Stepping into Climate Action: Carola’s Journey Through Energy Garden’s Youth Training Programme
A year and a half ago, I had the opportunity to be part of a programme that propelled my career forward, the Energy Garden youth training programme. One summer evening back home in Mexico, while I wondered what to do after my upcoming last year of university, I stumbled upon a newsletter by the London Wildlife Trust directed towards the youth that highlighted this training under its opportunities section. With nothing to lose and a life in front of me, I applied.
Although I had an interest in sustainability and was heavily concerned about climate change, I had much to learn. I was lucky to get an interview where I explained to Leila, Education Lead, and Agamemnon, CEO, my background and how I made my way to the UK and the struggles that I saw coming in the future for me as a Latin American immigrant. Getting that offer made my day. I couldn’t believe that I was going to get paid to learn, but it was more than that. It was committing to expand my knowledge in energy, a subject part of our everyday lives that many people in the UK do not learn about.
Going to the Elmore House, we understood solar panels, and we learnt how energy poverty affects so many. We sat at Ebury Edge and went through graphs and numbers of the different energy types. I got to go to a high-rise in Bank to talk to Claire Ainsworth about the sustainability strategy of their company (Triple Point Partners) and how the corporate world views these issues.
In the kitchen of the community centre, I soldered. I built a battery and a solar panel that worked! I understood with my hands how to make something that provided my phone with life. Garlic got put into soil, went inside a greenhouse, surveyed people on the overground, met an MP, visited the Houses of Parliament, talked energy politics with experts, and understood that without a knowledge of these, people get put at an incredible disadvantage.
At home I didn’t get taught how to read an energy bill, what a smart meter was, or if we were being overcharged. Now, in my house, I can choose an energy provider that fits my needs. I can identify potential energy leaks and create a strategy that not only will save me money during this housing and energy crisis, but will also do so sustainably.
After my training, while being involved with the community, I was part of the press release for the first community-owned solar project in UK railway, where Jason Brooker at GTR and Aga showed us the benefits of partnerships and the fantastic things that they can lead to. There is a lot of roof space in London that can still be covered by increasingly cheaper solar panels that will generate energy for the community.
I experienced and learnt a lot during my time at Energy Garden — but most of all, it got me thinking about where I want to put my knowledge, my time, and my buying power. Decidedly, I have started building my career as a research scientist in a leading direct air capture company that focuses on creating innovative technology for displacing carbon from oil. I have volunteered at the Islington Climate Centre, where I have put into practice my knowledge about partnerships to inform and connect. And I have kept my connection to nature close to my heart, because one can never forget their initial motivation.
I have infinitely recommended this experience to my friends and anyone that I meet who has the slightest curiosity about climate change. I’ve been able to network and build the base of what sustainability means through this. People should be empowered, and Energy Garden has the knowledge and community warmth to lead people down that path.
– Carola, Youth Traning Programme Graduate of September 2023 Cohort