Although considered a far-fetched concept to some, climate change is a living reality in many countries including the UK, with 3 out of four adults (74%) expressing concerns about it. As a result, governments and organisations are responding with new policies and measures to mitigate these effects. One of the most significant areas impacted by climate change is education, including adult learning – a variety of formal and informal learning covering both generic and vocational topics pursued by those keen on developing professionally. With ongoing climate change, training providers are forced to adapt their courses to address emerging challenges and the demand for skills development in sustainable technologies and practices.
What is Climate Change?
Climate change describes the long-term, steady increase in the Earth’s average surface temperature. This is mainly due to the atmosphere’s rising concentration of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, which trap solar heat and prevent it from escaping into space. Similar to how closing windows in a room captures heat and makes the room feel warmer, the increase in greenhouse gases is trapping more heat on Earth and driving up temperatures. This leads to more severe weather phenomena like heat waves, droughts, storms and rising sea levels.
Climate Change Impacts on Greening Adult Learning
How does adult learning fit into climate change? Like many other industries, the call for low carbon and decreasing greenhouse emissions has only made general and vocational training providers adapt faster to the climate crisis. In accordance with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) from the United Nations (UN) which includes climate action, UNESCO-UNEVOC developed strategic action plans to further the greening agenda, signifying the education’s crucial role in providing individuals with the skills and knowledge they need to tackle climate change. By offering relevant courses and including topics on sustainable development in their lesson plans, training providers are upskilling the next generation of green workers who will be at the forefront of the fight against climate change. Here are some of the ways climate change is impacting adult learning:
- Increased Demand for Sustainability Skills
The growing awareness of the impact of climate change has led to an increased demand for professionals with expertise in sustainability. This means that training institutions must provide courses that prepare students for careers in the green economy, such as courses in renewable energy technology and sustainable agriculture.
- Changing Curriculum
The impact of climate change is requiring training providers to review their curricula and identify areas where sustainability can be integrated into existing courses. For example, courses in business, engineering, and health care may need to include modules on sustainable practices and environmental management.
- Need for New Courses
Climate change is also creating a demand for new courses that specifically address sustainability and environmental management. Training institutions must respond to this need by developing new courses that equip students with green skills.
What Are Some of The Sustainable Courses Available?
- Renewable Energy Technology
Thanks to the increasing demand for clean energy in Europe, more people are enrolling in classes in renewable energy technology. This course covers a wide range of topics, including water, wind power, and solar power where keen students learn the principles of renewable energy as well as how to build, implement, and manage renewable energy systems.
- Sustainable Construction
The fundamentals of environmentally friendly building planning and construction are covered in sustainable construction courses. Students receive instruction on sustainable construction methods, green building materials, and energy-efficient building architecture.
- Environmental Management
Environmental management courses cover a range of topics related to environmental protection and sustainability. Students learn about environmental laws and regulations, environmental impact assessments, and waste management.
- Sustainable Agriculture
Sustainable agriculture courses cover the principles of sustainable farming practices. Students learn about organic farming, agroforestry, and permaculture. These courses are important because they prepare students for careers in sustainable agriculture, where they can help to reduce the environmental impact of farming.
- Climate Science
Climate science courses cover the science behind climate change and its impacts on the environment. In these courses, students learn about the causes of climate change, its impacts on the environment, and how to mitigate its effects.
Where Could You Find These Courses?
Plenty of institutions are now offering sustainable courses throughout the UK. Some of these training institutions include:
Courses offered: Renewable Energy, Sustainability and Adaptation, Green Building, Sustainable Food and Natural Resources, and more.
Courses offered: Climate Change and International Development, Climate and Environmental Sciences, Environmental Sciences with a Year in Industry, and more.
Courses offered: Sustainable Agriculture, Agroecology and Food Security, Environmental Management, and more.
Courses offered: Renewable Energy, Energy Management, Energy Efficiency, and more.
Courses offered: Energy Advice and Assessment, Renewable Energy Training, Sustainability and Climate Change, and more.
In sum, the need for sustainability skills and knowledge is growing at a fast pace, and training providers have to keep up with these demands to equip individuals with the right skills to tackle the challenges of climate change. By providing relevant courses, adapting curricula and developing new ones, adult learning providers are preparing the next generation of green workers and innovators who will lead the charge towards a more sustainable future.
