OU secures funding to continue Government ‘Climate Compatible Growth’ initiative

The Open University (OU) has secured an estimated further £500,000 in funding to continue its work as the delivery partner for learning within the prestigious FCDO UK AID Climate Compatible Growth (CCG) programme. This funding extension ensures the OU’s vital role in this global initiative led by the University of Loughborough will continue for another year.

Led at the OU by Professor Stephen Peake, with Research Fellow Dr Ashutosh Bhagurkar, the project supports the UK government’s commitment to helping low- and middle-income countries grow their economies while simultaneously tackling climate change. The OU’s contribution to this multi-partner international programme centres on delivering high-quality, accessible educational content via its OpenLearn platform - a platform uniquely suited to the open, inclusive goals of the CCG initiative.

The project came to life through long-standing collaborations with the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), as well as academic and policy experts across the CCG consortium. Since its inception, the OU team has worked to distil complex, technical material into engaging, open-access resources that are free to learners worldwide.

With this new phase of funding, the team aims to expand and deepen its suite of OpenLearn offerings, producing targeted learning materials on sustainable energy, mobility, resource, urban planning, and systems thinking. Importantly, the project also introduces a new digital badging system, which will allow learners to gain recognition for their achievements - building capability and confidence in countries where climate knowledge is urgently needed.

This work aligns perfectly with The Open University’s mission: to make education accessible to all, and to use knowledge to drive real-world change. The CCG project empowers learners - particularly in the Global South - to engage with climate policy, infrastructure planning, and sustainable development in ways that directly impact their communities.

Beyond academic outputs, the project represents a meaningful contribution to global climate resilience and economic equity. As Professor Peake notes, “This is about democratising knowledge in the service of a liveable future.”

Dr Ashutosh Bhagurkar adds, “CCG is about more than just education - it’s about helping people take the lead on climate action in their own countries. We’re developing practical, accessible learning tools that really speak to local needs and make a difference on the ground.”

Securing continued funding for this initiative reflects both the excellence of the OU’s academic work and the trust placed in it by international partners. As the project evolves, the University remains committed to supporting inclusive, evidence-led solutions to the most urgent challenge of our time.