The Finance of Climate Change from Coursera

The urgent transition towards a low-carbon economy will profoundly change our economy. Households, companies and financial intermediaries have to be ready in order to avoid the downside risks and seize the opportunities created by climate change. The Finance of Climate Change MOOC will explain (i) how climate change and the policies aimed to mitigate it will impact the different businesses and (ii) the means and tools at the disposal of companies, banks and investors to be part of this transition.

What is the shadow price of carbon? What makes a bond green? How can investors steer the decarbonization of a company? How can we make sure that a company is making real efforts to make its business model climate-resilient and not just greenwashing? These are some of the questions that will be addressed in this MOOC.

This MOOC covers the financial risks and opportunities of climate change and how companies can finance their green transition, for example by issuing green securities. You will also learn how financial intermediaries address climate change risks and why central banks are concerned about climate change.

This MOOC is for those who wish to understand the finance of climate. It is not necessary to have specialized prior knowledge, apart from basic familiarity with accounting and financial concepts such as discounted cash flows. We do suggest, however, taking the first and second MOOC of this specialization before starting this one in order to gain a simple but solid understanding of the science and economics aspects of climatic changes.

What's inside

Syllabus

Financial Risks and Opportunities of Climate Change

Green securities and specialized investors

Project Finance for Clean Energy

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Targets audience with academic or professional interest in climate change finance, which is highly relevant to industry

Taught by instructors GIANFRANCO GIANFRATE and EDHEC BUSINESS SCHOOL, who are recognized for their work in climate finance

Examines the urgent transition towards a low-carbon economy, which is highly relevant to industry and academia

Explores the financial risks and opportunities of climate change, which is a topic of increasing importance

Covers the financing of green transition by companies, which is a core skill in finance

Advises learners to take two listed courses first, which may be a barrier

Reviews summary

Climate finance: risks and opportunities

Best suited for those interested in finance and climate.

"This course is definitely for finance professionals or those serious about climate economics, not a general interest course for hobbyists."

"If you're not comfortable with financial concepts, this might not be the best starting point for climate studies; it's quite specific."

"I found it perfectly aligned with my career goals in sustainable finance, providing the specialized knowledge I was seeking."

Provides a thorough exploration of key climate finance topics.

"The course covers a wide range of topics, from financial risks and opportunities to central banks' concerns about climate change."

"I feel I gained a solid, holistic understanding of the intersection of finance and climate, which is crucial in today's economy."

"The explanations delve deep enough to provide a robust foundation in climate finance without being overwhelmingly academic or theoretical."

Offers actionable insights into climate finance applications.

"I appreciate how the course breaks down complex concepts like green bonds, project finance for clean energy, and climate-resilient business models."

"The focus on how companies and banks handle the green transition and avoid 'greenwashing' is very practical and insightful."

"Understanding the shadow price of carbon and financing mechanisms for sustainability is essential for modern finance professionals."

Addresses crucial and timely topics in climate finance.

"This course is incredibly timely, covering the pressing financial aspects of climate change and how they impact businesses and investments."

"The content on green finance and decarbonization is exactly what I needed to understand current market trends and their financial implications."

"I found the discussions on climate risks and opportunities highly relevant for my career in finance, offering a forward-looking perspective."

Assumes fundamental accounting and financial concepts.

"While the course states basic knowledge is enough, I recommend refreshing on discounted cash flows and fundamental accounting concepts first."

"Learners without prior finance background might find some concepts challenging without extra study or prior exposure to financial terms."

"Taking the preceding MOOCs in this specialization would greatly enhance understanding and provide a stronger foundation before starting this one."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in The Finance of Climate Change with these activities:

Review Terminology

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Familiarize yourself with essential concepts and terminology used in climate change and finance.

Browse courses on Climate Change

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Read key terminologies provided in resources or textbooks.
Create flashcards or a glossary.
Complete practice questions or exercises.

Understand the Basics of Climate Science

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Build a foundation in climate science to comprehend the impact on businesses and financial markets.

Browse courses on Climate Science

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Enroll in an online course or workshop on climate science basics.
Follow tutorials and documentaries to gain insights.
Read articles and research papers to broaden your understanding.

Connect with Professionals in the Field

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Seek guidance and insights from experienced professionals working in the field of climate change finance.

Browse courses on Climate Change

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Attend industry events or conferences.
Reach out to potential mentors via LinkedIn or email.
Schedule informational interviews to learn from their experiences.

Five other activities

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Show all eight activities

Summarize Key Concepts of a Course Module

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Enhance understanding and retention by summarizing and explaining key concepts covered in each module.

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Review the module materials thoroughly.
Create a written summary or mind map using your own words.
Explain the concepts to a peer or tutor.

Participate in Discussion Forums

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Engage with peers, share perspectives, and learn from diverse viewpoints on course topics.

Browse courses on Climate Change

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Actively participate in online discussions.
Ask thoughtful questions and share insights.
Collaborate with peers on group projects.

Compile Resources on Climate Finance

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Expand your knowledge base by gathering and organizing relevant articles, websites, and research on climate finance.

Browse courses on Climate Finance

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Conduct research using academic databases and search engines.
Organize resources into categories or themes.
Share your compilation with peers or contribute to a shared repository.

Develop a Climate Change Adaptation Plan

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Apply your knowledge to a practical project by creating an adaptation plan for a real-world organization.

Browse courses on Climate Change

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Identify an organization to collaborate with.
Research and analyze the organization's climate-related risks.
Develop strategies and actions for adaptation.

Read a Book on the Economics of Climate Change

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Delve deeper into the economic implications and policy responses to climate change.

View How Lives Change: Palanpur, India, and... on Amazon

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Read the book thoroughly.
Take notes and highlight key concepts.
Discuss the book's insights with peers or a mentor.

Career center

Learners who complete The Finance of Climate Change will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Climate Risk Analyst

Climate Risk Analysts evaluate the financial impact of climate change on companies and investments. This course provides a comprehensive understanding of the financial risks and opportunities associated with climate change, including the increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events, the transition to a low-carbon economy, and the impact of climate change on different sectors. By taking this course, you will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to identify, assess, and manage climate-related risks and opportunities, which can help you succeed in this growing field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Climate Risk Analyst

Environmental Economist

Environmental Economists analyze the economic impact of environmental policies and regulations. This course provides a solid foundation in the economics of climate change, including the costs and benefits of climate mitigation and adaptation strategies. By taking this course, you will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to evaluate the economic implications of climate change and develop policies that promote sustainable development.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Economist

Sustainable Finance Analyst

Sustainable Finance Analysts develop and implement sustainable investment strategies for financial institutions. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the principles and practices of sustainable finance, including the integration of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors into investment decisions. By taking this course, you will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to analyze and evaluate sustainable investment opportunities and contribute to the growth of the sustainable finance industry.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainable Finance Analyst

Climate Change Policy Analyst

Climate Change Policy Analysts develop and implement policies to address climate change. This course provides a comprehensive understanding of the science, economics, and politics of climate change, as well as the policy options available to mitigate and adapt to climate change. By taking this course, you will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to analyze and evaluate climate change policies and contribute to the development of effective climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Climate Change Policy Analyst

Clean Energy Project Developer

Clean Energy Project Developers develop and manage renewable energy projects, such as solar and wind farms. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the financial, technical, and regulatory aspects of clean energy project development. By taking this course, you will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to identify, evaluate, and develop clean energy projects and contribute to the transition to a low-carbon economy.

See salaries and explore the career path for Clean Energy Project Developer

Climate Adaptation Specialist

Climate Adaptation Specialists develop and implement strategies to help communities and businesses adapt to the impacts of climate change. This course provides a comprehensive understanding of the science, economics, and social impacts of climate change, as well as the adaptation strategies available to reduce the risks and vulnerabilities associated with climate change. By taking this course, you will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to analyze and evaluate climate adaptation strategies and contribute to the development of resilient communities and businesses.

See salaries and explore the career path for Climate Adaptation Specialist

Carbon Market Analyst

Carbon Market Analysts analyze and trade carbon credits in the global carbon market. This course provides a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of carbon markets, including the different types of carbon credits, the carbon pricing mechanisms, and the role of carbon markets in mitigating climate change. By taking this course, you will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to analyze and evaluate carbon market opportunities and contribute to the development of effective carbon pricing policies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Carbon Market Analyst

Green Building Consultant

Green Building Consultants help design and construct buildings that are environmentally sustainable. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the principles and practices of green building, including the different green building rating systems, the energy-efficient technologies, and the sustainable materials used in green buildings. By taking this course, you will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to analyze and evaluate green building projects and contribute to the development of sustainable buildings.

See salaries and explore the career path for Green Building Consultant

Renewable Energy Engineer

Renewable Energy Engineers design and develop renewable energy systems, such as solar and wind farms. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the principles and practices of renewable energy engineering, including the different types of renewable energy technologies, the energy conversion processes, and the system design considerations. By taking this course, you will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to analyze and evaluate renewable energy projects and contribute to the transition to a low-carbon economy.

See salaries and explore the career path for Renewable Energy Engineer

Sustainability Consultant

Sustainability Consultants help businesses and organizations develop and implement sustainability strategies. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the principles and practices of sustainability, including the environmental, social, and economic dimensions of sustainability, the different sustainability reporting frameworks, and the sustainability management systems. By taking this course, you will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to analyze and evaluate sustainability initiatives and contribute to the development of sustainable businesses and organizations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Consultant

Environmental Lawyer

Environmental Lawyers specialize in environmental law and represent clients in environmental cases. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the principles and practices of environmental law, including the different environmental statutes, the regulatory agencies, and the legal remedies available to protect the environment. By taking this course, you will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to analyze and evaluate environmental laws and contribute to the development of effective environmental policies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Lawyer

Climate Data Analyst

Climate Data Analysts collect, analyze, and interpret climate data. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the principles and practices of climate data analysis, including the different types of climate data, the data analysis techniques, and the climate modeling tools. By taking this course, you will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to analyze and evaluate climate data and contribute to the development of climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Climate Data Analyst

Energy Economist

Energy Economists analyze the economic aspects of energy production, consumption, and distribution. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the principles and practices of energy economics, including the different energy markets, the energy pricing mechanisms, and the energy policy options. By taking this course, you will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to analyze and evaluate energy policies and contribute to the development of sustainable energy systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Energy Economist

Sustainability Manager

Sustainability Managers develop and implement sustainability strategies for businesses and organizations. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the principles and practices of sustainability management, including the different sustainability frameworks, the sustainability reporting standards, and the sustainability management systems. By taking this course, you will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to analyze and evaluate sustainability initiatives and contribute to the development of sustainable businesses and organizations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Manager

Corporate Social Responsibility Manager

Corporate Social Responsibility Managers develop and implement corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategies for businesses and organizations. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the principles and practices of CSR, including the different CSR frameworks, the CSR reporting standards, and the CSR management systems. By taking this course, you will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to analyze and evaluate CSR initiatives and contribute to the development of sustainable businesses and organizations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Corporate Social Responsibility Manager