Designing a Climate-Neutral World: Taking Action from edX

“Every action mattersEvery bit of warming mattersEvery year mattersEvery choice matters.”

This was the brief summary of a 2018 report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the scientific advisory board of the United Nations.But who should act?

In earlier courses, we already set out what is needed to limit the impact of climate change. In this course, we will explore the role of national governments, the international community, companies, and sub-national governments, like cities, municipalities, provinces, and regions.

We start from the idea that climate governance is polycentric. None of these parties can mitigate the dangers of climate change all by themselves. Each of these types of organization has its particular strength. If you work – or plan to work – in or with any such organization, then through this course you will learn how to be successful and effective in playing your part in mitigating climate change.

Important elements that will be discussed for the various players in the field are:

What roles can the different organizations play?
How can emission reduction targets be set so that they are both ambitious and feasible?
How can meaningful emission reduction plans be developed that actually result in emission reduction on the ground?

Examples will be presented by professionals who have been successful in their own organization. They are willing to share the failures and critical success factors in their strategies.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Understand how international climate agreements work.
Assess the sphere of influence of your own organization.
Learn how national climate policies are designed and work, and be able to evaluate the relevance of existing policies for your organization.
Learn how ambitious and feasible ghg emission reduction targets for companies are set and discover how to translate these into a climate action plan.

Learn to apply approaches to tackle greenhouse gas emissions in supply chains.
Learn how ambitious and feasible ghg emission reduction targets for cities and municipalities are set and learn how to translate these into climate action plans.
Decide in which areas the greatest acceleration of climate action is needed.

Understand how international climate agreements work.
Assess the sphere of influence of your own organization.
Learn how national climate policies are designed and work, and be able to evaluate the relevance of existing policies for your organization.
Learn how ambitious and feasible ghg emission reduction targets for companies are set and discover how to translate these into a climate action plan.
Learn to apply approaches to tackle greenhouse gas emissions in supply chains.
Learn how ambitious and feasible ghg emission reduction targets for cities and municipalities are set and learn how to translate these into climate action plans.
Decide in which areas the greatest acceleration of climate action is needed.

Syllabus

Week 1. National action and international agreements

Brief history of climate negotiations

The Paris Agreement

NDCs’ and national targets/laws

Cross-sectoral and sectoral policies

Climate policies in practice

Week 2. Climate action by cities and other sub-national governments

The role of non-state entities in climate action

Overview of sub-national government initiatives

Action perspectives for cities and municipalities

Example: a small town

Example: a big city

Week 3. Climate action by companies

Overview of private-sector climate action

Science-based targets

Why does it work?

Supply chain initiatives

Corporate climate action in practice

Week 4. Speeding up climate action

Every bit of warming matters

Climate action on energy efficiency

Climate action on renewable electricity

Climate action on renewable fuels

World in action

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Examines the impact of climate change and its potential risks, consequences, and challenges

Discusses diverse climate governance approaches, including roles of governments, communities, and organizations

Teaches how to set ambitious yet feasible emission reduction targets for companies and translate them into practical action plans

Provides insights from industry professionals who have achieved success in their own organizations' climate action efforts

Suitable for individuals working in or aiming to work in organizations engaged in climate action, such as policymakers, corporate sustainability professionals, and environmental consultants

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 Designing a Climate-Neutral World: Taking Action with these activities:

Review Climate Science and Mitigation

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Review your understanding of climate science and mitigation to provide a strong foundation for this course.

Browse courses on Climate Science

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Read through the IPCC's Fifth Assessment Report.
Review scientific articles on the latest advancements in climate science and mitigation.

Read 'The Sixth Extinction' by Elizabeth Kolbert

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Explore the science and history of mass extinctions to gain a deeper understanding of the urgency of climate action.

View The Sixth Extinction (Tenth Anniversary Edition) on Amazon

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Read the book and take notes on key concepts.
Discuss the book with classmates or a study group.

Complete the 'Introduction to Climate Change' course on edX

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Enhance your understanding of the basics of climate change through guided tutorials.

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Complete all the modules and assignments.
Enroll in the 'Introduction to Climate Change' course on edX.

Six other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all nine activities

Participate in a Discussion Group on Climate Policy

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Engage with your peers to discuss different approaches to climate policy and share perspectives.

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Join a discussion group on climate policy.
Actively participate in discussions and share your insights.
Listen attentively to others' perspectives and learn from their experiences.

Connect with Professionals in Climate Policy

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Establish connections with professionals in climate policy to gain insights and career guidance.

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Attend industry events and conferences.
Reach out to professionals on LinkedIn and request informational interviews.
Join professional organizations related to climate policy.

Volunteer with a Climate Action Organization

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Gain hands-on experience in climate action and make a direct contribution to the cause.

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Identify a climate action organization that aligns with your interests.
Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
Participate in volunteer activities and learn from experienced climate activists.

Develop a Case Study on Climate Change in Your Local Community

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Apply your knowledge of climate change to a real-world context by creating a case study on its local impacts.

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Identify a specific aspect of climate change in your local community.
Research the scientific evidence and local data on the issue.
Interview stakeholders and experts in the field.
Write a comprehensive case study report.

Develop a Climate Action Plan for Your Organization

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Apply your understanding of climate governance to a real-organization context by developing a climate action plan.

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Identify the organization's current emissions and set reduction targets.
Research and evaluate different strategies for reducing emissions.
Develop a comprehensive climate action plan that outlines specific actions and timelines.
Implement the plan and monitor its progress.

Participate in a Climate Policy Hackathon

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Put your knowledge and skills to the test by participating in a hackathon that focuses on climate policy solutions.

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Find a climate policy hackathon that aligns with your interests.
Form a team and develop a solution to the hackathon's challenge.
Present your solution to a panel of judges and receive feedback.

Career center

Learners who complete Designing a Climate-Neutral World: Taking Action will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Corporate Sustainability Manager

A Corporate Sustainability Manager is responsible for developing and implementing sustainability strategies for corporations. This course may be useful for Corporate Sustainability Managers because it provides an overview of the different aspects of corporate sustainability, the different corporate sustainability frameworks, and the different tools and techniques that can be used to improve corporate sustainability. The course also provides students with the skills to develop and implement corporate sustainability plans.

See salaries and explore the career path for Corporate Sustainability Manager

Sustainability Manager

A Sustainability Manager is responsible for developing and implementing sustainability strategies for businesses and organizations. This course may be useful for Sustainability Managers because it provides an overview of the different aspects of sustainability, the different sustainability frameworks, and the different tools and techniques that can be used to improve sustainability. The course also provides students with the skills to develop and implement sustainability plans.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Manager

Climate Policy Analyst

A Climate Policy Analyst is responsible for researching, analyzing, and interpreting climate policy. This course may be useful for Climate Policy Analysts because it provides an overview of the different climate policy frameworks, the different climate policy instruments, and the different challenges that climate policy makers face. The course also provides students with the skills to develop and evaluate climate policy.

See salaries and explore the career path for Climate Policy Analyst

Environmental Consultant

An Environmental Consultant provides advice and guidance to businesses and organizations on environmental issues. This course may be useful for Environmental Consultants because it provides an overview of the different environmental issues facing businesses and organizations, the regulatory framework for environmental protection, and the different strategies that businesses and organizations can use to reduce their environmental impact. The course also provides students with the skills to conduct environmental assessments and develop environmental management plans.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Consultant

Climate Scientist

A Climate Scientist is responsible for researching, analyzing, and interpreting climate data. This course may be useful for Climate Scientists because it provides an overview of the different climate science disciplines, the different climate science research methods, and the different challenges that climate scientists face. The course also provides students with the skills to conduct climate science research.

See salaries and explore the career path for Climate Scientist

Renewable Energy Developer

A Renewable Energy Developer develops and manages renewable energy projects. This course may be useful for Renewable Energy Developers because it provides an overview of the different types of renewable energy technologies, the economics of renewable energy, and the policy support for renewable energy. The course also provides students with the skills to develop and manage renewable energy projects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Renewable Energy Developer

Energy Efficiency Consultant

An Energy Efficiency Consultant helps businesses and organizations reduce their energy consumption. This course may be useful for Energy Efficiency Consultants because it provides an overview of the principles of energy efficiency, the different types of energy efficiency measures, and the financial and environmental benefits of energy efficiency. The course also provides students with the skills to conduct energy audits and develop energy efficiency plans.

See salaries and explore the career path for Energy Efficiency Consultant

Environmental Economist

An Environmental Economist is responsible for applying economic principles to environmental issues. This course may be useful for Environmental Economists because it provides an overview of the different economic tools that can be used to analyze environmental issues, the different economic policies that can be used to protect the environment, and the different challenges that environmental economists face. The course also provides students with the skills to conduct economic analysis of environmental issues.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Economist

Government Relations Manager

A Government Relations Manager is responsible for representing the interests of an organization to government officials. This course may be useful for Government Relations Managers because it provides an overview of the different levels of government, the different government decision-making processes, and the different ways to influence government policy. The course also provides students with the skills to develop and implement government relations strategies.

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Nonprofit Program Manager

A Nonprofit Program Manager is responsible for planning, implementing, and evaluating nonprofit programs. This course may be useful for Nonprofit Program Managers because it provides an overview of the different types of nonprofit programs, the different nonprofit program management tools, and the different challenges that nonprofit program managers face. The course also provides students with the skills to develop and implement nonprofit programs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nonprofit Program Manager

Public Policy Analyst

A Public Policy Analyst is responsible for researching, analyzing, and interpreting public policy. This course may be useful for Public Policy Analysts because it provides an overview of the different public policy frameworks, the different public policy analysis methods, and the different challenges that public policy analysts face. The course also provides students with the skills to conduct public policy analysis.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Policy Analyst

Social Entrepreneur

A Social Entrepreneur is responsible for developing and implementing social enterprises. This course may be useful for Social Entrepreneurs because it provides an overview of the different types of social enterprises, the different social enterprise business models, and the different challenges that social entrepreneurs face. The course also provides students with the skills to develop and implement social enterprises.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Entrepreneur

City Planner

A City Planner is responsible for planning and designing cities and towns. This course may be useful for City Planners because it provides an overview of the different principles of urban planning, the different types of urban planning tools, and the different challenges that cities and towns face. The course also provides students with the skills to develop and implement urban plans.

See salaries and explore the career path for City Planner

Climate Change Analyst

A Climate Change Analyst is responsible for researching, analyzing, and interpreting data on climate change. This course may be useful for Climate Change Analysts because it provides an overview of the science of climate change, the impacts of climate change, and the policy responses to climate change. The course also provides students with the skills to analyze climate data and develop climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Climate Change Analyst

Environmental Lawyer

An Environmental Lawyer is responsible for advising clients on environmental law and regulations. This course may be useful for Environmental Lawyers because it provides an overview of the different environmental laws and regulations, the different environmental law enforcement mechanisms, and the different challenges that environmental lawyers face. The course also provides students with the skills to research and analyze environmental law and regulations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Lawyer