What do we mean by climate breakdown?

This is a short course that provides an introduction to climate breakdown. Climate breakdown is one of the defining issues of our time and if we do not take action to avoid the consequences, the outcome for our ability to survive on the planet is in question. But before we can do anything to avoid climate breakdown, we need to understand what it is and what it means for us and future generations. Through our work in environmental education over the past 20 years, we have realised that a lot of people know very little about this subject and that there is a lack of awareness about the urgency of the situation – we need to take action now!

We therefore decided to use our knowledge to help others and developed this course to provide:

• An explanation of climate breakdown

• An outline of the consequences of climate breakdown for now and for future generations

• A basic look at the science behind the causes of climate breakdown, including the greenhouse effect and tipping points

• A short quiz to consolidate your learning

By the end of the course, you should be able to talk confidently about the causes and consequences of climate breakdown with your children or grandchildren, with your neighbours and friends and with your colleagues at work.