental decision-makers with the insight needed to respond effectively and responsibly. Whereas understanding climate and climate change is key to building the capacity to take meaningful action, climate know-how fosters a more holistic approach that goes beyond just cutting emissions.
It’s about understanding the interconnectedness of natural systems, anticipating local impacts, and tailoring both mitigation and adaptation strategies. From sustainable land use and infrastructure planning to community resilience and policy development, informed climate action helps shape a more secure, equitable future for all.
From hosting events, to collaborating with communities, governments, businesses, and individuals we’re here to support you.
How we can help
NESCAN Hub offers a bespoke range of workshops and talks tailored to your group. It could be a relaxed chat in one of our ‘not just a weather blether’ conversations, a discussion around a key theme such as energy use or the difference between climate and weather, or a led series of workshops that will equip you to go out and speak with your community. Before we even start that conversation, we will sit down with you to listen to your needs and co-design something that matches the expectations of your group.
Carbon Literacy Training
Want to better understand climate change and how you can take action? NESCAN Hub will now offering Carbon Literacy training for community groups. This course covers the science, government targets, and practical steps you can take to become a Carbon Literate citizen. It’s a great way to learn how you and your group can make a real difference.
Find out more and stay updated here.
Climate Conversations
Got questions about the climate crisis or ideas you’re not sure how to get off the ground? Climate Conversations are open, informal drop-in sessions where you can chat about anything climate-related and get pointed in the right direction. Whether you’re looking for advice, inspiration, or just a place to start, we’re here to help connect you to the answers—or the experts who have them. Find out where we’ll be next by clicking here.
If you are looking for a place to hear then latest thinking on hot climate topics you might want to check out:
Be part of Aberdeen Climate Actions’ (ACA) Climate Cafes
ACA’s Climate Café series is designed to inform and inspire those in the North East of Scotland to ‘take action’ and start up their own eco/sustainability projects, change their lifestyles or just know more about what options and amazing projects there are in the local area. All Climate Cafes are currently being conducted online and in person. The usual format is to have 3 speakers on a topic followed by a Q&A session. The Series will cover the themes of Sustainability, Renewable Energy, Food, Transport, Reduce/ Re-Use and Recycle, Finance, Politics and Education. Find out more here.