Introducing Guided Learning:
A platform for anyone to learn about offsets
Introduction:
Over the last 4+ years, our team has worked with people and businesses across the entire *sustainability spectrum*. We have conducted interviews, led community events, consulted on projects, and supported founders launching businesses. Even among the most engaged and best-informed populations, it was clear that there is a wide variation in what we call “carbon literacy”.
"Carbon literacy" is the comprehensive understanding of the costs and impacts of carbon dioxide and broader greenhouse gas emissions associated with everyday activities. It also covers the ability and motivation to reduce emissions on an individual, community, and organizational level. It encompasses understanding how different behaviors, technologies, and actions contribute to carbon emissions, as well as knowledge of strategies and solutions to mitigate these emissions.
Our view is that carbon literacy is critically important to empower individuals to make informed decisions that support the transition to a low-carbon economy. This involves grasping the basics of climate science, the roles of different greenhouse gasses, and the potential of innovative technologies and approaches in climate action.
Mission:
Our mission at Offset Atlas is to illuminate paths through the carbon market's complexities, making it accessible for everyone from beginners to experts. We strive to equip our community with the knowledge and tools needed to both accelerate collective efforts toward global sustainability goals. To do that, it is critical to have effective on-ramps to help newcomers, curious interlopers, and experts alike develop a common understanding and converge around shared language as we begin the climate transition.
The Guided Learning section is our effort to create a resource that creates that on-ramp both for carbon literacy as well as common ground from which to dive in more deeply on carbon markets. To make this information as approachable as possible each section in the Guided Learning Journey has an intro section followed by beginner, intermediate, and advanced content sets. In this article, we will give a sneak peek into how we have structured the Guided Learning journey, and where we may go next.
Segment breakdown:
The first two segments are dedicated to creating a foundational introduction to the multifaceted issues of climate change. Think of these as the 100-level courses one might encounter in higher education; they create an entry point and present introductory themes.
Base camp (101) -
“Base Camp” explains the global and far-reaching impacts of climate change, which are primarily driven by human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes that significantly increase greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere. This section also emphasizes the uneven distribution of climate impacts, highlighting the urgent need for informed actions and sustainable practices to mitigate these effects and support vulnerable communities and ecosystems.
What lies ahead (102) -
In "What Lies Ahead" the guided learning journey equips readers to navigate the complexities of future climate scenarios. It underscores the critical roles of various sectors and global governance in shaping these outcomes, stressing transformative changes in energy, transportation, agriculture, and manufacturing to mitigate climate impacts. This section also highlights the importance of integrating climate considerations into daily decisions across all levels of society, using strategies like emissions reduction, carbon offsetting, removal projects, and leveraging carbon markets to ensure a sustainable future. Through a forward-looking lens, it prepares readers to participate in and influence these essential changes.
Moving into our second tier of the guided learning journey, each with a tighter area of focus similar to a 200-level course, we explore the four most prominent approaches to addressing climate change: emissions reduction, offsetting, carbon removal, and adaptation. Each of these topics gets broken down into more digestible areas of focus at the beginner, intermediate, and advanced learning levels.
Reduce (201) -
The "Reduce" section emphasizes the importance of cutting greenhouse gas emissions as the foundation for effective climate action. It highlights the immediate and long-term benefits of reduction efforts, offering practical strategies for individuals and businesses to decrease their carbon footprint. By focusing on energy efficiency, sustainable practices, and conscious consumption, this section provides actionable steps to mitigate climate change and build a more resilient future.
Offset (202) -
The "Offset" section explores how carbon offsets work to compensate for unavoidable greenhouse gas emissions by supporting projects that reduce or remove CO2 elsewhere. This section explains the criteria for high-quality offsets, the types of projects involved, and the role of removals, providing readers with the knowledge to make informed decisions and effectively balance their carbon footprint.
Remove (203) -
The "Remove" section explores innovative technologies designed to capture and remove carbon dioxide directly from the atmosphere, addressing the need to manage existing and legacy carbon emissions. It highlights the importance of carbon removal alongside reduction efforts, detailing various methods such as direct air capture and enhanced weathering, and discusses the potential, scalability, and environmental considerations of these emerging solutions.
Adapt (204) -
The "Adapt" section focuses on the necessity of adjusting to the inevitable impacts of climate change, highlighting strategies to future-proof societies, cities, and infrastructure. It emphasizes the importance of proactive adaptation to safeguard lives and livelihoods, illustrating how adaptation measures can drive innovation and create more resilient communities.
The 100 and 200-level segments are the core of what we want to offer to learners first, but we know there is a vast expanse of concepts and examples that are important to understanding carbon markets and offsets wholistically. We have identified a few new areas that we will develop content around as our user base grows. Let us know which sounds most appealing to you!
MRV & Earth Monitoring (301) -
We will delve into Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) – critical mechanisms for ensuring the integrity of climate projects. Learners will explore robust data collection methodologies and satellite-based monitoring techniques.
Carbon Markets and economic structures (302) -
Offset Atlas will provide a comprehensive examination of carbon markets, investigating their role in incentivizing emissions reductions, their influence within the economic system, and both their potential and limitations for effectively accelerating climate action.
Policy and advocacy (303) -
Policy and advocacy are intimidating but incredibly important for effective climate action. This segment will empower learners to navigate the complexities of climate policy and advocacy. The curriculum will demystify key policy tools, explore effective advocacy strategies, and equip participants with the knowledge to contribute to a more sustainable future.
That is a preview of the Guided Learning section. We are excited to continue adding content and want to hear what concepts you are either curious about or need additional help to understand. Offset Atlas is all about making carbon offsets and carbon markets more approachable and we want you to be a part of our efforts to make this better for everyone who feels a bit carbon-curious.
