BLOG | Sustainability is the key to health of our planet

Michael Smith, a Curriculum Manager at UHI North, West and Hebrides, explores the pivotal role of education and training in equipping our workforce with the essential skills to support the transition to net zero and sustainable practices across our businesses, communities, and daily lives.

Humanity faces unprecedented environmental challenges that threaten our planet's ecosystems and economies.

Biodiversity loss, driven by human activities such as habitat destruction, desertification, and deforestation, is accelerating due to poor land management practices. These impacts affect human health, food security, and soil fertility, all crucial for sustaining human populations in the future. We’re also seeing food systems under threat from over-fishing in marine and freshwater environments, and an increase in extreme weather events as a direct consequence of global warming.

Given these challenges, there is an urgent need for societies to adopt higher levels of sustainability and move towards achieving 'net zero' emissions. A key factor in enabling this transition will be flexible, targeted education and training to help businesses and communities grow more sustainably. Achieving net zero emissions in Scotland by 2045 and UK-wide by 2050 will require cooperation across various sectors, including businesses, communities, local and national governments. Education and training are essential to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills needed for this transition and to foster a cultural shift towards sustainability.

A transitioning workforce

The transition to net zero will transform industries, requiring a workforce knowledgeable about sustainable practices, renewable energy technologies, and energy efficiency. Training programmes to upskill existing employees or reskill new job market entrants are crucial for maintaining an adaptable workforce. This is particularly important in key growth sectors like engineering, which is pivoting to respond to renewable energy. Educational institutions like the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) are adapting their curriculum to prepare students for the jobs of the future, offering specialised courses in environmental science, sustainable engineering, and sustainable development, to name but a few, which respond to industry needs. At the same time, we also offer courses on sustainability and how it can be applied across business - whether that’s across management teams, the wider workforce, or day-to-day operations - as well as in communities and at home.

Driving innovation and competitiveness through up-skilling

Education also fosters innovation within businesses. Companies that prioritize sustainability can gain a competitive edge by investing in research and development and training programmes to develop new technologies and processes that reduce emissions and resource consumption. For instance, many agricultural companies are training in sustainable and regenerative farming techniques to reduce their carbon footprints. This not only helps meet regulatory requirements but also aligns with consumer demand for environmentally responsible products. UHI is supporting this type of innovation by offering Masters-level upskilling courses in a wide range of topics, from energy modelling for buildings and sustainable resource management to sustainable land use and environmental impact assessments. These are online, flexible courses delivered over 6 or 12-week short courses, or through longer learning in the form of undergraduate or postgraduate study. Such knowledge transfer and understanding will be essential if a quicker transition is to be achieved in Scotland compared to other parts of the UK.

Building community resilience

At the community level, education and training initiatives empower residents to take active roles in the transition to net zero. Workshops on energy conservation, waste reduction, and sustainable transportation can foster community engagement. Creating local sustainability champions through up-skilling programmes can lead to grassroots initiatives that drive emission reductions. When communities understand the impact of their actions, they are more likely to participate in local sustainability efforts, such as community growing projects and recycling initiatives.

Cultivating a culture of sustainability

Education can also instil a values-based approach to sustainability. Integrating environmental education into school, college and university courses can shape the attitudes and behaviours of future generations. Teaching students about climate change, its causes, and impacts, along with practical solutions, can create a generation equipped to prioritize sustainability in their personal and professional lives. Corporate training programmes that emphasize ethical practices and corporate social responsibility can influence corporate cultures, leading to more sustainable business outputs.

Policy and advocacy

For systemic change, understanding the links between policies, community practices, and business operations is vital. Education on policy development and advocacy can empower individuals and organizations to push for stronger regulations and incentives that promote net zero transitions. This includes training on how to engage with local governments, participate in public consultations, and advocate for sustainable policies.

Commitment

The role of training and education in the transition to net zero emissions cannot be overstated. It requires investment, commitment, and collaboration across all sectors. By equipping the workforce with the necessary skills, fostering innovation, building resilient communities, cultivating a culture of sustainability, and empowering advocacy efforts, we can facilitate a faster and more effective transition to a sustainable, net zero future. Ultimately, the health of our planet and future generations depends on our ability to embrace sustainability as a guiding principle in all aspects of our lives.

• To view our full range of online, sustainability courses, including our degree and 6 and 12 week continuous professional development courses, starting in January, visit: Sustainability - UHI North, West and Hebrides

This blog was published as an article in The Press and Journal on Friday, 29 November 2024.