About the Politics, Policy and Climate Action program

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.

How this program stands out

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 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.

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.

What you will learn in the Micro-certificate in Politics, Policy and Climate Action

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

• 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