The ESG and Climate Change course, offered by the University of Pennsylvania through Coursera, is a comprehensive online program designed to equip learners with the knowledge and skills to integrate Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into business and investment strategies, with a focus on climate change. Part of the ESG Investing: Financial Decisions in Flux Specialization, this four-week MOOC explores how ESG frameworks address climate challenges and drive sustainable outcomes. Accessible to global learners with basic financial knowledge, it is ideal for professionals, investors, and students, requiring approximately 10 hours of study.

Core Content

The curriculum examines the role of ESG in addressing climate change, covering topics such as climate risk assessment, carbon accounting, and the integration of ESG factors into financial decision-making. Learners explore how climate change impacts business operations, investment portfolios, and stakeholder expectations, alongside strategies for mitigating risks through sustainable practices. The course includes real-world case studies from industries like energy and finance, highlighting practical applications of ESG frameworks, such as TCFD recommendations and green investments. It also addresses the evolving regulatory landscape and the role of data in ESG performance measurement.

Key Skills

Participants will develop skills to assess climate-related risks and opportunities, integrate ESG principles into business and investment strategies, and apply tools like carbon accounting and scenario analysis. The course equips learners to evaluate corporate ESG performance, align investments with climate goals, and navigate regulatory requirements. Through practical exercises, participants gain experience in designing sustainable strategies, enabling them to drive measurable environmental and financial outcomes in their organizations or portfolios.

Target Learners

This course is tailored for finance professionals, investment analysts, sustainability consultants, business leaders, and students interested in ESG investing and climate change. It is particularly suited for those in roles related to asset management, corporate strategy, or environmental policy, seeking to align financial decisions with sustainability goals. Its design, requiring basic financial knowledge, makes it accessible to a global audience committed to sustainable finance and climate action.

Learning Format

Hosted on Coursera’s platform, the course spans approximately 4 weeks, requiring 2–3 hours of study per week. It features engaging video lectures, readings, interactive quizzes, and discussion forums, supported by expert instructors from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School. The self-paced format ensures flexibility, with case studies and assignments fostering practical application. Learners can audit for free or opt for a paid certificate experience (typically USD $49–$79), earning a shareable certificate of completion to enhance professional credentials.

Additional Benefits

The course delivers measurable learning outcomes, enabling participants to apply ESG and climate change principles to real-world challenges, such as assessing corporate sustainability or designing green investment portfolios. Backed by Wharton’s expertise in finance and sustainability, it ensures industry-relevant content within a broader ESG Investing Specialization. Learners join a global community of over 87 million Coursera users, gaining insights from international case studies. The certificate enhances career prospects in sustainable finance, ESG consulting, and corporate strategy, equipping graduates to lead impactful, climate-focused initiatives.

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