ESG and Climate Change

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/esg-and-climate-change

Introduction

**Course Review: ESG and Climate Change on Coursera** In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, understanding the intricacies of climate change and its implications for corporate management is not just an option; it’s a necessity. The Coursera course "ESG and Climate Change" effectively equips learners with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate these pressing issues. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the course, along with a detailed review and my personal recommendation. ### Course Overview "ESG and Climate Change" is designed for individuals seeking to deepen their grasp of climate-related risks and opportunities that businesses face in the 21st century. The course encompasses a thorough examination of climate change's impacts globally, investment shifts necessary for a net-zero economy, and the integral role of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) in contemporary business practice. ### Course Syllabus The course is organized into four modules, each focusing on crucial aspects of sustainability and climate governance: 1. **Module 1 – Introduction to Sustainability, Climate Risk & Opportunity** - This foundational module addresses the risks and opportunities associated with climate change. Learners analyze global impacts and the necessary investment transitions for achieving a zero-carbon economy. The module emphasizes the relevance of stakeholders in driving climate responsiveness within businesses, and students will gain insights into financial risks posed by climate change, including the implications for global economic stability. 2. **Module 2 – Public and Private Governance to Address Climate Change Goals** - Participants dive into public environmental law, historical developments, and the role of private companies in combating climate challenges. The discussion of climate disclosures and their importance in the ESG framework is particularly enlightening. By differentiating public from private environmental governance, students will appreciate the broader governance landscape that influences climate action. 3. **Module 3 – Building Climate Resilience through Creative Private Solutions** - This module fosters an understanding of ecosystem services and highlights innovative approaches to promoting climate resilience. The course explores the limitations of wildlife conservation efforts in times of urgency and assesses the insurance industry’s role in mitigating climate risks. Key takeaways include insights into nature-based solutions and how business leaders can conceptualize climate-focused innovations. 4. **Module 4 – Extended Producer Responsibility, Product Stewardship, and the Circular Economy** - This final module centers on resource stewardship and the circular economy. Learners critically evaluate current waste management and recycling efforts while examining the concept of greenwashing and its implications for corporate accountability. Analyzing the lifecycle of products and identifying key players in product stewardship empower students to recognize the environmental impacts of business operations. ### Review "ESG and Climate Change" offers an invaluable educational experience. The course delivers a well-structured curriculum that balances theoretical understanding with practical insights. Each module builds on the previous one, allowing learners to develop a comprehensive comprehension of the interplay between climate change and business management. The instructors provide engaging content, including case studies and real-world examples that ground the theory in practice. The interactive elements, such as quizzes and discussion forums, enhance learner engagement and encourage the collaborative exploration of ideas with peers. Moreover, the emphasis on ESG principles reinforces a contemporary understanding of corporate responsibility. This course not only prepares students for careers in sustainability and governance but also empowers them to become advocates for change within their organizations. ### Recommendation I highly recommend the "ESG and Climate Change" course to professionals across various sectors, including business leaders, environmental consultants, policy makers, and anyone interested in sustainability. Whether you are looking to overhaul your company's approach to climate risk, enhance your skill set in ESG compliance, or simply gain a broader understanding of these critical issues, this course is an essential resource. Investing time in this course will provide you with the knowledge and tools needed to contribute meaningfully to climate action and sustainable business practices. Enroll today and take a proactive step toward making a positive impact in the fight against climate change.

Syllabus

Module 1 – Introduction to Sustainability, Climate Risk & Opportunity

In this module, you will focus on understanding climate change and the risks and opportunities that it creates for businesses in the 21st century. You will analyze the current impacts of climate change on a global scale, and the investment shifts that are required to achieve a zero-carbon economy. Next, you will examine the stakeholders that are driving business firms to address climate change. You will learn how both the physical and financial stability risks that are imposed by more frequent natural disasters can affect business firms and the global economy. By the end of this module, you will have a detailed overview of the financial impacts of climate change, the ways that governments are addressing climate change, and the financial risks that unmitigated climate change is creating.

In this module, you will take an in-depth look at public environmental law and the distinct eras that have shaped modern-day climate policy. You will also review private environmental governance, examining the active role that private companies are playing in combating climate change as well as the parallels between the public and private sectors. Next, you will analyze the role of climate disclosures: what they require and their importance in ESG. By the end of this module, you will be able to differentiate between public and private environmental governance and their objectives, identify the three eras of public environmental law, and distinguish the role and goals of climate disclosures.

In this module, you will examine ecosystem services and the various methods used to promote climate resilience. You will review the ways in which public law addresses wildlife and habitat conservation and identify the limitations in meeting the demands of conservation efforts, especially when quick action is required to address disasters. Lastly, you will assess the insurance industry and the ways that it spreads risk, as well as creative ways that insurance as a form of private or public governance can build climate resilience. By the end of this module, you will have had a critical look at the different methods of building climate resilience, minimizing the impact of climate change through nature-based solutions, and two primary methods of insurance that can spread risk. You will understand the ways that private insurance can protect ecosystem services, and you will have identified innovative ways that business leaders can view climate solutions.

In this module, you will learn about the idea of promoting a circular economy through better stewardship of resources and waste management. You will analyze the waste and recycling streams in the United States and the effects that they have on the environment. You will also examine the challenges with recycling programs worldwide. Next, you will evaluate product stewardship, and the key players in that lifecycle, and will learn to differentiate between product stewardship and extended producer responsibility. Lastly, you will review the concept of greenwashing: what is driving firms to make exaggerated environmental claims, why it is harmful, and examples of enforcement actions. By the end of this module, you will have assessed the importance of product stewardship, reviewed some of the limits on green marketing, and analyzed increasing regulatory action.