Course can help create climate change rethink

Strategy launched to provide businesses with an understanding of issues and solutions

A new strategy to encourage businesses across Scotland to get clued up about climate change has been launched in Perth.

The Climate Literacy course has been developed by the city’s Royal Scottish Geographical Society and the University of Stirling, with £20,000 backing from the Scottish Government.

The qualification was launched by Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham as part of the Scottish Government’s Climate Week, which got under way yesterday.

It aims to engage senior managers across a range of sectors to engage with climate change and, in particular, to help them understand what they can do as individuals and as organisations to deliver practical solutions.

It will be delivered both online and in short workshop sessions.

Ms Cunningham said: “Understanding the potential impacts of climate change and the role we as individuals and organisations can take to be prepared, ready and able to make the move to low carbon living, is critical if we are to meet our national and international commitments.”

She added: “That is why I welcome the development of this course, which provides a means by which people and organisations across the country can grow their understanding of climate solutions and help generate a new, multi-sectorial network of climate leaders.”

Spearheading the new qualification, Mike Robinson, chief executive of the RSGS, said: “We are delighted to be working with so many different organisations and business groups to design and deliver this qualification.

“Everyone needs to understand the role they can play in delivering solutions. It is too important to simply delegate this issue to young people.”

During her visit to Perth, Ms Cunningham also unveiled a new photographic exhibition at the RSGS Fair Maid’s House visitor centre.

Entitled Images from a Warming Planet and supported by Perth and Kinross Council, it features a collection of images by environmental photographer Ashley Cooper.

She has spent the last 13 years documenting the varied effects of climate change around the world.

Conservative councillor Angus Forbes, who is convener of the authority’s environment and infrastructure committee, said: “We are very pleased to support this exhibition here at the RSGS headquarters in Perth.

“It reflects the impact of climate change across the globe and highlights the part we all have to play in protecting our environment, both as individuals and organisations.

“I hope many people will visit the exhibition and find much food for thought in Ashley Cooper’s images.”

“Everyone needs to understand the role they can play in delivering solutions. It is too important to simply delegate this issue to young people. MIKE ROBINSON, RSGS CHIEF EXECUTIVE

Picture: Phil Hannah. Roseanna Cunningham launching Climate Week at the Royal Scottish Geographical Society offices in Perth, along with Mike Robinson, chief executive of RSGS.