Knowledge is one of our best weapons in the fight against climate change. With that in mind, I’ve compiled a list of environmental learning resources to explore. If you’re looking for ideas for films, online courses, podcasts and newsletters related to climate change and sustainability, you’re in the right place.
I’ve shared before that I’m an avid lifelong learner. I don’t recall a time when I haven’t been taking some sort of course. Learning takes many different forms, though, and one of the things I’m looking forward to after I retire at the end of this month is having more time to learn.
Here is a roundup of environmental learning resources that I’m looking forward to digging into.
Films and documentaries
If you missed this month’s Climate Change Collective post, Molly from Transatlantic Notes shared a list of important documentaries about nature and climate change.
After reading Molly’s post, I discovered Films for the Earth. It’s a searchable library of over 600 films about sustainability.
Online courses
Online learning opens up a world of possibilities. Learning on any topic is literally available at our fingertips
York University’s Sustainable Living Ambassador program
A good place to start is York University’s free Microlecture Series in Sustainable Living. In just a couple of hours you can learn the basics and earn a Sustainable Living Ambassador digital badge.
Free climate change courses from edX
If you’re not familiar with edX, it’s an online platform featuring courses from some of the world’s best universities—and it’s all free!
The Carbon Almanac’s daily email recently featured five edX courses that I plan to check out:
- Climate Change Education
- The Health Effects of Climate Change
- Tourism and Climate Change
- Ecodesign for Cities and Suburbs
- One Planet, One Ocean
Introducing Climate Psychology from The Open University
Climate change can be a significant source of stress and anxiety. Introducing Climate Psychology is a free 4-week online course from Open Learn in the U.K. that aims to build understanding of how climate change impacts our wellbeing, and how to build resilience.
Simon Fraser University’s Climate Action Certificate
I’m just wrapping up an online Plain Language Certificate from Simon Fraser University. I was intrigued to learn they also offer a Climate Action Certificate. The 6-course online program is targeted at anyone wishing to lead and implement climate action plans.
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Podcasts
Being more of a visual and hands-on learner, I don’t listen to a lot of podcasts. If podcasts are your thing, here are a few that you might find interesting:
Newsletters
Finally, if you don’t already subscribe to these e-newsletters, I suggest you check them out.
- Katharine Hayhoe is an American climate activist. Her Talking Climate newsletter provides a weekly update on good, and not-so-good, environmental news.
- Every Monday, Happy Eco News sends an email roundup of their top stories of the week. This Canadian-based site focuses on positive environmental news.
- Earth911’s weekly newsletter is a great source of information on innovations and tips for sustainable living.
As I dig into these resources, I’ll be sure to share updates here on Boomer Eco Crusader.
What are your go-to sources for climate change and environmental education? Drop me a comment below and let me know.
Love the info about a climate psychology course, Michelle! Thank you! 🥰
Great resources Michelle! Our county during the summer mostly, offers various classes both in person and then online on sustainable living concepts like composting, rain barrels and gray water use…etc. It’s always worthwhile to check city and county websites for info on those types of offerings. I also read books/stories from authors who focus on the natural world so while not necessarily tagged to stress climate issues specifically they do offer clear intent about human interactions with the natural world- both good and bad. Use the library or search for used books (or new if you like) on topics like nature, environment, gardening, even indigenous spirituality, and of course anything climate related. They all add perspectives that allow individuals to question and establish their own insights into how they want to live on our earth 🙂
Thanks for all these great suggestions, Deb. I do enjoy learning about Indigenous teachings because respect for land and nature is integral to their core worldview. Good idea to check out local resources. I went on a tour of our local landfill and recycling centre last year for Earth Day. It was fascinating.