With the launch of our new WorkforClimate Academy, we’ve been thinking a lot about the role of education in this space. One thing we’ve found – and many experts seem to agree – is that while climate change is complex, climate action is not. And the more you learn about this stuff, the less scary it starts to become.
This is important. It’s what turns climate change from a vague, nameless dread into a challenge to be overcome, or a problem to be solved. And history has shown that humans are remarkably good at solving problems.
So with that in mind, here are some of our favourite climate learning resources. Some of these are short courses, like our Academy, and others are one-day workshops or even podcasts. There’s no right or wrong way to begin. The important thing is simply beginning.
For employees: WorkforClimate Academy
Duration: Self-paced
Cost: AU$599
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Our new online WorkforClimate Academy has been specifically designed for employees, whether you work for a Big 4 bank or an SME. It’s an in-depth introduction to the modern climate crisis, as well as a toolkit for workplace change. Over six online modules and monthly live labs, we cover everything from financed emissions to climate justice and cleaning up your supply chain. It’s also a fantastic introduction to a community of like-minded professionals.
For beginners: Climate Fresk
Duration: 3 hours
Cost: Varies
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For an even quicker, more bite-sized intro to the climate fight, check out Climate Fresk’s workshops. These guys are an NGO that began in France and are now active in over 40 countries around the world. They run crash courses in climate science, helpfully wrapping up the latest IPCC reports and connecting change makers from across the globe. Some of these are free, and they also offer company-sponsored workshops.
For job seekers: Terra.do
Duration: 12 weeks
Cost: AU$2900
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Ever wonder where all the climate jobs are hiding? You could spend hours sifting through JDs on LinkedIn, or you could head over to Terra.do. It’s a climate careers and educational platform where you can search for jobs, meet hiring managers, join climate bootcamps and attend job fairs. They also offer 100% online learning modules, with guest speakers and hands-on projects. These tend to run for 12 weeks and cost around AU$2900. A fantastic resource.
For movers and shakers: Small Giants Mastery of Business and Empathy
Duration: 10 months
Cost: AU$23,600
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Want to take your career to the next level, or embed purpose and empathy into your organisational culture? Melbourne-based Small Giants Academy runs several workshops, seminars and courses on impact-driven business. Their Mastery of Business and Empathy is the feather in their cap. This is basically a training program to become an ethical business leader and facilitator of the Next Economy. Think of it as the purpose-driven alternative of an MBA, because that's exactly what it is.
For home-chefs: OzHarvest Cooking for a Cause
Duration: 1 day
Cost: AU$175 (tax deductable)
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If you want to learn more about zero waste cooking, and help a worthy cause at the same time, check out Australian not-for-profit OzHarvest’s Cooking for a Cause.These are one-day workshops where you’ll learn zero waste cooking skills, and every plate goes to help feed vulnerable communities. The attendance fee is tax deductible, which is always a bonus, and OzHarvest runs corporate bookings too. Makes a great team-building exercise!
For gardeners: CERES Permaculture Design Course
Duration: Several weeks
Cost: AU$2200
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Permaculture is something we should all embrace these days, and thankfully it’s becoming more common in gardens all over the country. CERES runs an excellent collection of horticulture and gardening workshops (including an introduction to backyard beekeeping!) but their Permaculture Design Course (PDC) is particularly well regarded. In its own words, it’s “like a user’s manual for the planet you live on”, combining theoretical and practical knowledge, plus several on-site visits.
For your lunch break: My Climate Journey
Duration: 60 minutes
Cost: Free!
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Who said climate education had to be arduous, or expensive? There are tonnes of great climate podcasts out there – The Great Simplification by Nate Hagens is one of our favourites – but for those looking for inspiration, check out My Climate Journey. Our own Lucy Piper was featured on MCJ in March 2023, so we might be slightly biased here, but it’s one of the best, most informative climate podcasts going around. Each episode heroes prominent climate activists or change makers, and it’s something you can smash out over the average lunch break.
For more climate resources, new, interviews and guides, check out our latest articles. Our WorkforClimate Academy is also taking enrolments, if you’d really like to kick-start your climate journey.
