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Overhead drone shot of green landscape with patterned squares mapped out. Overlaid words, Climate action, Environmental Policy Design, Urban and Regional Planning to intimate a blueprint.

Building tomorrow: where policy meets climate action

Create your blueprint and design impactful climate solutions and policies. Similar to a well-crafted plan that ensures a structure stands the test of time, you can discover the tools, frameworks and actionable strategies to navigate the intersections of governance, policy and climate change. Explore how different jurisdictions approach climate policies and gain the skills to address the ongoing challenges of climate change mitigation and adaptation. With a focus on planning, preparation and implementation, this program turns complexity into clarity—and empowers climate-conscious leaders to build a resilient, sustainable future.

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Description

Courses and fees

Application information

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Program at a glance

Program description

This micro-certificate will provide insights into the policy and political contexts that shape climate action across scales from local to global, including relevant institutional and governance innovations. The program will also provide learners with skills and strategies for engaging and overcoming stagnation and polarization, as well as developing strategies that are responsive to climate science along with the social and ecological impacts. Participants will engage with urban and regional planning within the context of rapid change. Learners can choose to focus on issues such as water, systems transformation, or Indigenous-led actions through an elective choice.

Program highlights

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Online Flexibility
This program is delivered online, allowing you to work independently within deadlines set by your instructor. With this format, you don't have to worry about travel or scheduling conflicts while you study. You can work at your own pace, on your own schedule and maintain a balanced lifestyle.
Credibility
The University of Victoria is one of Canada's leading universities, recognized for preparing students for careers in a wide range of disciplines. Upon successful completion of this program you will receive a micro-certificate.
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Teaching Talent
Our instructors are industry professionals with years of experience. They’re dedicated to helping you develop the knowledge and skills to realize your full potential.

Program partners

The University of Victoria logo

Faculty of Social Sciences, School of Environmental Studies

Program outcomes

  • identify and critically analyze a variety of climate change mitigation and adaptation policy options such as carbon taxes, flexible regulations and climate risk assessments, while considering their application across institutions and scales of governance
  • effectively analyze the differences between local, provincial, federal and global areas of climate change responsibility, and explain the implications of this for political strategy and environmental policy design
  • collaborate effectively and respectfully with diverse communities and forms of knowledge in shaping climate action, including (but not limited to) climate scientists and engineers, Indigenous communities, relevant groups, elected officials, policy advocates, activists and grassroots organizations
  • recognize and respect Indigenous climate leadership, and have experience shaping climate change policy to be responsive to Indigenous priorities
  • communicate effectively with diverse audiences about climate mitigation and adaptation in a variety of formats; using active listening and leadership skills to develop relationships; work across differences; and build consensus for resilient and transformative climate action policy

Who is this program for?

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

Education and Professional Background

  • you are a mid-career professional working in government agencies, non-profits, private-sector sustainability roles, or community organizations focused on climate resilience or urban and regional planning
  • you are an educator who wants to integrate climate policy and action into your curriculum or research
  • you are an undergraduate student pursuing studies in environmental science, political science, urban planning or public policy
  • you are a community leader, advocate, grassroots organizer, or a leader in Indigenous communities and actively engaged in or preparing for climate policy initiatives.

Motivations and Values

  • you desire to bridge the gap between climate science and actionable policy
  • you are passionate about creating equitable and sustainable solutions to mitigate the social and ecological impacts of climate change
  • you are driven to overcome political and societal barriers to climate action through collaboration and innovation
  • you are committed to sustainability, equity and Indigenous leadership in climate solutions
  • you respect diverse perspectives and the importance of interdisciplinary approaches to climate change progress.

Career Growth and Aspirations

  • you want to become a competent climate action practitioner and shape climate policy initiatives at local, national or global levels
  • you aim to acquire skills to effectively communicate, negotiate and collaborate with various groups and relevant parties
  • you seek to make a measurable impact in your community or professional sphere regarding climate adaptation and mitigation

Instructors

Courses and fees

To complete the Micro-certificate in Politics, Policy and Climate Action, participants must complete two core courses below, plus one elective, based on individual interest and course availability.

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= Courses open for registration

Two (2) required courses

Plus One (1) electives below

Estimated fees

Description Fee
Program fee $20.00
Course 1 $641.47
Course 2 $641.47
Course 3 $641.47
Estimated Total $1,944.41*
*IMPORTANT NOTE:
Fees listed in this section are an estimate. Total program fees may vary depending on delivery format, course selections, student fees, textbooks and taxes.

Application information

Admission requirements

These courses are offered at the third and fourth year undergraduate level. No application is necessary, simply select any of the three courses required for the micro-certificate and register for them independently.

How to apply

When registering, you will have the option to purchase the Micro-certificate in Politics, Policy and Climate action fee at an additional cost of $20. You are only required to select this when registering for one of the three courses. 

Once you have completed your third course, your certificate will be automatically issued and sent to you. Certificates will be sent approximately one month after the completion of your third course. 

Note: We are unable to retroactively issue a micro-certificate. Students must purchase the $20 program fee prior to the last day of the last course in the program. 

All students enrolled in micro-credential programs will automatically be opted-in to receiving a digital credential through Accredible upon completion of their program. Please visit our digital credentials page for more information.

 

 

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