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Abhinav Singhal

ESG, Climate Change, and Sustainability are popular topics these days. What do they mean, what needs to happen and how can you develop a comprehensive ESG & Climate Action Strategy for your organization?

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ESG, Climate Change, and Sustainability are popular topics these days. What do they mean, what needs to happen and how can you develop a comprehensive ESG & Climate Action Strategy for your organization?

This course offers the right balance between the insights and best practices from top-tier consulting firms and practical wisdom of what works in the real world. The course content has already been vetted by experts across multiple events & forums (e.g., World Economic Forum, COP 28) and brings you the latest insights on this topic. The course is filled with many examples and hands-on exercises to reinforce your learning, proprietary frameworks to analyze various sectors & industries, and includes two case studies to estimate your Personal Carbon Footprint and build a comprehensive Climate Action Strategy.

The course is structured in eight modules:

Module 1: WHY - Climate Action

  • Science behind Climate Change & the Paris Agreement

  • Impact on Nature & Biodiversity

  • Adaptation & Mitigation

Module 2: WHAT - Sources of Emissions

  • GHG Emissions across various sectors & the Energy Transition

  • Top regions & countries with the highest GHG emissions

  • Analysing Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions in Corporates

  • Personal Carbon Footprint

Module 3: WHAT - State of Response

  • Response so far by major Governments (COPs & NDCs)

  • Science-Based Targets (SBTi) for Companies

  • Examples & best practices

Module 4: HOW - Green Technologies

  • Framework for Net Zero Action & Green Technologies

  • Carbon Capture Utilisation & Storage, Renewables, Energy Storage & Hydrogen

  • Electrification in Buildings, Automotive (EVs) & Batteries

  • Role of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

  • Cost competitiveness & Start-ups

Module 5: HOW - Industries Net Zero Roadmap

  • Net Zero Industry Assessment Framework

  • Sources of Emission and Mitigation in the Oil & Gas sector

  • Sources of Emission and Mitigation in the Automotive sector

  • Sources of Emission and Mitigation in the Food & Agriculture sector

  • Sources of Emission and Mitigation in the Banking & Financial Services sector

Module 6: HOW - Climate Finance

  • Mechanisms for Carbon Pricing & Funding

  • Emissions Trading System (ETS), Carbon Tax, Carbon Credits & Offsets (VCM)

  • EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), US Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)

  • Internal Carbon Pricing & Green Consumer Premium

Module 7: ACT - Corporate Climate Action

  • Strategic Framework for Corporate Climate Action

  • Corporate Case Study - Patagonia

  • Corporate Case Study - Orsted

Module 8: ACT - ESG Standards & Frameworks

  • Recent Developments (UN Sustainable Development Goals, Davos Manifesto 2020)

  • Popular ESG Standards & Frameworks ( Further, there are additional handpicked reading materials and resources available for your reference.

    Feel free to reach out if you have any additional questions or clarifications. All the best for your learning journey.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Build a real world understanding of climate change & what will it take to drive net zero transition
  • Analyse the sources of scope 1, 2 & 3 emissions across sectors and identify actionable steps for adaptation & mitigation
  • Understand various esg standards & frameworks (e.g., gri, sdg, tcfd, sbti, efrag, ifrs) for reporting & governance
  • Learn about green climate technologies (e.g., ccus, evs, hydrogen, renewables, heat pumps) & various climate financing mechanisms
  • Reflect on your own personal carbon footprint and build a comprehensive climate strategy for a business

Syllabus

Get a preview of the topics we will discuss in the course and some ground rules to get us started
Introduction & Course Overview
Understand the science behind climate change, timelines for action and the impact on nature & bio-diversity
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Test your learnings from this module

Let's test your learnings from this module

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores ESG standards and frameworks, which are essential for corporate reporting and governance, and helps professionals stay ahead of evolving expectations
Examines climate financing mechanisms like carbon pricing, emissions trading systems, and carbon credits, which are increasingly important for funding sustainability initiatives
Includes case studies of Patagonia and Orsted, which are examples of companies known for their sustainability efforts and can provide valuable insights
Requires learners to analyze Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, which may require access to company data and resources not readily available to all learners
Covers the Paris Agreement and COP meetings, which are ongoing events, so learners should be prepared to independently seek updates on the latest developments

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Reviews summary

Comprehensive esg & climate action masterclass

According to learners, this course offers a comprehensive and practical overview of ESG, sustainability, and corporate climate action. Many found it provided a strong foundation, balancing theoretical insights with real-world application and useful frameworks. The content is described as up-to-date, incorporating recent developments and validated by experts. Students particularly appreciated the coverage of ESG standards and frameworks, climate finance mechanisms, and the practical case studies and exercises, including analyzing personal carbon footprints and building corporate strategies. While some advanced learners might find certain sections introductory, the course is widely praised for its clear explanations and value for professionals entering or deepening their understanding in this field.
Balances breadth, but may lack depth for specialists.
"It covers a lot of ground quickly. While comprehensive, specialists in one area might want more depth there."
"As a beginner, I found the pace perfect. Everything was explained clearly."
"For someone with prior knowledge, some initial modules might feel a bit basic, but it quickly builds up."
Provides a solid base for understanding ESG/Climate.
"For someone relatively new to the specifics of corporate climate action, this course built a very strong foundation."
"It clearly explains complex topics, making them accessible even if you don't have a deep science background."
"Helped me connect the dots between the science, policy, technology, and finance aspects of climate action."
Content reflects recent developments and expert views.
"It was great to see that the content was validated by experts and included recent insights from COP28 and WEF."
"The course felt current and relevant, unlike some other courses that quickly become outdated in this field."
"Learned about recent regulatory developments like EU CBAM and US IRA, which is crucial for current work."
Detailed coverage of reporting standards and methodologies.
"The deep dive into ESG standards like GRI, TCFD, SBTi, and IFRS was incredibly valuable for understanding reporting."
"Gained clarity on different frameworks and how they fit together, essential for any sustainability professional."
"The strategic framework for corporate climate action presented was clear and applicable."
Focus on real-world examples and actionable strategies.
"Loved the case studies (Patagonia, Orsted) and the practical exercises. It made the concepts much more tangible."
"I can immediately apply the frameworks and strategies discussed to my work in corporate sustainability."
"The personal carbon footprint and corporate strategy building exercises were incredibly insightful and practical."
Wide range of topics covered, from science to strategy.
"The course provides a truly comprehensive look at ESG and climate action, covering everything from the science... to standards."
"I feel like I have a solid understanding of the broad landscape now. All the key areas are touched upon effectively."
"Covered many important topics including Scope 1,2,3 emissions, SBTi, various ESG frameworks and finance mechanisms."

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, Sustainability & Corporate Climate Action Masterclass with these activities:
Review the Paris Agreement
Familiarize yourself with the goals and commitments of the Paris Agreement to better understand the context of corporate climate action.
Browse courses on Paris Agreement
Show steps
  • Read the full text of the Paris Agreement.
  • Summarize the key goals and articles.
  • Identify the implications for businesses.
Review 'Drawdown: The Most Comprehensive Plan Ever Proposed to Reverse Global Warming'
Explore a wide range of climate solutions to broaden your understanding of mitigation strategies.
Show steps
  • Read the introduction and overview of the book.
  • Select three solutions that interest you and read their detailed descriptions.
  • Reflect on how these solutions could be implemented in a corporate setting.
Create a Personal Carbon Footprint Reduction Plan
Apply the concepts learned in the course to your own life by developing a plan to reduce your personal carbon footprint.
Show steps
  • Calculate your current carbon footprint using an online calculator.
  • Identify areas where you can reduce your emissions.
  • Set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals for reducing your footprint.
  • Outline the actions you will take to achieve these goals.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Develop a Corporate Climate Action Strategy Outline
Practice applying the strategic framework for corporate climate action by outlining a strategy for a specific company.
Show steps
  • Choose a company in a sector covered in the course.
  • Research the company's current sustainability initiatives.
  • Outline a comprehensive climate action strategy, including goals, initiatives, and metrics.
  • Consider Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions.
Review 'The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History'
Gain a deeper understanding of the impact of climate change on biodiversity and ecosystems.
Show steps
  • Read the book, paying attention to the examples of species extinction.
  • Reflect on the ethical implications of biodiversity loss.
  • Consider how businesses can contribute to conservation efforts.
Create a Presentation on a Green Technology
Deepen your understanding of a specific green technology by researching and presenting on its potential impact.
Show steps
  • Choose a green technology covered in the course (e.g., CCUS, Hydrogen, Renewables).
  • Research the technology's current state of development and potential applications.
  • Create a presentation outlining the technology's benefits, challenges, and potential impact on emissions reduction.
  • Include data and visuals to support your claims.
Contribute to an Open Source Climate Project
Apply your knowledge and skills to a real-world climate project by contributing to an open-source initiative.
Show steps
  • Find an open-source project related to climate change mitigation or adaptation.
  • Identify a task or issue that you can contribute to (e.g., documentation, code, data analysis).
  • Contribute your work to the project following the project's guidelines.

Career center

Learners who complete ESG, Sustainability & Corporate Climate Action Masterclass will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Carbon Footprint Analyst
A Carbon Footprint Analyst measures and analyzes carbon emissions for organizations or individuals. This course directly addresses the requirements for a Carbon Footprint Analyst as the course includes modules analyzing Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions as well as one on personal carbon footprint. The course further provides instruction on creating mitigation strategies, which is essential to this role. Additionally, the course covers important frameworks and net zero targets. A Carbon Footprint Analyst benefits from this course in gaining a comprehensive view of the carbon landscape.
ESG Analyst
An ESG Analyst evaluates a company's environmental, social, and governance performance. This course directly aligns with the responsibilities of an ESG Analyst, providing a detailed overview of ESG standards and frameworks. The course's modules on understanding emissions, climate finance mechanisms, and corporate climate action strategies are particularly relevant. An ESG Analyst needs to be adept at dissecting and understanding intricate information, and the course's comprehensive coverage of these topics helps build this key skill. The course's focus on frameworks like the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Davos Manifesto further enhances the value of this course for a career as an ESG Analyst.
Climate Change Analyst
A Climate Change Analyst assesses the impact of climate change and develops mitigation and adaptation strategies. This course is a clear fit for those interested in a career as a Climate Change Analyst, beginning with its exploration of the science behind climate change and its impacts on nature. The course provides specific knowledge of various sectors' emissions, which a Climate Change Analyst would find extremely useful. The course's coverage of response strategies from governments and businesses further provides a critical context. The course's module on green technologies further empowers a Climate Change Analyst to understand the range of practical tools available to them in this role.
Corporate Sustainability Manager
A Corporate Sustainability Manager develops and implements a company's sustainability strategies. This course is ideally suited for a Corporate Sustainability Manager since it directly addresses the development of a comprehensive ESG and climate action strategy. The course’s focus on understanding emissions, setting science-based targets, and implementing green technologies is all core to the duties of a Corporate Sustainability Manager. The course provides knowledge of climate finance and corporate case studies, such as Patagonia and Orsted, which equips an individual with valuable insights. Individuals who aspire to become Corporate Sustainability Managers should take this course to assist in understanding the landscape.
Sustainability Consultant
A Sustainability Consultant helps organizations develop and implement sustainable practices. This course directly addresses this role through its focus on ESG, climate change, and sustainability. The course emphasizes understanding the science behind climate change, analyzing emissions, and creating mitigation strategies, all critical components of a sustainability consultant's work. The course's modules on green technologies and climate finance directly equip aspiring sustainability consultants with the knowledge to advise clients on practical, financially viable solutions, and the course's case studies of Patagonia and Orsted in particular provide concrete examples of best practices. By providing a framework for corporate climate action, this course helps build a foundation for success as a Sustainability Consultant.
Sustainability Program Manager
A Sustainability Program Manager develops and oversees sustainability programs within an organization. The course is highly relevant for a career as a Sustainability Program Manager as it directly covers developing a comprehensive ESG and climate action strategy. The course’s structure on corporate climate action frameworks, combined with best practice case studies, is directly relevant. The course empowers a Sustainability Program Manager to understand and implement a wide range of initiatives. This course provides a very useful framework for implementation projects.
Climate Risk Analyst
A Climate Risk Analyst assesses how climate change might impact an organization. This course helps build a foundation for those interested in becoming a Climate Risk Analyst, using the information taught about climate change and its impact to nature and biodiversity. The course further helps the role by going into depth about various sectors and their emissions. By understanding the impact of climate change, and having a foundation in climate action, one may be well-suited to perform the tasks of a Climate Risk Analyst. The module that looks into corporate case studies such as Patagonia is particularly useful for context.
Renewable Energy Specialist
A Renewable Energy Specialist focuses on developing and implementing renewable energy projects. This course may be useful for those working as a Renewable Energy Specialist as it covers green technologies. The course provides critical information on renewables and energy storage, which is relevant for the role. The course's modules on technologies such as electrification in buildings and automobiles provide context for the application of green tech. A Renewable Energy Specialist benefits from this course's overview of the landscape and practical examples, which may help in their role.
Environmental Policy Analyst
An Environmental Policy Analyst researches and analyzes environmental policies and regulations. This course helps build a foundation for those seeking a career as an Environmental Policy Analyst, with its emphasis on the state of the response by major governments, including COPs and NDCs. The course's coverage of topics such as the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism and the US Inflation Reduction Act is especially relevant to policy analysis. By providing a comprehensive understanding of the various aspects of climate change, this course may be helpful for an individual looking to break into the field of policy analysis.
Clean Technology Consultant
A Clean Technology Consultant advises companies on developing and implementing clean tech solutions. This course provides a helpful overview for those in a career as a Clean Technology Consultant, with its extensive coverage of green technologies, including carbon capture, renewable energy sources, and electrification. Those interested in a career as a Clean Technology Consultant will find this course particularly useful for its framework in net zero action strategies. The course will give an aspiring clean technology consultant a useful introduction to the climate landscape.
Supply Chain Sustainability Analyst
A Supply Chain Sustainability Analyst focuses on the environmental and social impacts of a company's supply chain. This course may help an individual working as a Supply Chain Sustainability Analyst due to the overview it gives of various industries, and what their emissions are, especially regarding their supply chains. The course introduces scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, which is important to this role. Additionally, the course gives a framework for addressing emissions, which an individual in sustainability would find useful. The modules on agriculture and financial services help to give insight into these sector's supply chains, providing a useful foundation for the role. This course may be useful for an aspiring Supply Chain Sustainability Analyst.
Environmental Compliance Officer
An Environmental Compliance Officer ensures that an organization adheres to environmental laws and regulations. This course may be helpful for an aspiring Environmental Compliance Officer through its coverage of ESG standards and frameworks. The course includes discussion of the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Davos Manifesto, which are important for compliance. The course will provide a helpful overview for this role. The course's insight into the landscape will be an asset and help to build a foundation in this role.
Energy Efficiency Analyst
An Energy Efficiency Analyst identifies and implements ways to reduce energy consumption. This course may be useful for a career as an Energy Efficiency Analyst, with its focus on climate action, green technologies, and net zero roadmaps. The course offers practical frameworks and examples that would be useful in this role, especially the coverage of electrification. The course gives a broad overview that prepares an individual to enter the landscape of energy usage and reduction. It offers a foundation in the areas that are important to this role.
Impact Investment Analyst
An Impact Investment Analyst evaluates investment opportunities based on their environmental and social impact. The course may help in a career as an Impact Investment Analyst, because it provides an overview of climate finance and carbon pricing mechanisms. The course covers emissions trading systems, carbon taxes, and carbon credits, which are all very useful for an Impact Investment Analyst to understand. This course helps build a foundation in the fundamentals of climate finance. The course helps an aspiring Impact Investment Analyst gain a broader perspective on the landscape.
Corporate Social Responsibility Specialist
A Corporate Social Responsibility Specialist develops and implements social programs and initiatives. While this course does not directly address social programs, it helps build a foundation for a Corporate Social Responsibility Specialist through its instruction on ESG standards and frameworks. The course provides insight into the interplay of environmental and social issues, which is important for this role. The course helps an aspiring Corporate Social Responsibility Specialist to appreciate the bigger picture in corporate responsibility, which will inform decision making.

Reading list

We've selected two 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, Sustainability & Corporate Climate Action Masterclass.
Provides a detailed overview of 100 potential solutions to climate change, ranking them by their potential impact. It's a valuable resource for understanding the breadth of available technologies and strategies. It provides a strong foundation for understanding the 'HOW' modules of the course. This book is best used as additional reading to provide breadth to the course.
Explores the concept of mass extinction events and argues that humanity is currently causing the sixth one. It provides a deeper understanding of the impact of climate change and other environmental factors on biodiversity. This book is best used as additional reading to provide breadth to the course. It is not required to understand the course materials.

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