Climate Justice  & Aviation

Communication Training for Activists and Campaigners

Do you want to be part of a movement for a fair and green mobility, or boost campaigns on climate justice and aviation?

Would you like to learn more about the ecological and social impacts of aviation, how to counter the industry’s greenwashing strategies and to bring about a just transition of the aviation sector?

Do you want guidance on policy measures actually reducing aviation and on how to change organisations’ travel policies?

Would you like to be part of a global network of campaigners and activists spreading the word about aviation and climate justice?

 

Do you want to reflect on how we talk about aviation, to counter narratives that impede change?

If your answer is Yes, here is your opportunity to become a Stay Grounded multiplier! This training based on our guide “Common Destination – Reframing aviation to ensure a safe landing and lay the tracks towards a fair planet“.

 

See the dates for

trainings in German, French, Spanish and English

How will it work?

The training is free – you bring your time, your motivation and your own experience to share! 🙂 There is no prior knowledge required.

Trainings will take place in the UK, Spain, Germany and France (in local languages) as well as in an international online version in English. So you will have plenty of options to participate!

You will be part of a multiplier network with many possibilities to exchange and learn from each other and receive active support to spread the word about aviation and climate justice yourself (e.g. in workshops, talks, actions, etc.).

You will also be connected to the global Stay Grounded network of more than 200 organisations aiming to reduce aviation and fight for a fair and green mobility system.

@ Christine Tyler / Stay Grounded

Who is it for?

⇢ people active on climate justice issues who want to communicate more about the role of aviation in this context

⇢ people engaged in local struggles against airport expansions or campaigning for a fairer mobility system, looking for effective ways to counter the aviation industry’s narratives

⇢ people interested in climate communication, wanting to reflect and expand on their framing of aviation

⇢ people looking for a way to get active on aviation together with like-minded multipliers

@ Julien Helaine

We are looking for people who are interested in spreading the knowledge provided in this training to as many people as possible. By participating in the training, you will become part of an active multiplier network and be supported in giving workshops and talks, or organise actions and events (depending on your capacity). You will be in touch with like-minded people around the world working for a fairer mobility system!

The training has six modules. You should at least participate in Module 1, and another one of your choosing. However, we very much encourage and recommend you to participate in all modules to get the full picture.

The modules will consist of a mix of shared reflections, informative presentations and interactive exercises. If necessary, your travel and accommodation costs to in-person trainings can be (partially) covered.

Module 1: Aviation and Climate Justice

In this module you will learn about why reducing aviation is such an important part of campaigning for climate justice. You will have the facts, numbers and arguments you need to reach out on the urgency to reduce flights and stay grounded. Based on our report “Common Destination”, an important part of that module is also to reflect on HOW we talk about reducing air traffic and to counter the narratives of the aviation industry effectively.

Module 2: Greenwashing

In this module, we will unveil the illusions the aviation industry creates to make us think that green, sustainable flights are possible. We will discuss and reflect on greenwashing strategies in general and dive into the limits, possibilities and false promises of agrofuels, e-fuels, electric flights and offsetting – “false solutions” that distract us from the urgent need to reduce flights. After this module, you will be able to counter the aviation industry’s arguments of “sustainable aviation”.

Module 3: Just Transition

The aviation industry is set to shrink and needs a “safe landing” – this means also we need a just transition for workers. But how can we counter the misleading ‘jobs hypocrisy’ by the aviation industry and governments? In this module, we will take a look into the future: What could a transition to a new, greener and socially just mobility system look like? And what do climate activists need to know to join forces with workers and trade unions ?

Module 4: Grounding Organisations

In this module, we get practical. Business flights are a big part of many organisations’ carbon footprints, normalising excessive flying. This is why it is time to ground our organisations! In this module, you will learn about concrete steps and best practices showing how to reduce flights at the institutional level. There are plenty of universities, NGOs, and businesses that just need a little input to reflect on and change their travel practices. This module is for those who are interested in spreading the word within their own organisations and to others.

Module 5: Policy Measures to Degrow Aviation

In this module, we will look into current EU and international aviation policies – and why they all set the course for the continous growth of the destructive aviation industry.

You will learn about the existing policies at national and international levels, as well as policy proposals (e.g. frequent flier levy, caps and limits of flights, kerosene tax, etc.) actually degrowing the aviation sector.

We will then discuss examples of successfully implemented policies that might become a model for comprehensive international measures.

 

Module 6: Being a Multiplier

In this module, we will talk about how we can support each other in spreading the word and exchanging in our multiplier network. We will discuss how we can reach out to different target groups and where to find tools and methods to develop our strategies and activities.

International Training (online)

The next international training will probably take place in autumn 2024.

If you want to stay informed, please write an email to michaela@stay-grounded.org.

Trainings in other languages

Trainings in German, French, Spanish and for an UK audience took place in autumn 2023.

Currently, no new ones are scheduled. If you are interested in one of these trainings, please write an email to michaela@stay-grounded.org.