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ESG and Climate Change
Sarah Light
Sarah Light
In this course, you will focus on understanding climate change and the risks and opportunities that it creates for businesses in the 21st century. You will analyze the current impacts of climate change on a global scale, and the investment shifts that are required to achieve a net-zero economy. Next, you will analyze the role of climate disclosures and their importance in ESG.
Read more
In this course, you will focus on understanding climate change and the risks and opportunities that it creates for businesses in the 21st century. You will analyze the current impacts of climate change on a global scale, and the investment shifts that are required to achieve a net-zero economy. Next, you will analyze the role of climate disclosures and their importance in ESG.
Read more
In this course, you will focus on understanding climate change and the risks and opportunities that it creates for businesses in the 21st century. You will analyze the current impacts of climate change on a global scale, and the investment shifts that are required to achieve a net-zero economy. Next, you will analyze the role of climate disclosures and their importance in ESG.
You will also review private environmental governance, the active role that private companies are playing in combating climate change, and the parallels between the public and private sectors. Additionally, you will assess the insurance industry and the ways that it spreads risk, as well as creative ways that insurance as a form of private or public governance can build climate resilience. In the final module, you will review the concept of greenwashing: what is driving firms to make exaggerated environmental claims, why it is harmful, and examples of enforcement actions. Finally, you will learn about the importance of product stewardship.
By the end of this course, you will have a thorough understanding of public and private environmental governance, the financial risks that unmitigated climate change is creating, climate disclosures, and innovative ways that business leaders can view and implement climate solutions.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/6y0cg5/esg
What's inside
Syllabus
Module 1 – Introduction to Sustainability, Climate Risk & Opportunity
In this module, you will focus on understanding climate change and the risks and opportunities that it creates for businesses in the 21st century. You will analyze the current impacts of climate change on a global scale, and the investment shifts that are required to achieve a zero-carbon economy. Next, you will examine the stakeholders that are driving business firms to address climate change. You will learn how both the physical and financial stability risks that are imposed by more frequent natural disasters can affect business firms and the global economy. By the end of this module, you will have a detailed overview of the financial impacts of climate change, the ways that governments are addressing climate change, and the financial risks that unmitigated climate change is creating.
Read more
Syllabus
Module 1 – Introduction to Sustainability, Climate Risk & Opportunity
In this module, you will focus on understanding climate change and the risks and opportunities that it creates for businesses in the 21st century. You will analyze the current impacts of climate change on a global scale, and the investment shifts that are required to achieve a zero-carbon economy. Next, you will examine the stakeholders that are driving business firms to address climate change. You will learn how both the physical and financial stability risks that are imposed by more frequent natural disasters can affect business firms and the global economy. By the end of this module, you will have a detailed overview of the financial impacts of climate change, the ways that governments are addressing climate change, and the financial risks that unmitigated climate change is creating.
Read more
Module 2 – Public and Private Governance to Address Climate Change Goals
In this module, you will take an in-depth look at public environmental law and the distinct eras that have shaped modern-day climate policy. You will also review private environmental governance, examining the active role that private companies are playing in combating climate change as well as the parallels between the public and private sectors. Next, you will analyze the role of climate disclosures: what they require and their importance in ESG. By the end of this module, you will be able to differentiate between public and private environmental governance and their objectives, identify the three eras of public environmental law, and distinguish the role and goals of climate disclosures.
Module 3 – Building Climate Resilience through Creative Private Solutions
In this module, you will examine ecosystem services and the various methods used to promote climate resilience. You will review the ways in which public law addresses wildlife and habitat conservation and identify the limitations in meeting the demands of conservation efforts, especially when quick action is required to address disasters. Lastly, you will assess the insurance industry and the ways that it spreads risk, as well as creative ways that insurance as a form of private or public governance can build climate resilience. By the end of this module, you will have had a critical look at the different methods of building climate resilience, minimizing the impact of climate change through nature-based solutions, and two primary methods of insurance that can spread risk. You will understand the ways that private insurance can protect ecosystem services, and you will have identified innovative ways that business leaders can view climate solutions.
Module 4 – Extended Producer Responsibility, Product Stewardship, and the Circular Economy
In this module, you will learn about the idea of promoting a circular economy through better stewardship of resources and waste management. You will analyze the waste and recycling streams in the United States and the effects that they have on the environment. You will also examine the challenges with recycling programs worldwide. Next, you will evaluate product stewardship, and the key players in that lifecycle, and will learn to differentiate between product stewardship and extended producer responsibility. Lastly, you will review the concept of greenwashing: what is driving firms to make exaggerated environmental claims, why it is harmful, and examples of enforcement actions. By the end of this module, you will have assessed the importance of product stewardship, reviewed some of the limits on green marketing, and analyzed increasing regulatory action.
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
Suitable for learners in business- and sustainability-related fields
Geared towards intermediate learners seeking to build climate expertise
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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 ESG and Climate Change with these
activities:
Discuss climate change with your peers
Show steps
Discussing climate change with your peers will help you to better understand different perspectives on the issue.
Browse courses on
Climate Change
Show steps
-
Find a peer group to discuss climate change with
-
Prepare for the discussion
-
Participate in the discussion
-
Reflect on the discussion
Calculate your carbon footprint
Show steps
Calculating your carbon footprint will help you understand your personal contribution to climate change.
Browse courses on
Climate Change
Show steps
-
Use an online carbon footprint calculator
-
Identify ways to reduce your carbon footprint
-
Make a plan to reduce your carbon footprint
Attend a climate change workshop
Show steps
Attending a climate change workshop will give you the opportunity to learn from experts and network with other people who are passionate about climate change.
Browse courses on
Climate Change
Show steps
-
Research climate change workshops in your area
-
Register for a workshop
-
Attend the workshop
-
Network with other participants
-
Learn from the experts
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Volunteer for a climate change organization
Show steps
Volunteering for a climate change organization will give you the opportunity to make a real difference in the fight against climate change.
Browse courses on
Climate Change
Show steps
-
Research climate change organizations in your area
-
Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities
-
Complete the volunteer application
-
Attend volunteer training
-
Start volunteering
Review textbook
Show steps
Reviewing the textbook will give you a foundational understanding of climate change and sustainability.
Show steps
-
Read Chapter 1: Introduction to Environmental Science
-
Read Chapter 3: The Atmosphere
-
Read Chapter 4: Climate Change: The Science
Create a climate change action plan
Show steps
Creating a climate change action plan will give you the skills to take action on climate change.
Browse courses on
Climate Change
Show steps
-
Identify your goals
-
Research climate change solutions
-
Develop a plan of action
-
Implement your plan
-
Monitor and evaluate your progress
Write a blog post about climate change
Show steps
Writing a blog post about climate change will help you communicate the importance of climate change to others.
Browse courses on
Climate Change
Show steps
-
Choose a topic
-
Research your topic
-
Write your blog post
-
Publish your blog post
-
Promote your blog post
Contribute to a climate change project
Show steps
Contributing to a climate change project will help you make a real difference in the fight against climate change.
Browse courses on
Climate Change
Show steps
-
Find a project to contribute to
-
Learn about the project
-
Make a contribution
-
Test your contribution
-
Submit your contribution
Discuss climate change with your peers
Show steps
Discussing climate change with your peers will help you to better understand different perspectives on the issue.
Browse courses on
Climate Change
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a peer group to discuss climate change with
- Prepare for the discussion
- Participate in the discussion
- Reflect on the discussion
Calculate your carbon footprint
Show steps
Calculating your carbon footprint will help you understand your personal contribution to climate change.
Browse courses on
Climate Change
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Use an online carbon footprint calculator
- Identify ways to reduce your carbon footprint
- Make a plan to reduce your carbon footprint
Attend a climate change workshop
Show steps
Attending a climate change workshop will give you the opportunity to learn from experts and network with other people who are passionate about climate change.
Browse courses on
Climate Change
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research climate change workshops in your area
- Register for a workshop
- Attend the workshop
- Network with other participants
- Learn from the experts
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Volunteer for a climate change organization
Show steps
Volunteering for a climate change organization will give you the opportunity to make a real difference in the fight against climate change.
Browse courses on
Climate Change
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research climate change organizations in your area
- Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities
- Complete the volunteer application
- Attend volunteer training
- Start volunteering
Review textbook
Show steps
Reviewing the textbook will give you a foundational understanding of climate change and sustainability.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read Chapter 1: Introduction to Environmental Science
- Read Chapter 3: The Atmosphere
- Read Chapter 4: Climate Change: The Science
Create a climate change action plan
Show steps
Creating a climate change action plan will give you the skills to take action on climate change.
Browse courses on
Climate Change
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify your goals
- Research climate change solutions
- Develop a plan of action
- Implement your plan
- Monitor and evaluate your progress
Write a blog post about climate change
Show steps
Writing a blog post about climate change will help you communicate the importance of climate change to others.
Browse courses on
Climate Change
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a topic
- Research your topic
- Write your blog post
- Publish your blog post
- Promote your blog post
Contribute to a climate change project
Show steps
Contributing to a climate change project will help you make a real difference in the fight against climate change.
Browse courses on
Climate Change
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a project to contribute to
- Learn about the project
- Make a contribution
- Test your contribution
- Submit your contribution
Career center
Learners who complete ESG and Climate Change will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Climate Change Analyst
Climate Change Analyst
Climate Change Analysts study the effects of climate change and develop strategies to mitigate its impact. By understanding the risks and opportunities of climate change, you will gain a competitive edge in this field.
Climate Adaptation Specialist
Climate Adaptation Specialist
Climate Adaptation Specialists develop and implement plans to help communities and businesses adapt to climate change. By understanding the physical and financial impacts of climate change, you will gain the necessary knowledge for this role.
Environmental Lawyer
Environmental Lawyer
Environmental Lawyers specialize in environmental law and regulations. They help organizations comply with environmental regulations and represent clients in environmental disputes. This course will provide you with the foundation in climate change law and policy that you need to be successful in this role.
Sustainability Consultant
Sustainability Consultant
Sustainability Consultants help organizations improve their environmental performance. They develop and implement sustainability plans, and advise on climate change issues. By studying the impact of climate change and the public and private sectors' response to it, you will build a foundation for success in this role.
ESG Analyst
ESG Analyst
ESG Analysts evaluate the environmental, social, and governance performance of companies. By understanding ESG reporting and its importance to investors, you can build the skills needed in this field.
Renewable Energy Project Developer
Renewable Energy Project Developer
Renewable Energy Project Developers plan, develop, and finance renewable energy projects. By gaining a strong understanding of the investment shifts required to achieve a net-zero economy, you will gain a competitive edge in this role.
Environmental Economist
Environmental Economist
Environmental Economists apply economic principles to environmental issues. They study the costs and benefits of environmental regulations and policies. By gaining a strong understanding of climate change economics in this course, you will build a foundation for success in this role.
Policy Analyst
Policy Analyst
Policy Analysts research and analyze public policy issues. They develop recommendations for policymakers and advise on the implementation of policies. Studying climate change policy in this course can provide you with a competitive edge in a policy-related field.
Corporate Social Responsibility Manager
Corporate Social Responsibility Manager
Corporate Social Responsibility Managers develop and implement corporate social responsibility programs. By understanding the importance of climate change to stakeholders, you will gain the necessary knowledge for this role.
Environmental Activist
Environmental Activist
Environmental Activists work to protect the environment and promote sustainability. By understanding the risks and opportunities of climate change, you can gain the knowledge needed to be an effective advocate in this field.
Environmental Educator
Environmental Educator
Environmental Educators teach people about the environment and sustainability. By understanding the science of climate change, you will gain the knowledge needed to effectively communicate about this issue.
Green Building Consultant
Green Building Consultant
Green Building Consultants advise clients on the design and construction of sustainable buildings. By understanding the principles of green building, you will build a foundation for success in this role.
Insurance Underwriter
Insurance Underwriter
Insurance Underwriters assess and manage risk for insurance companies. By understanding the role of insurance in spreading risk and building climate resilience, you will build a foundation for success in this role.
Environmental Engineer
Environmental Engineer
Environmental Engineers design and implement solutions to environmental problems. They work in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, construction, and energy. This course will provide you with a solid understanding of the environmental regulations and challenges that Environmental Engineers face.
Environmental Scientist
Environmental Scientist
Environmental Scientists study the environment and how people affect it. They use their knowledge to develop solutions to environmental problems. This course may be useful to Environmental Scientists interested in understanding climate change and its impact on the environment. It also introduces private environmental governance, which can play a key role in combating climate change.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/6y0cg5/esg
Reading list
We've selected 14 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
ESG and Climate Change.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of climate change, including its causes, effects, and potential solutions. It is written in a clear and concise style, making it accessible to a wide audience. This book provides an excellent foundation for understanding the science of climate change.
Examines the history of extinctions on Earth, and how human activity is contributing to the current mass extinction event. It well-written and thought-provoking book that will help readers to understand the importance of protecting biodiversity.
Save
Presents a comprehensive plan for reversing climate change. It valuable resource for anyone who is interested in learning about the solutions to climate change.
Provides a sobering look at the potential consequences of climate change. It must-read for anyone who wants to understand the risks of climate change and the need for urgent action.
This classic book exposes the dangers of pesticides and other chemicals to the environment and human health.
Save
Provides an economic analysis of climate change. It valuable resource for anyone who is interested in understanding the economic costs of climate change.
Analyzes the factors that lead to the collapse of societies, and it argues that climate change major threat to human civilization.
Save
Explores what would happen to the Earth if humans were to suddenly disappear. It provides a fascinating look at the resilience of nature and the fragility of human civilization.
Classic work on climate change. It provides a personal and passionate account of the impacts of climate change.
Save
Provides a look at the potential impacts of climate change over the next 50 years. It well-written and accessible book that will help readers to understand the challenges that we face.
Save
This controversial book that argues that the world is facing a population crisis. Ehrlich argues that climate change is one of the major factors that is contributing to the population crisis.
Provides a look at the health impacts of climate change. It valuable resource for anyone who is interested in understanding the health risks of climate change.
Save
Provides a look at the economic impacts of climate change. It valuable resource for anyone who is interested in understanding the economic risks of climate change.
Save
Provides a look at the future of life on Earth. It valuable resource for anyone who is interested in understanding the challenges that we face and the opportunities that we have.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/6y0cg5/esg
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University of Pennsylvania
Instructor
Sarah Light
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This course belongs to a
collection
called
The Materiality of ESG Factors. It's comprised of four courses:
- ESG and Social Activism
- ESG Risks and Opportunities
- ESG Impact: Investor Perspective
- ESG and Climate Change (viewing)
Good to know
Suitable for learners in business- and sustainability-related fields
Geared towards intermediate learners seeking to build climate expertise
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