The Outer Hebrides Climate Hub has launched a free online sustainability training course for islanders, designed to help residents, organisations, and businesses across the Western Isles.
The Introduction to Sustainability training is available on the hub’s website and is split into easy-to-follow interactive modules, with a CV-boosting certificate available to those who complete all five.
Covering topics like transport, energy, waste reduction, and food, the modules have been created specifically for the Western Isles in direct response to islanders’ concerns, gathered through the hub’s extensive outreach projects.
The modules also include an insightful introduction to adaptation, considering how islanders can prepare for, and adjust to, the impacts of climate change – with real life examples from across the islands.
The training is designed to help inspire communities, individuals, and organisations to live and work more sustainably to protect our islands. Each module offers the knowledge and tools needed to take small actions that can help to build community resilience and future-proof our homes, land, and livelihoods. Many of the actions also help to save money – a growing concern amid the cost-of-living crisis.
The online training is a completely island-led resource, created and designed locally, using islands-specific training points, and featuring a broad range of contributors from across the Western Isles.
Kirsty Leese, Manager of the Outer Hebrides Climate Hub, said:
“The Western Isles are at the forefront of climate change, threatened by rising sea levels, increasing storm days, biodiversity loss, and much more, while our population continues to feel the impacts of the ongoing cost of living crisis. Living sustainably is more important than ever, and is something which many islanders have been doing for generations. But our world is changing, and we need to adapt to protect our islands for current and future generations.
“Our training has been created with the help of islanders from Vatersay to Ness, who have shared their experiences of a changing climate, and importantly, the wonderful work they are doing to build resilience. We are delighted to share this training with the wider community and showcase some of the excellent initiatives and individuals leading the way in local climate action.’
You can sign up for free membership of the Outer Hebrides Climate Hub and access the sustainability training at https://climatehebrides.learnworlds.com/
Anyone looking for assistance with the training can contact the Outer Hebrides Climate Hub Outreach Officer, Sarah, by emailing: sarah@climatehebrides.com