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Course Description

In this course, you will examine how climate science, economic reasoning, and international cooperation interact to guide climate decisions. You’ll explore how foundational research is synthesized into broader climate assessments and consensus-based guidance, with a focus on the editorial and review processes of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) that shape the clarity, credibility, and utility of those assessments. You’ll then examine the constraints involved in producing accurate and relevant climate guidance for the mitigation of climate impacts, including the need to balance scientific precision, accessibility, and policy relevance.

You will also examine how a response can be coordinated on the basis of those assessments, focusing on the economic and political dimensions of mitigation and international cooperation. You’ll evaluate the costs of delayed action, the case for early investment in mitigation, and the challenges of aligning diverse interests and values across countries and stakeholder groups.

This course serves as a bridge from climate science and projection to economically sound and cooperative climate action decision making to understand how rigorous assessments, economic reasoning, and equity considerations inform a coordinated approach at national and international levels.

You are required to have completed the following courses or have equivalent experience before taking this course:

  • Evaluating Climate Evidence, Claims, and Solutions
  • Applying Climate Projections to Regional Planning

Faculty Author

Toby Ault

Benefits to the Learner

  • Translate foundational research into consensus-based climate guidance
  • Evaluate how editorial choices shape the accuracy and relevance of climate assessments
  • Design mitigation pathways that weigh the costs of delay against the benefits of early investment
  • Reconcile diverse interests and values to forge equitable international agreements

Target Audience

  • Sustainability and ESG professionals seeking stronger climate science fluency
  • Policy advisors, nonprofit leaders, and public sector managers working on climate initiatives
  • Corporate executives and consultants addressing climate risk and transition planning
  • Communications professionals, educators, and journalists covering climate topics
  • Investment and finance professionals evaluating climate-related opportunities and risks
  • Real estate developers, urban planners, and infrastructure leaders integrating climate adaptation
  • Energy sector professionals navigating renewable transitions and system change
  • Insurance and risk management professionals assessing climate-related exposures

Applies Towards the Following Certificates

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Enroll Now - Select a section to enroll in
Type
2 week
Dates
Nov 11, 2026 to Nov 24, 2026
Total Number of Hours
12.0
Course Fee(s)
Standard Price $999.00
Type
2 week
Dates
Feb 03, 2027 to Feb 16, 2027
Total Number of Hours
12.0
Course Fee(s)
Standard Price $999.00
Type
2 week
Dates
Apr 28, 2027 to May 11, 2027
Total Number of Hours
12.0
Course Fee(s)
Standard Price $999.00
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