The first cohort of learners has successfully completed the
Climate Solutions and Strategies certificate programme, delivered by
Skill Up for Earth in collaboration with the Environmental Change Institute.
The 14-week online programme brought together 76 participants from 33 countries, representing a wide range of sectors including business, government, philanthropy, non-profit organisations, research and education. Designed for working professionals, the programme combined climate science, systems thinking and practical approaches to climate solutions through live workshops, small-group learning and applied projects.
Examples of course content from the Climate Solutions and Strategies programme
Participants used their learning to explore real-world challenges in their own contexts, developing projects ranging from accelerating clean energy adoption and supporting climate innovation, to protecting carbon-rich ecosystems and designing tools to help communities respond to climate change.
Dr Kamal Kapadia, Executive Director of Skill Up for Earth and ECI alumna, said:
The most meaningful learning happens when rigorous ideas meet lived experience. Our students came from 33 countries and truly diverse roles and sectors, and they created a learning community where people generously shared their expertise, challenged one another’s assumptions, and developed practical skills they can take back into their work.”
Professor Michael Obersteiner presenting to participants during live online sessions
Prof Michael Obersteiner, Director of the ECI, added:
Climate change is not a challenge that can be solved by one discipline or one sector alone. We need people with different experiences and expertise working together, equipped with the skills to understand complex problems and develop solutions that work in practice.”
The programme received overwhelmingly positive feedback from participants, with learners giving it an average score of 9.1 out of 10 in the final survey. Participants described how the programme helped them strengthen their understanding of climate solutions, connect with peers from different backgrounds and apply their learning in practice:
Inemesit Ukpanah, ESG Strategy and Marketing Lead, Greennect, Netherlands said:
The Climate Solutions program sharpened how I translate carbon policy and climate strategy into decisions that businesses can act on. I left with clearer thinking, stronger tools, and the confidence to challenge superficial sustainability and drive measurable change.”
Rajat Gupta, Asst. Vice President - Automotive and Mobility, Invest India (Ministry of Commerce and Industry), India, said:
The diversity of the cohort, not only in terms of nationalities but also their professional fields, added a unique flavour to the learning experience. The course allowed me to dig deeper into topics of interest and I now feel better equipped to frame my thoughts and arguments related to electrification and energy transition.”
Patryk Neubauer, Software Engineer, Air Space Intelligence, Poland, said:
If you want to work on climate but don't know where to start, Skill Up for Earth is a great way to build the fundamentals, get oriented and figure out where you can contribute. The community is warm and full of interesting perspectives from different backgrounds.”
A selection of participant projects produced as part of the programme
The programme reflects a shared commitment between ECI and Skill Up for Earth to expand access to climate education that is evidence-based, practical and designed to support action across sectors and regions.
Following the success of the first cohort, the next programme will expand to support up to 150 learners, with new specialist pathways covering areas including corporate sustainability strategy, climate action planning for cities and communities, renewable energy business and finance, climate communications, and designing for climate impact in technology and engineering.
Applications are now open for the next cohort. Find out more and apply on Skill Up for Earth website.