A LONG Preston based small business, ideostone, has launched its first online course on climate breakdown on the global learning platform, Udemy.

Owner, Richard Boothman, said he decided to run the course in an attempt to help people understand climate breakdown, what is causing it and the likely consequences. ideostone's first course, 'What do we mean by Climate Breakdown' was launched in early September on the Udemy learning platform and is the first in a planned series of courses to provide information on the global environmental challenge – and what we can do about it.

Mr Boothman said: “As an environmental professional, I am aware of the challenges we currently face but I've been surprised by the lack of knowledge and understanding of this vitally important issue. "I've put this course together for anyone who may be confused by all the discussion about climate breakdown in the media or who feels left behind by their children or grandchildren, many of whom are very well-informed."

He added: "The course is accessible to anyone with an Internet connection and provides relevant information clearly and concisely. "Although written from a UK perspective, the information is relevant to everyone and using Udemy, we're hoping to reach an audience far beyond the UK.”

Mr Boothman has been able to develop the course by working with the Settle Business and Community Hub, taking part in a series of video training workshops run by the hub's Jo Rhodes.

He said: “Without the timely input of Jo and her colleagues at the Hub, we wouldn't have been able to produce the videos that were needed to develop the course. The help and support from the Hub has been invaluable.”

To find out more, visit the website: ideostone.com