Carbon literacy for language professionals

Sessions run on Tuesday 13 October & Tuesday 20 October 2026 | 09:30 am - 4 pm GMT

Discover how language professionals can play a role in tackling climate change. This accredited course combines climate knowledge, practical action and communication skills to help you make a positive impact in your business and beyond.

Description of training content

This course is designed to equip you with the knowledge, motivation and inspiration to take meaningful climate action. You'll gain an understanding of the science behind climate change and the carbon impact of everyday activities, explore practical ways to reduce emissions in your business and personal life, and develop the confidence to use your communication skills to have positive, constructive conversations about climate change with colleagues, clients and suppliers.

Carbon Literacy for Language professionals is split into four modules, taking place over two sessions:

Session 1 | Tuesday 13 October 2026 | 9:30 am - 4 pm

Module 1

• Climate change and its impacts

• Carbon footprints

Module 2

• Policy position

• The role of SMEs & language professionals

• The co-benefits of climate action

Session 2 | Tuesday 20 October 2026 | 9:30 am - 4pm

Module 3

• Business carbon footprints

• Consumption

• Wider impacts

Module 4

• Better business

• Action planning

• Communicating climate change

These sessions will take place online, with interactive exercises and discussions. Each day includes two comfort breaks and a 30-minute lunch break.

Who should attend?

This course is designed for language professionals who want to develop their understanding of climate change and explore how sustainability relates to their work. It is suitable for translators, interpreters, language service providers, freelancers, and anyone working in the language sector who is interested in learning more about carbon literacy and the role our profession can play in climate action.

No prior knowledge of carbon literacy is required, but some participants may already have awareness of climate change or sustainability and want to explore how these issues relate to their professional practice. The session is designed for anyone looking to build their confidence, reflect on the impact of their choices, and discover practical ways that language professionals can contribute to climate action.

Key takeaways for participants 

• Understand the science behind climate change and its global and local impacts

• Recognise your role as an individual, business owner and language professional in tackling climate change

• Gain an understanding of climate justice and its relevance to your work

• Explore low-carbon goals within the language services sector and the wider SME community

• Develop a practical action plan to reduce the carbon footprint of your business

• Learn strategies to engage and influence others to take positive climate action.

Why this webinar is relevant and timely?

Despite the political debate surrounding climate change, the scientific evidence is clear: human activity is driving unprecedented changes to our climate. Since the Industrial Revolution, global average temperatures have increased by more than 1°C, largely due to rising concentrations of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. These emissions are primarily the result of activities such as burning fossil fuels.

The impacts of climate change are no longer a distant concern, they are already being felt. Rising sea levels, more frequent and severe storms, flooding, wildfires and droughts are affecting communities across Europe and around the world. Without rapid and substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, the challenges of living and working in a changing climate will continue to grow.

As business owners, we have probably all already felt some of the impacts of climate breakdown, with heatwaves and floods becoming increasingly frequent across Europe and elsewhere. The consequences include disruption to our working conditions, income and travel plans, as well as negative effects on our health and wellbeing.

One of the aims of this carbon literacy training is to equip language professionals with the knowledge they need to help mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change, and to show how climate action can bring a range of co-benefits that can safeguard and enhance our working lives in the future.

The greater our awareness, the better we can also support our clients with their sustainability-related communications and apply suitable criteria when selecting who to work with.

Carbon Literacy certification 

The Carbon Literacy Project is the accrediting body for Carbon Literacy® training, recognising individuals and organisations that are committed to taking meaningful climate action.

To achieve Carbon Literacy certification, learners must:

• Attend both training sessions

• Watch the documentary Climate Change: The Facts presented by David Attenborough

• Calculate their personal carbon footprint using one or more approved online tools.

Links to the documentary and carbon footprint calculators will be provided in advance. All requirements must be completed before certification can be awarded. 

Gaining accreditation offers awardees a visible badge that showcases their commitment to climate action and dedication towards creating and maintaining a low-carbon culture.