Apolitical, a UK-based online learning platform, has secured a $2 million grant from the Bezos Earth Fund to escalate climate-related training for government workers. Amid increasing climate challenges, the platform is equipping public servants with necessary skills to address urgent environmental issues. The grant aims to accelerate Apolitical’s Government Climate Campus, launched in January 2023, to broaden its reach and impact. This initiative underscores the growing connection between public policy and climate action, emphasizing the need for comprehensive training programs.
Why Is Climate Training Essential for Public Servants?
Apolitical’s recent survey highlights a significant gap, with 68% of public servants acknowledging climate change’s impact on their work, yet only 35% have received relevant training. The Climate Campus addresses this gap with its 13-course curriculum designed with the help of institutions like the University of Oxford and the World Resources Institute. These courses aim to provide a robust understanding of climate issues, enabling public servants to contribute effectively to sustainability goals.
What Are the Future Plans for the Climate Campus?
The next phase, powered by the Bezos Earth Fund grant, seeks to train 12 million public servants globally by the end of 2026. Leveraging technology, the initiative plans to scale the training program, offering new modules on low-carbon transition, forest management, and more. Key focus countries include the United States, Brazil, India, South Africa, and Indonesia, with efforts aimed at enhancing the climate competence of government workers.
Apolitical has already exceeded its initial training goals, reaching over 40,000 public servants across several countries. This success highlights the growing momentum in climate education and the importance of partnerships with experts and academic institutions. Robyn Scott, CEO of Apolitical, stresses that governments are vital actors in climate action and need strategic partners to swiftly upskill their workforce.
The Bezos Earth Fund, led by Andrew Steer, emphasizes the urgent need for governments to be climate-capable, coinciding with Apolitical’s mission.
“Governments need to be equipped with the knowledge and skills to understand what needs to be done and to deliver transformative policies, programs, and services,”
said Steer, highlighting the timeliness of current efforts.
In the past, Apolitical’s initiatives have focused on enhancing public service capacities in various domains. With a consistent emphasis on collaboration with educational institutions, their approach has seen successful implementation. Recent developments build on this foundation, aiming for larger scale and impact through the Climate Campus.
Apolitical’s expansion reflects a strategic response to the global climate crisis, aiming to influence policy-making through skilled public servants. The grant from the Bezos Earth Fund will enable the integration of advanced training methods, facilitating both virtual and in-person learning experiences. The initiative sets a precedent for other sectors to address skills gaps critical to addressing global challenges. The effectiveness of such training could be pivotal in driving substantial policy changes and climate action.
