Horsham college students tackle climate change with awareness project

Collyer’s students have been learning how to tackle climate change by taking part in the Carbon Literacy Project, a course developed by Manchester Metropolitan University and has been rolled out across all Sussex colleges.

At Collyer’s, the project was piloted by second-year travel and tourism students, with Nikki Stone, head of travel and tourism, incorporating the work as part of students’ individual projects.

Following on from this success, the course has been rolled out for all Collyer’s students and has now been launched as part of the wider tutorial and enrichment programme.

Dr Ian Carr, head of geology and environmental science, said: “The students followed the self-guided resources and took part in a final Webinar before submitting pledges about actions they will take to reduce their carbon emissions. These pledges will be submitted to the Carbon Literacy Project and successful students will be awarded a certificate.”

Second-year environmental science students were given a masterclass in the circular economy funded by the project.

The session was presented by Elle Runton, who has corporate experience working for multinational companies, including Coca Cola European Partners and Emirates Nature – WWF in the UAE.

Dr Carr added: “The students really enjoyed benefitting from Elle’s fantastic experience and expertise. The masterclasses explored useful examples and created resources that the group will be able to use in their final exams.”

Collyer’s deputy principal Steve Martell said: “Huge thanks to Elle Runton and our very own Ian Carr for advancing these wonderful educational opportunities and inspiring our students to actively tackle climate change.”

Carbon Literacy is defined as an awareness of the carbon dioxide costs and its impacts of everyday activities. It is also the ability and motivation to reduce emissions.

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