As one of the critical geographical issues we face today, climate change is a major area of work for RSGS.

In an era of information overload, misinformation, doomscrolling and fake news, it can be difficult to know where to turn to find credible, reliable and easily digestible sources of information that focus on solutions and not just on problems, particularly in relation to climate change. Our Chief Executive, Mike Robinson, decided to address this by putting together a series of short courses to improve the 'climate literacy' of managers in the public, private, academic and voluntary sectors.

From this initial idea, the Climate Solutions courses were born. The courses were designed and written by leaders and experts in climate change - a unique collaboration between the Royal Scottish Geographical Society, the University of Strathclyde Business School, the University of Stirling, and the Edinburgh Climate Change Institute and endorsed by the Institute of Directors.

Climate Solutions aims to tap into the huge potential for organisations and individuals to support national and international efforts to combat climate change. We now offer a range of options, from tailored training courses that can be embedded within organisations’ local learning systems through to bespoke one or half day workshops. The courses are imbued with the optimism. They are designed to help prepare individuals and organisations to tackle one of the most important issues of our generation, and outline where the opportunities lie, so that managers can deliver solutions and understand how they and their organisations can play the greatest part.

But Climate Solutions is more than just a training course or a learning opportunity. Climate Solutions alumni have access to the Climate Solutions network, which provides peer-to-peer learning opportunities as well as access to our Meet the Experts, Rapid Response and Persuading the World events and to sectoral and subject specific ‘bolt-on’ courses, including on adaptation and digital sustainability.

Our Meet the Experts events first launched in June 2021 to provide support to learners and graduates of the Climate Solutions courses, as well as motivated members of the public seeking to develop their knowledge, skills, and confidence to take meaningful action on climate change within their organisations.

At each session, participants explore a new topic under the guidance of leading experts, participate in an open discussion of the key challenges and their solutions and, most importantly, have the chance to ask questions in a safe and informal setting.

Judi Kilgallon, a regular participant in the sessions who leads on climate change for the Improvement Service, a national organisation supporting local government through transformational change, commented:

“Climate Solutions is so much more than just climate change training. I feel part of a community of participants from across the public and private sector, sharing learning and experiences, and engaging through regular Meet the Experts sessions.

“I have found these fantastic opportunities to connect with a diverse range of experts and use this insight to develop how I approach my role supporting councils across Scotland.”

Lynda Stevenson, also a graduate of the Climate Solutions Professional course, who is currently officer responsible for progressing North Lanarkshire Council’s response to the climate emergency, added: “These events have not only continued to broaden my understanding of climate change, but have helped inform how I approach my daily work and decision-making.

“The speakers and the breadth of subject matter covered, coloured with their respective personal experiences, ensures that the audience finish the session more informed than when they started.”

Experts quizzed at sessions include well-known BBC science broadcaster, Professor Iain Stewart; lead author of the IPCC Sixth Assessment Report and creator of the viral warming stripes, Professor Ed Hawkins; the former chief executive of the UKCCC, Chris Stark, chair of the IPCC, Professor Jim Skea and many others.

The next Meet the Experts event is on Tuesday 8th October on Zoom from 2pm GMT and we will be hearing from course alumni at Scottish Water on Scottish Water’s journey to net zero, its successes and challenges and the way forward.

If you are inspired by #climateweek to find out more about what you can do to help tackle climate change, take a look at www.climatesolutionsnetwork.com and consider becoming part of our Climate Solutions Network.