Photo of hand holding compas.

Find your way through the climate challenge.

The climate crisis can have you feeling lost in a storm, but our Micro-certificate in Climate Action Planning acts as a compass, guiding you in the right direction to respond effectively to climate challenges. Our program blends policy and social justice and science, empowering you to implement effective and collaborative action across various communities. Learn to assess the potential impacts of climate action at all scales and create a consensus for resilient change. Lead with vision and empathy to strategize climate solutions by integrating diverse perspectives. Take a step on your journey towards building sustainable solutions.

Jump to:

Program description

The Micro-certificate in Climate Action Planning (CAP) is a great opportunity to learn the foundations of planning for climate action. You will develop the skills needed for you as a professional to put into action at all government levels. Through various planning, coordinating and leading activities, this program will help you lay out collaborative strategies and solutions for navigating the challenges of climate change.

This micro-credential is supported by a partnership between the School of Environmental Studies and the Division of Continuing Studies, resulting in expertly designed courses taught by leaders in their fields. Courses are current, comprehensive and designed for the needs of busy professionals looking for online learning.

This program is certified by CIFAL Victoria. CIFAL provides certification for training courses that build the capabilities of individuals and communities towards the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Participants who successfully complete this course are eligible to receive a Certificate of Completion co-signed by UNITAR (United Nations Institute for Training and Research) and CIFAL Victoria.

Program highlights


Network of people icon
Interdisciplinary:
This program is taught with an interdisciplinary approach to climate action, which will strengthen your critical thinking and program solving skills.

Computer icon
Online Flexibility
With only three online courses, this program has flexible completion timelines and you can log into the course to work at your own pace.

Program outcomes

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

  • develop effective strategies for climate action through the integration of the human dimensions of climate change with scientific, legal, economic, policy and political contexts.
  • demonstrate an ability to collaborate with, and respect for diverse communities in shaping climate action and integrating strategies for decolonization.
  • identify and assess potential impacts of climate action across scales from local to global.
  • use leadership strategies to navigate the challenges of climate despair, denial, and resistance in order to build consensus for resilient change.

If you are looking for a longer, university accredited program, we also offer the Transformative Climate Action certificate.

StongerBC logo

Through the StrongerBC future skills grant, students may be eligible to receive funding for this program. View details and eligibility.

UNITAR-CIFAL certification

CIFAL Victoria

UNITAR logo

UVic logo

View current UNITAR-CIFAL courses and programs.

Program partner

The University of Victoria logo

Faculty of Social Sciences, School of Environmental Studies

Who is this program for?

The Climate Action Planning micro-certificate is for a diverse range of people such as educators, business leaders and community organizers who want to engage with the climate crisis and be a climate action practitioner. This program is also suitable for those working or seeking to work in communities, non-governmental organizations and government agencies that engage with the cultural, policy, economic and ecological dimensions of climate change. If you are looking for a credential that will demonstrate your ability to collaboratively lead, develop and support effective climate action across sectors and scales, this program is a good fit.

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

  • enjoy reading and staying up to date with the latest research and developments in the field of climate change
  • actively involved in community projects or initiatives related to sustainability and climate change
  • are committed to building networks and collaborating with other professionals in the field
  • have a strong desire to make a difference and is willing to take on leadership roles to achieve your goals.
  • feel eager to learn about sustainable development practices and how to implement them in your work.
  • are willing to consider different viewpoints and collaborate with people from different backgrounds and cultures.

Career options

Some of our learners pursue careers in the following roles:
  • Climate Educator
  • Policy Analyst
  • Environmental Planner
  • Sustainability Program Manager
  • Community Organizer for Climate Action
  • Climate Change Advocate
  • Sustainability Coordinator

News and resources

Courses and fees

= Courses open for registration

Estimated fees

Description Fee
Program fee $20.00
Course 1 $628.89
Course 2 $628.89
Course 3 $628.89
Estimated Total $1,906.67*
*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

How to apply

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. When registering, you will have the option to purchase the Micro-certificate in Climate Action Planning 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.

StrongerBC future skills grant

This program is eligible for the StrongerBC future skills grant. To register using this grant please review the eligibility, registration details and funding dates.