Climate Change in Water and Sanitation Utilities from Coursera

The objective of this course is to support urban water and sanitation utilities in transitioning to climate-resilient management by reducing their carbon emissions. This course, consisting of 4 modules, addresses the concept of climate change, its impacts, risks, and actions that can be employed for its mitigation, specifically within water and sanitation utilities. In this context, an introduction to climate financing is provided, explaining how companies can secure funding for projects that yield climate-related benefits.

Furthermore, a roadmap is developed, focusing on actions that water and sanitation companies can undertake to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. To assess the carbon footprint, measure energy efficiency, and identify opportunities for performance improvement in the urban water sector, the course introduces the first holistic tool in the sector called ECAM, which stands for Energy Performance and Carbon Emissions Assessment and Monitoring Tool.

Part of] the material was produced by the Water and Wastewater Companies for Climate Mitigation (WaCCliM) project (2013-2022), a joint initiative between GIZ and the International Water Association (IWA). This project was part of the International Climate Initiative (IKI), financed by the Federal Government of Germany.

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Syllabus

Start Here

This course addresses the process of supporting urban water and sanitation utilities in transitioning to reducing their carbon emissions to contribute to climate change mitigation and to benefit from the impacts of this process. We will explore the five steps of the roadmap to carry out this process, as well as the use of the Energy and Carbon Performance Assessment and Monitoring (ECAM) tool, which serves, among other things, to assess the carbon footprint and measure energy efficiency. Finally, we will conclude by addressing climate risks in urban water and sanitation companies, as well as methodologies for their evaluation.

Module 1: Climate Change in the Urban Water Sector

In this introductory module of the course, we will delve into fundamental concepts such as climate change. Additionally, we will examine the ways in which water and sanitation companies both influence and are affected by this phenomenon. Finally, we will explore actionable strategies for mitigating and adapting to climate change.

Module 2: Roadmap to a Low-Carbon Urban Water Utility

In this module, we will focus on actions that water and sanitation companies can take to reduce their carbon emissions, following a five-step roadmap.

Module 3: Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Fundamentals of Calculating

In this module, we will explore the various greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions originating from water and wastewater utilities in the urban water sector. We will also learn how to utilize the ECAM tool to analyze GHG emissions within these companies, with the aim of identifying opportunities for performance improvement and emissions reduction.

Module 4: Climate Risks in the Water and Sanitation Sector

In this final module of the course, we will study what some of the climate risks are for water and wastewater management through available methodologies to assess them, as well as how they can be reduced.

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Know what's good

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Covers relevant and critical information on the relationship between water and sanitation utilities and climate change, including key concepts, impacts, and mitigation strategies

Introduces the ECAM tool, which assists in assessing carbon footprint and measuring energy efficiency, providing practical guidance for performance improvement in the water sector

Provides practical guidance for water and sanitation companies to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, including a roadmap and specific actions to follow

Helps professionals understand and evaluate climate risks in the urban water and sanitation sector, equipping them with methodologies for risk assessment

Features instructors Alfred Hans Grunwaldt, Martin Kerres, and Maria Eugenia de la Pena, who are recognized experts in water and sanitation management, climate change, and carbon footprint assessment

Developed with input from the Water and Wastewater Companies for Climate Mitigation (WaCCliM) project, an initiative to support water and sanitation utilities in reducing carbon emissions

Career center

Learners who complete Climate Change in Water and Sanitation Utilities will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Environmental Consultant

An Environmental Consultant provides guidance and recommendations to organizations on how to minimize their negative impact on the environment. They may also assist in developing and implementing environmental management systems. This course can help you succeed as an Environmental Consultant by educating you on climate change, its impact on water and sanitation utilities, and strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It also provides you with tools and techniques for assessing and mitigating climate risks.

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Sustainability Manager

A Sustainability Manager is responsible for developing and implementing sustainability initiatives within an organization. They may also track and report on the organization's environmental performance. This course can help you succeed as a Sustainability Manager by providing you with a comprehensive understanding of climate change, its impact on water and sanitation utilities, and strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It also introduces you to climate risk assessment methodologies.

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Climate Change Analyst

A Climate Change Analyst studies the causes and effects of climate change and develops strategies to mitigate its impact. They may also work with organizations to help them adapt to the effects of climate change. This course can help you succeed as a Climate Change Analyst by providing you with a strong foundation in climate science, its impact on water and sanitation utilities, and strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It also introduces you to tools and techniques for assessing climate risks.

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Environmental Engineer

An Environmental Engineer designs and implements solutions to environmental problems, such as air and water pollution, waste management, and climate change. They may also work on projects related to renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable development. This course can help you succeed as an Environmental Engineer by providing you with a comprehensive understanding of climate change, its impact on the environment, and strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It also introduces you to tools and techniques for assessing climate risks.

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Water Resources Engineer

A Water Resources Engineer designs and manages water resources systems, such as water supply, wastewater treatment, and flood control systems. They may also work on projects related to water quality, water conservation, and climate change adaptation. This course can help you succeed as a Water Resources Engineer by providing you with a comprehensive understanding of climate change, its impact on water resources systems, and strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It also introduces you to tools and techniques for assessing climate risks.

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Water Quality Scientist

A Water Quality Scientist studies the quality of water and develops strategies to protect and improve it. They may also work on projects related to water pollution, water treatment, and water conservation. This course can help you succeed as a Water Quality Scientist by providing you with a comprehensive understanding of climate change, its impact on water quality, and strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It also introduces you to tools and techniques for assessing climate risks.

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Sanitary Engineer

A Sanitary Engineer designs and manages water and wastewater treatment systems. They may also work on projects related to public health, environmental protection, and water conservation. This course can help you succeed as a Sanitary Engineer by providing you with a comprehensive understanding of climate change, its impact on water and sanitation systems, and strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It also introduces you to tools and techniques for assessing climate risks.

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Climate Adaptation Specialist

A Climate Adaptation Specialist helps organizations and communities adapt to the effects of climate change. They may develop and implement adaptation plans, conduct vulnerability assessments, and provide technical assistance. This course can help you succeed as a Climate Adaptation Specialist by providing you with a comprehensive understanding of climate change, its impact on communities and ecosystems, and strategies for adapting to its effects. It also introduces you to tools and techniques for assessing climate risks.

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Environmental Policy Analyst

An Environmental Policy Analyst develops and analyzes environmental policies and regulations. They may also work on projects related to climate change mitigation and adaptation. This course can help you succeed as an Environmental Policy Analyst by providing you with a comprehensive understanding of climate change, its impact on the environment and society, and strategies for addressing its challenges. It also introduces you to tools and techniques for assessing climate risks.

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Waste Management Engineer

A Waste Management Engineer designs and manages waste disposal and recycling systems. They may also work on projects related to waste reduction, waste-to-energy, and climate change mitigation. This course can help you succeed as a Waste Management Engineer by providing you with a comprehensive understanding of climate change, its impact on waste generation and disposal, and strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It also introduces you to tools and techniques for assessing climate risks.

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Sustainability Consultant

A Sustainability Consultant helps organizations and businesses improve their sustainability performance. They may develop and implement sustainability strategies, conduct sustainability assessments, and provide training and education. This course can help you succeed as a Sustainability Consultant by providing you with a comprehensive understanding of climate change, its impact on organizations and businesses, and strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It also introduces you to tools and techniques for assessing climate risks.

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Renewable Energy Engineer

A Renewable Energy Engineer designs and implements solutions to generate energy from renewable sources, such as solar, wind, and geothermal. They may also work on projects related to energy storage and climate change mitigation. This course can help you succeed as a Renewable Energy Engineer by providing you with a comprehensive understanding of climate change, its impact on energy production, and strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It also introduces you to tools and techniques for assessing climate risks.

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Energy Efficiency Engineer

An Energy Efficiency Engineer designs and implements solutions to improve energy efficiency in buildings, homes, and businesses. They may also work on projects related to renewable energy, energy storage, and climate change mitigation. This course can help you succeed as an Energy Efficiency Engineer by providing you with a comprehensive understanding of climate change, its impact on energy consumption, and strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It also introduces you to tools and techniques for assessing climate risks.

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Water Resources Planner

A Water Resources Planner develops and implements plans for the use and management of water resources. They may also work on projects related to water supply, water conservation, and climate change adaptation. This course may help you succeed as a Water Resources Planner by providing you with a comprehensive understanding of climate change, its impact on water resources, and strategies for adapting to its effects.

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Climate Scientist

A Climate Scientist studies the causes and effects of climate change. They may also work on projects related to climate modeling, climate projections, and climate change impacts. This course may help you succeed as a Climate Scientist by providing you with a strong foundation in climate science, its impact on the environment and society, and strategies for addressing its challenges.

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Climate Change in Water and Sanitation Utilities

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