The London School of Economics and Political Science
Politics and Policy of Climate Change and Sustainability
Critically analyse climate politics and investigate policy interventions and political strategies to accelerate sustainability transitions.
Start date
30 July 2025
Course duration
6 weeks
Excluding orientation
Language
English
Access resources from start date
Effort
6–8 hours per week
Self-paced learning online
Course overview
This course is ideally suited for anyone looking to develop their understanding of the impact of politics and policy on climate action.
Learn from real examples of domestic environmental politics in countries around the world.
Navigating climate change is politically complex, but innovative technologies and new governance strategies offer a promising path to a more sustainable future.
The Politics and Policy of Climate Change and Sustainability online certificate course from the London School of Economics and Political Science will equip you with the analytical tools and strategic insights to navigate the complex dynamics of climate politics and environmental policy.
Through case studies and critical analysis, you'll learn how policymakers can leverage new frameworks and strategies to accelerate sustainability transitions. Topics include sustainable development, environmental advocacy, corporate environmental governance, and geoengineering. In just six weeks, you’ll develop your skills in policy analysis, political strategy, and sustainable development with guidance from expert faculty.
This Politics and Policy of Climate Change and Sustainability online certificate course is certified by the United Kingdom CPD Certification Service, and may be applicable to individuals who are members of, or are associated with, UK-based professional bodies. The course has an estimated 48 hours of learning.
Note: should you wish to claim CPD activity, the onus is on you. The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) and GetSmarter accept no responsibility, and cannot be held responsible, for the claiming or validation of hours or points.
Is this course for you?
This course is designed for professionals across various sectors who are responsible for integrating considerations of climate change and sustainability into their organisations’ strategies and initiatives. This includes bureaucrats in sectors like energy, transport, defense, health, education, and labour; policy advocates and technical experts such as lawyers, planners, engineers, and data scientists; project managers in international development, consulting, and the private sector; and professionals with Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) responsibilities or those who are part of corporate ESG units.
Course overview
Course overview
Navigating climate change is politically complex, but innovative technologies and new governance strategies offer a promising path to a more sustainable future.
The Politics and Policy of Climate Change and Sustainability online certificate course from the London School of Economics and Political Science will equip you with the analytical tools and strategic insights to navigate the complex dynamics of climate politics and environmental policy.
Through case studies and critical analysis, you'll learn how policymakers can leverage new frameworks and strategies to accelerate sustainability transitions. Topics include sustainable development, environmental advocacy, corporate environmental governance, and geoengineering. In just six weeks, you’ll develop your skills in policy analysis, political strategy, and sustainable development with guidance from expert faculty.
This Politics and Policy of Climate Change and Sustainability online certificate course is certified by the United Kingdom CPD Certification Service, and may be applicable to individuals who are members of, or are associated with, UK-based professional bodies. The course has an estimated 48 hours of learning.
Note: should you wish to claim CPD activity, the onus is on you. The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) and GetSmarter accept no responsibility, and cannot be held responsible, for the claiming or validation of hours or points.
Is this course for you?
This course is designed for professionals across various sectors who are responsible for integrating considerations of climate change and sustainability into their organisations’ strategies and initiatives. This includes bureaucrats in sectors like energy, transport, defense, health, education, and labour; policy advocates and technical experts such as lawyers, planners, engineers, and data scientists; project managers in international development, consulting, and the private sector; and professionals with Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) responsibilities or those who are part of corporate ESG units.
Get this course for your team
Leading organisations recognise the value of this course and invest in it to enhance their employees' skills and expertise.
What will set you apart
The insight to navigate the political challenges of making climate change and sustainability policy.
A deeper understanding of the policy and political dynamics that drive environmental governance.
A global perspective after engaging in and debating a comprehensive range of approaches to climate action.
Unlimited access to edX’s Career Engagement Network, offering you exclusive resources and events to support your professional journey and drive your career forward.Course curriculum
Orientation module
Welcome to your Online Campus
Module 1
The many causes of climate change
Module 2
Climate change as a sustainability transition challenge
Module 3
Political strategies for ambitious climate and sustainability policy
Module 4
Activism and obstruction in environmental advocacy
Module 5
Corporate environmental governance
Module 6
Geoengineering: Break glass in case of emergency?
Course Convenor
Dr Michael Lerner
Assistant Professor of Political Science and Public Policy
About the certificate
Learn about navigating the political challenges and opportunities for addressing intensifying climate change and unsustainable resource use, and earn an official certificate of competence from the London School of Economics and Political Science.
Assessment is continuous and based on a series of practical assignments completed online. In order to be issued with a digital certificate, you’ll need to meet the requirements outlined in the course handbook. The handbook will be made available to you as soon as you begin the course.
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We deliver market-led courses that equip working professionals with the expertise required to upskill, reskill or kickstart a completely new career. Through a data-driven approach, we analyze future skills requirements and ensure all courses address this need. We ensure that leading universities and institutions are your expert guides and our people, technology, and resources are your engine – together we power more than just education, we power your potential.
Read more about GetSmarter here and edX here.
Find out more about GetSmarter’s approach to digital learning, course design, and online delivery here.
Payment options
You can pay your course fees before the course starts, or you may opt for a split payment plan on courses that are nine weeks and shorter. For courses 10 weeks and longer, there is a three-part payment plan available. To find out more about payment options please visit our Payment and Financing page, or contact an Enrollment Adviser, to find out which option you qualify for.
Manage your time
GetSmarter's learning model is designed to help you, as a working professional, improve your skills without compromising on work and family responsibilities. The course work is broken up into weekly, manageable bite-sized modules, with incremental deadlines, designed to help you pace yourself over the duration of the course and allow you the legroom to work when it suits you best.
At the beginning of each module you'll be presented with the course content and assignments necessary for completion. You also have access to your Success Adviser who will help you manage your time, and support you with any administrative or technical queries you might have.
Seek employer assistance
By improving your skills and industry knowledge, you'll have an influence on the success of your organization. Why wouldn't you ask your boss to help you fund your studies if it's going to have an impact on the way you do business?
Of our past students, 37 percent have received financial assistance from their employers. You can ask for help, too. Here is a guide to show you how to request financial assistance from your employer.
If you are a Learning & Development (L&D) manager, or involved in training and upskilling for an organization, you can request information regarding our corporate offering on our GetSmarter for business page.
How to change your start date
As part of our commitment to your professional development, GetSmarter offers you a two-week period to change your course start date or request your money back if you’re not fully satisfied.
To qualify for a deferral of your course start date, or to cancel your enrollment and receive a refund of your course fee, your request would need to reach our Success Advisers before the release of Module 2. For more information, please read our Terms and Conditions.
Discover the Online Campus
The Online Campus will be your virtual classroom for the duration of your course. Through its easy-to-use interface you'll have access to a diverse variety of course content formats including: interactive videos, module notes, practice quizzes, presentations, assignment briefs, and additional web resources.
On the Online Campus, you'll also be able to ask questions and interact with your fellow students and teaching team through the discussion forums. If you are looking for your Online Campus login, please visit your Account page here.
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