About the Course
Climate change represents the greatest challenge––and the greatest opportunity––of our lifetimes. Climate Action: Solutions for a Changing Planet explores steps we can take, at both a societal and an individual level, to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions, decarbonize the economy, and ensure a safe and prosperous climate future for all.
The course begins with an overview of policy priorities necessary to implement the Paris Climate Agreement. It explores key components of deep decarbonization pathways, and provides an in-depth discussion of low-emissions energy strategies. It then delves into the role of agriculture and land-use monitoring in emissions reduction goals. Finally, the course explores policy and business tools, as well as individual public actions, that can help achieve a transition to a low-carbon society.
Climate Action features expertise offered by professors and researchers from world-renowned institutions, including Columbia University’s Earth Institute, the Deep Decarbonization Pathways Project, the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA), and the World Business Council For Sustainable Development (WBCSD). By registering for this course, you will not only learn about the most up-to-date strategies being used to confront the climate challenge, but you will also be joining a global discussion alongside experts and peer practitioners.
Course Logistics & Requirements
The course is structured around a series of pre-recorded video chapters, readings, chapter questions, discussion activities, a final reflection, and (for Verified learners) a graded midterm. Each of these course components can be completed at a time that is convenient for the learner, prior to the deadline which is the last date of the course.
The estimated time commitment to complete all course components is 4-6 hours per week, though this depends heavily on the learner and their objectives in taking the course.
Grading & Certificates
While this course is not credit-granting, we encourage learners to work with their own institutions to explore the option of granting credit for online coursework.
This course contains ungraded video chapter questions, discussion activities, and a final reflection. Verified Learners also have access to a graded midterm.
Verified learners who successfully complete the course will receive a certificate signed by Professor Sachs. In order to successfully complete the course, learners must score an average of 70% or higher on the graded components of the course. You can decide to purchase a Verified Certificate up to 10 days from the close of the course.
Visit the "Assessments and Grading" page for more information.
Transcripts
The course videos have been recorded in English, and English text transcripts can be shown to scroll adjacent to the videos by pressing "cc" at the lower right corner.
Contact Information
Questions? Concerns?
Please be sure to direct any technical questions about the course to edX using the "Help" button at the top of your page!
For any further communication and questions about the course, email us at courses@sdgacademy.org. Since this email is used for multiple courses, please specify that you are inquiring about the “Climate Action” course.