Climate Action: Solutions for a Changing Planet from edX

Harmful emissions, the degradation of the earth’s resources and global warming have loomed large for decades. With the negotiation and ongoing ratification of the sweeping Paris Agreement, commitments to reducing the effects of climate change abound.

But how do we turn those commitments into action?

Enroll now to learn from the professors and researchers leading the battle against climate change, hailing from world-renowned institutions including Columbia University’s Earth Institute, the Deep Decarbonization Pathways Project (DDPP), the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) and the World Business Council on Sustainable Development (WBCSD).

This course is for:

Graduate students and advanced undergraduate students interested in the key concepts and practices of this growing field.
Climate change activists who want a concise overview of the current science and emerging solutions.
Sustainable development practitioners – as well as private-sector actors, such as those who work in corporate sustainability and responsibility or renewable energy – who need to understand how climate change solutions are being implemented and made successful.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Reducing global greenhouse gas emissions
Decarbonizing the economy

Emissions reduction in russia and australia
Actions for communities and individuals

Reducing global greenhouse gas emissions
Decarbonizing the economy
Emissions reduction in russia and australia
Actions for communities and individuals

Syllabus

Module1: Implementing the Paris Climate Agreement (Weeks 1 and 2)

The Goal: < 2°C (Part 1)

The Goal: < 2°C (Part 2)

The Carbon Budget (Part 1)

The Carbon Budget (Part 2)

Deep Decarbonization: Reaching Net-Zero by the Second Half of the Century (Part 1)

Deep Decarbonization: Reaching Net-Zero by the Second Half of the Century (Part 2)

Sources and Sinks: Energy, Land Use, CCS (Part 1)

Sources and Sinks: Energy, Land Use, CCS (Part 2)

Uncertainties, Precaution, and Insurance (Part 1)

Uncertainties, Precaution, and Insurance (Part 2)

Module 2: Deep Decarbonization: The Three Pillars and National Case Studies (Weeks 3 and 4)

Deep Decarbonization Pathway Planning and Mid-Century Strategies

The Three Pillars of Decarbonization

Case Study: US Deep Decarbonization (Part 1)

Case Study: US Deep Decarbonization (Part 2)

Case Study: Russia Deep Decarbonization

Case Study: Canada Deep Decarbonization

Case Study: Australia Deep Decarbonization

Challenges in the Decarbonization Transition

Module 3: Low Emissions Electricity & Renewables (Week 5)

The Role of Innovation to Reduce Emissions

Innovative Off-Grid Energy Solutions

Renewables: Solar

Renewables: Wind

Nuclear Power

Transmission, Energy Storage and Grid Integration

Life Cycle Analysis

Module 4: Agriculture and Emissions (Week 6)

Earth Observations for Climate Mitigation

The Need to Reduce Uncertainties in Global Land-Use Information

Global Crop Models and Their Potential to Assess Mitigation Options in Agriculture

Module 5: Monitoring Land Use (Weeks 7 and 8)

Mitigation on Land and the SDGs (Part 1)

Mitigation on Land and the SDGs (Part 2)

GHG Mitigation in Agriculture (Part 1)

GHG Mitigation in Agriculture (Part 2)

Using System Analysis for Globally Consistent National Mitigation Planning (Part 1)

Using System Analysis for Globally Consistent National Mitigation Planning (Part 2)

Case Study: Brazil’s Intended Nationally Determined Contribution

Supply Chain Solutions to Deforestation: Evidence from Brazil

Module 6: Policy Tools for the Transition to Low-Emissions (Week 9)

Principles of Public Policy

Putting a Price on Carbon (Part 1)

Putting a Price on Carbon (Part 2)

Intellectual Property, Access, and Innovation

Climate Fairness & Justice (Part 1)

Climate Fairness & Justice (Part 2)

Module 7: Low-Emission Solutions and the Business Community (Week 10)

Business Solutions for Climate Change

Technology Partnerships to Tackle Climate Change

Business Action in Practice: Renewables

Sustainable Transport Systems

The Role of Public-Private Partnerships (PPP)

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Examines emissions reduction in countries of special interest: Russia and Australia, likely relevant to students who focus on international and global case studies in climate change mitigation

Led by three renowned institutes, all specialized in climate science, which may translate into scientific rigor and thought leadership

In-depth analysis of key concepts and practices in climate change, relevant to graduate students and advanced undergraduate students

Taught by recognized professors and researchers in the field of climate change, adding credibility and real-world relevance to the course content

Covers innovative topics such as off-grid energy solutions and supply chain solutions to deforestation, indicating a forward-thinking approach to climate change mitigation

Navigates complex and technical concepts in climate science and policy, which may pose a learning curve for those without a background in the field

Reviews summary

Climate studies with global impact

Learners say this engaging course hosted by Professor Sachs has gorgeous video lectures and provides a global network to learn about climate change solutions described in the Paris Agreement.

Course contains gorgeous videos of nature.

"You can end up with both book knowledge, taught mostly in gorgeous video of the world's people and nature, and a network of friends spanning the globe."

Course hosted by world-renowned Professor Sachs.

"I have taken several MOOCs with Sachs and another expert."

"He is nicknamed the world's professor because these courses attract activists and pros as well as frightened, bright students - from all over the world."

"We have tough, complex work to do in order to save our SPECIES."

Course discusses climate solutions from the 2015 Paris Agreement.

"I was not familiar with the carbon budget, but I plan to have total knowledge of all the relevant concepts and the issues surrounding the 2015 Paris Agreement by the time I complete this."

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: Solutions for a Changing Planet with these activities:

Review of Climate Change Science

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Refresh and reinforce knowledge on the scientific basis of climate change, including causes, impacts, and future projections.

Browse courses on Climate Change

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Review scientific reports and articles on climate change.
Attend a webinar or lecture on climate change science.

The Uninhabitable Earth: Life After Warming

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Gain a comprehensive and sobering overview of the potential consequences of climate change and its impact on various aspects of life.

View The Uninhabitable Earth (Adapted for Young... on Amazon

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Read the book thoroughly and take notes on key ideas.
Summarize and reflect on the main arguments and evidence presented.
Discuss the book with classmates or peers to share perspectives.

Renewable Energy Technologies Course

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Enhance understanding of renewable energy technologies through guided online tutorials and simulations.

Browse courses on Renewable Energy

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Enroll in an online course or platform offering renewable energy tutorials.
Follow the tutorials and complete interactive exercises.
Simulate and analyze the performance of different renewable energy systems.

Five other activities

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Show all eight activities

Climate Change Case Study Analysis

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Work in small groups to analyze real-world case studies of climate change mitigation or adaptation projects.

Browse courses on Case Studies

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Form groups and assign a case study to each group.
Research and gather information about the case study.
Develop a presentation and lead a group discussion on the case study.

Decarbonization Plan for a City

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Develop a comprehensive plan to decarbonize a real-world city, considering transportation, energy, and land use strategies.

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Research and analyze the city's current emissions profile.
Set ambitious but realistic decarbonization targets.
Identify and evaluate potential decarbonization measures.
Estimate the costs and benefits of the proposed plan.
Develop a roadmap for implementation and monitoring.

Emission Trading Simulation

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Simulate the trading of carbon credits to understand the market mechanisms and policy implications of emissions trading.

Browse courses on Climate Policy

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Set up a virtual carbon market platform.
Assign roles to participants as emitters, regulators, and traders.
Run simulations with different carbon pricing scenarios.

Climate Change Policy Advocacy Paper

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Develop a persuasive policy paper advocating for a specific climate change solution or policy measure.

Browse courses on Climate Policy

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Research and identify a specific climate change issue or policy area.
Develop a clear and compelling argument for your proposed solution.
Gather evidence and data to support your claims.
Write a well-structured and persuasive policy paper.

Climate Change Blog or Podcast

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Create a blog or podcast series that effectively communicates the science, impacts, and solutions of climate change to a broader audience.

Browse courses on Climate Change Communication

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Choose a platform and target audience for your blog or podcast.
Develop a content calendar with a variety of topics and formats.
Research and gather credible information from scientific sources.
Write or record engaging content that is accessible and informative.

Career center

Learners who complete Climate Action: Solutions for a Changing Planet will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Climate Policy Analyst

Climate Policy Analysts research and analyze climate change policies and their impact on the environment and the economy. This course will help you understand the different climate change policies that are being developed and implemented around the world. This knowledge will be essential in your work as a Climate Policy Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Climate Policy Analyst

Climate Scientist

Climate Scientists study climate change and its impacts on the environment. This course will help you understand the science of climate change and the different ways to communicate climate science to the public. This knowledge will be essential in your work as a Climate Scientist.

See salaries and explore the career path for Climate Scientist

Environmental Engineer

Environmental Engineers design and implement solutions to environmental problems. This course will help you understand the different ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve environmental quality. This knowledge will be essential in your work as an Environmental Engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Engineer

Sustainability Manager

Sustainability Managers develop and implement sustainability programs for organizations. This course will help you understand the key concepts of climate change and the different strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This knowledge will be essential in your work as a Sustainability Manager.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Manager

Corporate Sustainability Officer

Corporate Sustainability Officers develop and implement sustainability programs for corporations. This course will help you understand the key concepts of climate change and the different strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This knowledge will be essential in your work as a Corporate Sustainability Officer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Corporate Sustainability Officer

Renewable Energy Engineer

Renewable Energy Engineers design and develop renewable energy systems, such as solar and wind power. This course will help you understand the different types of renewable energy technologies and how they can be used to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This knowledge will be essential in your work as a Renewable Energy Engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Renewable Energy Engineer

Environmental Scientist

Environmental Scientists research environmental issues and work to find solutions for pollution, waste management, and sustainability. Taking this course will help you understand the impact of climate change on the environment and the ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This knowledge will be invaluable in your work as an Environmental Scientist.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Scientist

Policy Analyst

Policy Analysts research and analyze public policies and their impact on the environment and the economy. This course will help you understand the different climate change policies that are being developed and implemented around the world. This knowledge will be essential in your work as a Policy Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Analyst

Climate Change Adaptation Specialist

Climate Change Adaptation Specialists help communities and organizations prepare for the impacts of climate change. This course will help you understand the different ways to adapt to climate change and how to reduce the risks associated with it. This knowledge will be essential in your work as a Climate Change Adaptation Specialist.

See salaries and explore the career path for Climate Change Adaptation Specialist

Environmental Educator

Environmental Educators teach people about environmental issues and how to protect the environment. This course will help you understand the different ways to communicate climate science and environmental issues to the public. This knowledge will be essential in your work as an Environmental Educator.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Educator

Conservation Scientist

Conservation Scientists work to protect and restore natural resources. This course will help you understand the impacts of climate change on natural resources and the different ways to protect and restore them. This knowledge will be essential in your work as a Conservation Scientist.

See salaries and explore the career path for Conservation Scientist

Energy Efficiency Consultant

Energy Efficiency Consultants help businesses and organizations reduce their energy consumption. This course will help you understand the different ways to improve energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This knowledge will be essential in your work as an Energy Efficiency Consultant.

See salaries and explore the career path for Energy Efficiency Consultant

Environmental Economist

Environmental Economists use economic principles to analyze environmental issues. This course will help you understand the economic impacts of climate change and the different ways to mitigate these impacts. This knowledge will be essential in your work as an Environmental Economist.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Economist

Environmental Lawyer

Environmental Lawyers specialize in environmental law and work to protect the environment. This course will help you understand the legal framework for climate change and the different ways to enforce environmental laws. This knowledge will be essential in your work as an Environmental Lawyer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Lawyer

Public Health Specialist

Public Health Specialists work to protect and improve the health of the public. This course will help you understand the different ways that climate change can impact public health and the ways to mitigate these impacts. This knowledge will be essential in your work as a Public Health Specialist.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Health Specialist