Micro-Certificate Program: Climate Risk & ESG for Corporate Governance and Decision-Making - Winter 2025

Governments, regulators, investors, shareholders, and consumers are increasingly demanding more climate disclosures and climate-related information. This has resulted in a surge in demand for professionals who have the skills and knowledge to advance climate and ESG initiatives within their organizations, and the capacity to make informed decisions towards a net-zero economy.

This program will enhance your knowledge of risk management strategies and techniques for navigating climate-related ESG issues, while avoiding legal liability and reputational risk. You will come away with a solid grasp of the complex and evolving laws in this area. It will help you navigate and advise on legal and operational climate-related ESG risks and issues in the context of governance matters, commercial transactions, and investments.

Designed by Alison Schneider, Gigi Dawe, and other experts at the Canada Climate Law Initiative, this course offers a unique perspective that comes from collaboration and knowledge exchange between academics, policymakers, and business professionals.

What you'll learn

• Key climate considerations companies and pension funds face when making business and investment decisions
• Complex legal and regulatory instruments and requirements that directly impact businesses and organizations’ operations in Canada and internationally
• Strategies to enhance your oversight and management of climate risks and opportunities
• How to fulfill your fiduciary duties related to climate change

Who should enroll

• Directors
• Officers
• Trustees
• In-house and external legal counsel
• Governance professionals
• Investors and asset managers
• Those looking to upskill or reskill

Class format and schedule

• • Two online courses composed of four modules each. Each course is separated by one week pause.
    • Course 1: January 27 – February 23, 2025
    • Course 2: March 3 – March 30, 2025
  • Internet connection required to use UBC's interactive e-learning platform "Canvas" which includes video lessons, readings, online discussion, office hours, case studies, and recorded guest interviews.
  • There will be 5 live sessions with your instructor and classmates over Zoom, and optional office hours.
    • February 6, 2025 at 12pm-2pm PT / 3pm-5pm ET
    • February 20, 2025 at 12pm-2pm PT / 3pm-5pm ET
    • March 6, 2025 at 12pm-1:30pm PT / 3pm-4:30pm ET
    • March 13, 2025 at 12pm-1:30pm PT / 3pm-4:30pm ET
    • March 27, 2025 at 12pm-2pm PT / 3pm-5pm ET
  • Expect to spend between 5-7 hours per week for a total of approximately 50 hours. Students can learn at their own pace, when it’s most convenient for their schedule.
  • The course will be conducted in the English language.

Certificate

• Students who successfully complete the course will receive a certificate from the Peter A. Allard School of Law at the University of British Columbia and the Canada Climate Law Initiative.
• This program is approved for 50 CPD hours with the Law Society of British Columbia.

Questions?

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