The Companies and Climate Change course, offered by ESSEC Business School through Coursera, is a comprehensive online program designed to equip learners with the knowledge and skills to address climate change within corporate settings. This five-week MOOC, part of the Sustainable Business Strategies Specialization, explores how companies can align with the Paris Agreement’s objectives to combat global warming. Accessible to global learners without specific prerequisites, it is ideal for professionals, managers, and students aiming to integrate climate-conscious strategies into business practices, requiring approximately 15 hours of study.

Core Content

The curriculum examines the role of companies in mitigating climate change, focusing on aligning business strategies with the Paris Agreement’s 2-degree target. It covers the scientific fundamentals of climate change, the carbon footprint across supply chains, and methodological approaches to reduce emissions. Learners explore real-world case studies from four companies of varying sizes and sectors, showcasing practical steps toward sustainability. Contributions from ESSEC professors and Carbone 4 experts, including Alain Grandjean, provide insights into organizational issues, managerial concepts, and strategies like guiding customers toward climate-friendly behaviors and financing the energy transition through ESG-focused asset management.

Key Skills

Participants will develop skills to assess and reduce corporate carbon footprints, implement sustainable business practices, and align operations with global climate goals. The course equips learners to measure emissions across value chains, engage stakeholders, and apply methodologies for decarbonization. Through practical exercises, participants gain experience in crafting actionable climate strategies, enabling them to drive measurable environmental and business outcomes in their organizations.

Target Learners

This course is tailored for business professionals, managers, entrepreneurs, and students interested in understanding how companies can combat climate change. It is particularly suited for those in roles related to corporate strategy, sustainability, supply chain management, or CSR, as well as individuals seeking to integrate climate action into business operations. Its accessible design makes it ideal for a global audience committed to aligning corporate practices with environmental responsibility.

Learning Format

Hosted on Coursera’s platform, the course spans approximately 5 weeks, requiring 2–4 hours of study per week. It features engaging video lectures, readings, interactive quizzes, and discussion forums, supported by ESSEC faculty and Carbone 4 experts. The self-paced format ensures flexibility, with case studies and assignments fostering practical application. Learners can audit the course for free to access most materials or purchase the Certificate experience for graded assignments and a shareable certificate of completion, with financial aid available.

Additional Benefits

The course delivers measurable learning outcomes, enabling participants to apply climate-focused strategies to real-world business challenges, such as reducing emissions or enhancing sustainability across supply chains. Backed by ESSEC Business School’s expertise and Carbone 4’s practical insights, it ensures industry-relevant content aligned with global climate goals. Learners join a global community, gaining perspectives from diverse case studies and expert contributions. The certificate enhances career prospects in sustainability, corporate strategy, and environmental management, equipping graduates to lead impactful climate initiatives in their organizations.

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