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Climate Sceptic to Carbon Literacy Trainer: A Student’s Journey 

February 2025 by Otto Mendelsson

Photo credit: Otto Mendelsson

I’m not quite sure what the ‘normal’ trajectory of getting into sustainability looks like, but mine began in 2020 during the COVID lockdown with online Carbon Literacy training. I had just begun studying Human Geography at Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU), moving from a sleepy Herefordshire town in the West Midlands. Starting university during lockdown was not what I had expected, especially when most of my time was spent indoors.

One morning, my university inbox pinged with a message from MMU’s Rise programme. This was a programme which rewarded students with points for engaging in extra-curricular activities. As I had time on my hands, I looked at what was on offer and stumbled across Carbon Literacy training – one full days’ worth of training on climate change. As I wanted to make the most of my university degree, I signed up without hesitation. Without knowing what exactly Carbon Literacy was, I went in with an open mind, but a certain scepticism.

A sceptical start

A lot of my friends at school had been involved with ‘School Strikes for Climate’ a series of climate strikes led by Swedish teenager Greta Thunberg. At the time I had thought this was just an easy way for my friends to ‘bunk off’ from school. Not only did I begin to resent them, but the cause they stood for. They were making an impact, but I wanted something to begrudge.

I guess at the time, you could’ve called me a climate sceptic. I knew there were problems, but I didn’t think I could play any significant role in solving them at the time. I see a lot of similarities between my 16-year-old view on the School Strikes and the wider public opinion on the current Just Stop Oil protests. I understand why people are annoyed, but the resentment is targeted in the wrong place. All I needed, was one day’s worth of Carbon Literacy training to open my eyes, realising we are not part of the problem, we are all part of the solution!

How Carbon Literacy impacted me

Carbon Literacy training advertised that it would equip me with the skills to promote a low-carbon culture; a term I had grown familiar with during my studies of Human Geography, encompassing the skills to decrease my carbon footprint but also influence others around me. My trainer, Jane Mörk, emphasised the importance of education. She made our training relevant and engaging, focusing on our personal subject backgrounds. Combatting issues I hadn’t heard about, such as ‘climate anxiety’, encouraged me to continue the conversation with others growing forward to tackle the climate crisis.

The training highlighted that there are issues to be tackled on a local level, but also on a national and international scale. Using this lens, we looked at global susceptibility levels, learning how countries contributing the least towards global warming were disproportionally affected by its consequences. I had originally become a Human Geographer to understand more about the world and how we can make it a fairer and more equal place. This activity contributed to my ‘lightbulb moment’ realising that climate change isn’t arriving soon, it’s already here.

Another influential part of the training was delving into our ‘Spheres of Influence’, emphasising the importance of effective communication to inspire action. In breakout rooms, we discussed who we could influence and how, by fostering open dialogue and active listening. I was fortunate to partner with current colleagues Anna Romachney and Emily Bush. Facilitating discussions with like-minded individuals taught me invaluable life skills that I apply daily.

The study of food carbon footprints shocked me, leading to the reconsideration of a staple in my student diet. I realised I had never thought about the origins of my food or its environmental impact. The carbon footprint of meat production, especially red meat, was particularly striking. Discovering the environmental toll of a McDonald’s Big Mac made my stomach turn. It unveiled a discomforting reality of the tremendous impact that meat production has on our planet.

Taking action and teaching others

I left the session inspired and eager to continue my Carbon Literacy journey. To receive my Carbon Literacy certificate, I had to create my individual and group carbon-reducing action. I decided to decrease my meat consumption to three days a week. Originally, I thought this may be a significant challenge, but when I realised vegetarian cooking was healthier and more cost-effective on a student budget, it screamed a win-win situation!

At the end of my Carbon Literacy training, my trainer, Jane Mörk, suggested I become a Carbon Literacy Trainer (CLT), through MMU’s peer-to-peer Carbon Literacy for Students (CL4Ss) train-the-trainer programme, to teach others about Carbon Literacy, including university staff and students. I jumped on this opportunity to expand my teaching experience and promote a low-carbon culture.

Becoming a CLT was challenging yet rewarding. By applying the skills from my initial training, I built a foundation for being an empathetic trainer. I learned that not everyone shares the same views on the climate crisis, which highlighted the importance of gauging audience understanding during sessions. Although this part of my journey took time and involved several mistakes, the support from my team ultimately helped me achieve CLT accreditation.

Building skills and finding purpose beyond study

As someone who lacked a real passion to study, this training inspired me to create change by making myself a catalyst. Incorporating the teachings of Carbon Literacy into my daily lifestyle created a new positive mindset for me and left me eager to make a difference.

At the time of the training, I hadn’t realised how influential it truly was. But now, looking back at my journey, I realise what an impact it had. I constantly recommend the training to people I meet from all walks of life, be that family, friends or even people I meet in the pub. We all need to act; all it takes is one day of Carbon Literacy training to recognise this and get started!

I’d like to thank Jane Mörk for opening my eyes to the changes happening around me and equipping me with the skills to make a true difference!

I am more than happy to talk about my experiences with Carbon Literacy as a student, trainer or part of the certification team! Don’t hesitate to get in contact if you have any questions: otto.mendelsson@carbonliteracy.com.

Otto joined the Certification team in July 2024 after completing his studies in Human Geography at Manchester Metropolitan University. As a former student trainer with three years of training experience, he combined his passion for teaching with a dedication to driving positive change throughout the Greater Manchester community.

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