SFU Continuing Studies launches new Climate Action Certificate program

While scientific solutions to climate change exist, lack of action is causing the climate emergency to emerge as one of the biggest threats facing our planet. What can one individual do? A new program coming to Simon Fraser University this fall hopes to turn students into problem solvers.

SFU Continuing Studies is launching the Climate Action Certificate program to help professionals impacted by the climate emergency shift their ideas to action and solutions. The new online program offers the practical skills, knowledge, and strategies necessary to overcome systemic barriers, apply effective climate solutions, and lead and implement equitable climate change plans. 

An information session for the online program, which is currently open for registration, is planned for Monday, June 26 at 1 pm.

The program is designed for anyone working in government, planning, engineering, or other sectors impacted by climate change. Program instructors, including former Vancouver city councillor Andrea Reimer and SFU’s Ginger Gosnell-Myers, Lindsay Heller, and Rita Steele, are all active leaders in the climate field. 

Participants will explore a broad range of fundamental topics, from the basics of climate science to climate communication skills and tools for building community resilience. They’ll also learn to apply principles of climate justice and Indigenous knowledge systems to their work, advancing their role in climate leadership.  

“We’re proud to have assembled so many leading experts in the field for our instructional team,” says Julia Denholm, dean of SFU Lifelong Learning. “Their years of practical experience will make them an invaluable resource and support for our students as they tackle the urgent work of fighting climate change in their own workplaces and communities."

“We know the climate crisis disproportionately affects the vulnerable communities that also hold the least responsibility for environmental damage. A climate solution will only work if it benefits everyone equally. That’s why we’ve developed every course in this program through a lens of climate justice.”

During the information session, program instructors will share insights from their work and preview content from the courses they’ve developed. RSVP here to reserve a spot. 

Additional information about the Climate Action Certificate, including registration and course details, can be found here.