The Climate Action Training Module transforming anxiety into action
- An April LUNSHE (Leeds University Network for Sustainability in Higher Education) blog
In a world increasingly shaped by the climate crisis, education has emerged as a powerful tool for change. The University of Leeds, in collaboration with FutureLearn, has taken a step forward with the launch of its Climate Action Training Module - a dynamic, interdisciplinary course designed to empower learners with the knowledge and tools to take meaningful climate action.
How did the training come about?
The course was created as a means to move beyond pushing for individual behaviour change and explore the systemic roots of the climate crisis. Spearheaded by Professor Vera Trappmann, the initiative began with a focus on carbon literacy training, which had already shown measurable success in shifting student behaviours toward sustainability.
From this, the team then envisioned a course that not only educated but inspired. One that tackled the social, environmental, and economic dimensions of climate change and equipped learners to act both individually and collectively.
What is the learning experience?
The Climate Action Training Module takes around 16 hours to complete, and is structured around four key themes:
- Week 1: Crisis, Justice, and Hope
Learners explore the roots of the climate crisis and envision a hopeful, sustainable future. Activities include creating social media posts and imagining climate-positive societies.
- Week 2: Sectoral Change and Action Planning
Focused on real-world applications, this week allows learners to dive into sectors like energy, transport, and industry, culminating in a personalised action plan.
- Week 3: Climate Discourses and Media Literacy
Learners critically analyse misleading climate narratives and craft their own responses, building skills in advocacy and communication.
- Week 4: Vision to Action
The course concludes with learners developing a realistic, motivating personal action plan, grounded in their interests and local context.
Developed by the Digital Education Service at Leeds, the module emphasises interactivity, reflection, and peer learning that builds agency.
Who can do this training?
While the primary audience is University of Leeds students and staff, the course is also freely accessible worldwide, thanks to sponsorship from the university. This means the course is open to global youth and the wider public interested in climate action and sustainability.
Relevant to every subject
The module is already being integrated into existing university curricula, from sociology to fine arts. Educators are using it to spark conversations about sustainability in disciplines where climate issues may not be traditionally foregrounded.
As one participant from the School of Fine Art noted, the course helps students connect their artistic practice to global sustainability challenges, highlighting the interdisciplinary relevance of climate education.
Join the movement
The Climate Action Training Module officially launched on May 12, 2025, on FutureLearn. It includes live events, expert speakers like Professor Julia Steinberger and Professor Jenny Stevens, and opportunities for learners to engage with facilitators and peers from around the world.
Whether you're a student, staff, or completely external to the University of Leeds, this course offers a transformative learning experience that turns climate anxiety into climate action.
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
We use the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a framework to guide our activity. Our work on Sustainable Curriculum is linked to all of the SDGs, including:
- Goal 4: Quality Education
- Goal 13: Climate Action
Find out more about our impact on the SDGs.
