Climate Action Planning is a great foundation in planning for climate action. You’ll explore climate change as a complex, human problem, learn why well-intentioned climate responses often fall short, and get inside the political and policy landscape using British Columbia as a working example. 

Rather than working in the abstract, throughout the course we encourage you to apply what you’re learning to a place and context you know like your workplace, community, or own climate story. You’ll leave with practical tools for assessing local climate plans, communicating effectively about climate action, and understanding the landscape well enough to engage with it directly. 

This micro-credential is supported by a partnership between the School of Environmental Studies and the Division of Continuing Studies, and certified by CIFAL Victoria.

CIFAL provides certification for training courses that build the capabilities of individuals and communities towards the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Participants who successfully complete this course are eligible to receive a Certificate of Completion co-signed by UNITAR (United Nations Institute for Training and Research) and CIFAL Victoria.

Discover your path in sustainability

Whether you're a current student looking to deepen your knowledge or a professional looking to upskill and launch a new career, this free info session is your opportunity to learn more, get your questions answered, and see if our programs are the right fit for you!

Next info session: Oct. 28

Session details

How this program stands out

Interdisciplinary

Designed with an interdisciplinary approach to climate action, you will discover connections and strategies in creative and innovative ways.

Online Flexibility

With only three online courses, this program has flexible completion timelines and you can log into the course to work at your own pace.

Credibility

The University of Victoria is rated the #1 university in Canada for Climate Action and recognized for preparing students for careers in a wide range of disciplines. Upon successful completion of this program you will receive a micro-certificate.

What you will learn in the Micro-certificate in Climate Action Planning

By the end of the program, students will be able to:

• develop effective strategies for climate action through the integration of the human dimensions of climate change with scientific, legal, economic, policy and political contexts.
• demonstrate an ability to collaborate with, and respect for diverse communities in shaping climate action and integrating strategies for decolonization.
• identify and assess potential impacts of climate action across scales from local to global.
• use leadership strategies to navigate the challenges of climate despair, denial, and resistance in order to build consensus for resilient change.

If you are looking for a longer, university accredited program, we also offer the Transformative Climate Action certificate.

Who should take the Micro-certificate in Climate Action Planning

This program is for a diverse range of people such as educators, business leaders and community organizers who want to engage with the climate crisis and be a climate action practitioner. This program is also suitable for those working or seeking to work in communities, non-governmental organizations and government agencies that engage with the cultural, policy, economic and ecological dimensions of climate change. If you are looking for a credential that will demonstrate your ability to collaboratively lead, develop and support effective climate action across sectors and scales, this program is a good fit.

If you see yourself reflected in any of the following, then this program could be a good match:

• enjoy reading and staying up to date with the latest research and developments in the field of climate change
• actively involved in community projects or initiatives related to sustainability and climate change
• are committed to building networks and collaborating with other professionals in the field
• have a strong desire to make a difference and is willing to take on leadership roles to achieve your goals.
• feel eager to learn about sustainable development practices and how to implement them in your work.
• are willing to consider different viewpoints and collaborate with people from different backgrounds and cultures.

Career options

Some of our learners pursue careers in the following careers: