Climate Action in Biodiverse Landscapes from edX

The question is no longer WHY should we take climate action, but rather HOW we can take action. In this course you will learn how to take joint action to understand and address climate change impacts in your landscape or work.

It is widely recognized that there is an interconnection between climate change and biodiversity. With examples from all over the world, you will learn how climate change negatively affects biodiversity and human well-being, but also how biodiversity can play an important role in adaptation and mitigation efforts. With the support of professionals from various fields you will be guided from analysis to identifying innovate climate solutions at landscape level.

Join this MOOC if you want to:

Understand how climate change is impacting you and your landscape
Know how to mobilize collaboration among landscape actors
Learn from nature-based climate solutions from around the world
Get practical support in taking some first steps in climate action in your landscape

Sustainable and Inclusive LandscapesThis course is also part of the Sustainable and Inclusive Landscapes Professional Certificate Programme. Following the complete programme lets you harness the power of place and advance your career as a landscape leader. The programme consists of the following courses, which can be taken in any given order:

Landscape Leadership: Catalyse sustainable development in landscapes
Landscape Finance: Investing in Innovation for Sustainable Landscapes
Landscape Governance: Collaborating Across Sectors and Scales
Climate Action in Biodiverse Landscapes (this course)

Partners

This course is part of the Sustainable and Inclusive Landscapes Professional Certificate Programme which can be found on Landscape Academy. This is a collaboration between Wageningen University & Research, UN Environment and the Global Landscapes Forum (GLF). The course was funded by the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality.

Multiple international partners have contributed to the development of this course. We want to express our gratitude towards all our partners who have contributed to the production of this course:

What's inside

Learning objectives

Define and explain different forms of climate action and understand the global urgency to take collective action
Understand how climate change is impacting you and your landscape and why the landscape is a good entry point to take climate action
Understand the relationship between climate change and biodiversity, and why integrating biodiversity in climate action is essential
Assess stakeholder dynamics in your landscape and understand the importance of effective multi-stakeholder collaboration for climate action

Apply participatory tools and methods to assess climate vulnerabilities and identify, prioritise and assess adaptation and mitigation measures to support landscape decision making
Explain what nature-based climate solutions are and how they can benefit your landscape
Turn your climate action into a business case and identify potential sources of climate finance

Define and explain different forms of climate action and understand the global urgency to take collective action
Understand how climate change is impacting you and your landscape and why the landscape is a good entry point to take climate action
Understand the relationship between climate change and biodiversity, and why integrating biodiversity in climate action is essential
Assess stakeholder dynamics in your landscape and understand the importance of effective multi-stakeholder collaboration for climate action
Apply participatory tools and methods to assess climate vulnerabilities and identify, prioritise and assess adaptation and mitigation measures to support landscape decision making
Explain what nature-based climate solutions are and how they can benefit your landscape
Turn your climate action into a business case and identify potential sources of climate finance

Syllabus

1: Setting the Scene

In this opening module, you will quickly get up-to-speed on climate change science, the connection between biodiversity, climate change, and landscape approaches. You will also start to look at your landscape in new ways and meet other professionals who are taking the course.

2: Stakeholder Collaboration

In this module you will explore stakeholder collaboration within your landscape as an essential part of your Climate Action. You will learn about Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships, and how to design and facilitate these partnerships in your landscape.

3: Climate Impacts

Here, you’ll learn more about climate data and how to use it in order to understand the current and future climate impacts in your landscape. . You will also analyse the vulnerability of your landscape and the different stakeholders to specific climate hazards.

4: From Impacts to Solutions

In this module you familiarize yourself with the impact chain, This is a tool which allows you to get a deeper and more complete understanding of the cause-effect relations of climate impacts in your landscape. From there you can start to identify and select potential solutions which can be further developed into detailed measures for your landscape.

5: Climate Finance

In this module, you will get to know the world of climate finance a bit better: what is climate finance exactly and where should I look for finance opportunities? You will turn your climate action into a business case that attracts investors and identify potential sources of climate finance.

6: Wrapping up

In this final module, you will reflect on what you’ve learned in this course. You will also explore your next steps to continue your learning journey.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Examines climate change, which is an increasingly serious challenge for our world

Teaches effective multi-stakeholder collaboration for climate action

Explores the impact chain, which allows for a deeper understanding of climate impacts

Covers the basics of climate finance, including sources and opportunities

Taught by experts in climate action from Wageningen University & Research, UN Environment, and the Global Landscapes Forum

Suitable for professionals working in climate action or related fields

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 Climate Action in Biodiverse Landscapes with these activities:

Compile a list of resources for further learning on climate change impacts and solutions

Show steps

Create a personalized collection of resources to support your ongoing learning and exploration of climate change, ensuring easy access to valuable information.

Browse courses on Climate Change Impacts

Show steps

Search for reliable sources such as scientific papers, books, and websites
Categorize and organize the resources based on topic or relevance

Review statistics

Show steps

Reviewing statistics will help you strengthen your mathematical foundation and aid in understanding statistical concepts used throughout the course.

Browse courses on Statistics

Show steps

Review basic statistical concepts such as mean, median, mode, and standard deviation.
Practice solving statistical problems involving hypothesis testing and confidence intervals.

Complete a series of online tutorials on climate modeling

Show steps

Tutorials on climate modeling can enhance your understanding of complex climate processes and equip you with technical skills for further study.

Browse courses on Climate Modeling

Show steps

Identify reputable online platforms offering climate modeling tutorials.
Enroll in a structured tutorial series that aligns with your learning goals.
Follow the instructions and complete the exercises provided in each tutorial.
Take notes and record any questions you encounter for future reference.

Four other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all seven activities

Watch the "Adaptation to Climate Change: An Expert Guide" tutorial series

Show steps

Gain insights into the key principles and practices of climate change adaptation, which is crucial for developing effective climate action plans in the course.

Show steps

Watch the videos and complete the quizzes
Take notes on the different adaptation strategies and their effectiveness

Compile a collection of case studies on nature-based climate solutions

Show steps

Compiling case studies will allow you to explore practical examples of nature-based solutions and their potential to mitigate climate change.

Show steps

Identify reputable sources and databases for case studies on nature-based climate solutions.
Filter and select case studies that align with your interests and course topics.
Organize and categorize the case studies based on共通alities, such as region, ecosystem type, or solution type.

Volunteer with a local organization working on climate change mitigation or adaptation

Show steps

Gain practical experience and contribute to climate action efforts, while connecting with experts and expanding your network in the field.

Browse courses on Climate Change Mitigation

Show steps

Identify a suitable organization and reach out to inquire about volunteer opportunities
Participate actively in the organization's activities and projects
Reflect on your experience and share your learnings with others

Create a presentation on the impacts of deforestation on biodiversity and climate change

Show steps

Creating a presentation on deforestation will help you synthesize your understanding of the course materials and the interconnections between deforestation, biodiversity, and climate change.

Browse courses on Climate Change Impacts

Show steps

Research the topic and gather data from credible sources.
Organize your presentation in a logical flow.
Craft engaging visuals and graphs to illustrate your points.
Rehearse your presentation to improve delivery and timing.

Career center

Learners who complete Climate Action in Biodiverse Landscapes will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Sustainability Manager

A Sustainability Manager is responsible for developing and implementing sustainability strategies for organizations. They work to reduce the environmental impact of their organization's operations and supply chain, and they also promote social responsibility. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in this role by providing you with a deep understanding of climate change and its impacts on biodiversity. You will also learn how to develop and implement climate action plans.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Manager

Environmental Consultant

An Environmental Consultant develops solutions to environmental issues for businesses, governments, and other organizations. They assess environmental impacts, develop plans to mitigate these impacts, and monitor the effectiveness of these plans. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in this role by providing you with a deep understanding of the relationship between climate change and biodiversity. You will also learn how to take joint action to address climate change impacts in your landscape or work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Consultant

Climate Change Analyst

A Climate Change Analyst studies the causes and effects of climate change. They develop models to predict future climate scenarios, and they assess the potential impacts of climate change on different sectors of the economy and society. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in this role by providing you with a deep understanding of climate change science and its impacts on biodiversity. You will also learn how to use data analysis to assess climate change risks and develop adaptation and mitigation strategies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Climate Change Analyst

Conservation Scientist

A Conservation Scientist studies the biology and ecology of plants and animals, and they work to protect and conserve these species and their habitats. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in this role by providing you with a deep understanding of the relationship between climate change and biodiversity. You will also learn how to develop and implement conservation plans.

See salaries and explore the career path for Conservation Scientist

Environmental Educator

An Environmental Educator develops and delivers educational programs about environmental issues. They work with people of all ages to raise awareness about environmental issues and to promote sustainable practices. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in this role by providing you with a deep understanding of climate change and its impacts on biodiversity. You will also learn how to develop and deliver effective educational programs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Educator

Policy Analyst

A Policy Analyst researches and analyzes public policy issues. They provide advice to policymakers on the development and implementation of public policy. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in this role by providing you with a deep understanding of climate change policy. You will also learn how to develop and analyze policy proposals.

See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Analyst

Environmental Lawyer

An Environmental Lawyer specializes in environmental law. They advise clients on environmental regulations and help them to comply with these regulations. They also represent clients in environmental litigation. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in this role by providing you with a deep understanding of climate change law and policy. You will also learn how to develop and implement effective environmental legal strategies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Lawyer

Project Manager

A Project Manager plans and executes projects. They work with stakeholders to define project goals, develop project plans, and manage project resources. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in this role by providing you with a deep understanding of project management principles. You will also learn how to develop and implement project plans.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Data Analyst

A Data Analyst collects, analyzes, and interprets data. They use data to identify trends, patterns, and insights. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in this role by providing you with a deep understanding of data analysis techniques. You will also learn how to use data to inform decision-making.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Grant Writer

A Grant Writer writes grant proposals to secure funding for projects. They work with organizations to identify funding opportunities, develop grant proposals, and manage grant applications. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in this role by providing you with a deep understanding of grant writing principles. You will also learn how to develop and write effective grant proposals.

See salaries and explore the career path for Grant Writer

Journalist

A Journalist researches, writes, and reports on news stories. They work for newspapers, magazines, websites, and other media outlets. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in this role by providing you with a deep understanding of climate change and its impacts. You will also learn how to research, write, and report on environmental issues.

See salaries and explore the career path for Journalist

Teacher

A Teacher plans and delivers instruction to students. They work with students of all ages to develop their knowledge and skills. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in this role by providing you with a deep understanding of climate change and its impacts. You will also learn how to develop and deliver effective lesson plans.

See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher

Urban Planner

An Urban Planner develops plans for the development and use of land in urban areas. They work with stakeholders to identify community needs and to develop plans that meet those needs. This course may be helpful to you if you are interested in becoming an Urban Planner because it will provide you with a deep understanding of climate change and its impacts on urban areas. You will also learn how to develop and implement urban planning strategies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Urban Planner

Landscape Architect

A Landscape Architect designs and creates outdoor spaces. They work with clients to develop plans for gardens, parks, and other outdoor spaces. This course may be helpful to you if you are interested in becoming a Landscape Architect because it will provide you with a deep understanding of climate change and its impacts on ecosystems. You will also learn how to design and create outdoor spaces that are resilient to climate change.

See salaries and explore the career path for Landscape Architect

Agronomist

An Agronomist studies the science of crop production. They work with farmers to improve crop yields and to develop sustainable farming practices. This course may be helpful to you if you are interested in becoming an Agronomist because it will provide you with a deep understanding of climate change and its impacts on agriculture. You will also learn how to develop and implement sustainable farming practices.

See salaries and explore the career path for Agronomist

Climate Action in Biodiverse Landscapes

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

Good to know

Save this course

Activities

Career center

Reading list

Share

Similar courses