University of Cambridge
Business and Climate Change: Towards Net Zero Emissions
Learn how to manage the risks and opportunities of climate change, lead the shift to net zero emissions, and restructure your business model for long-term value and resilience.
Start date
07 October 2026
95%
Cohort-based learning
Group learning, expert guidance
8 weeks
Excluding orientation
English
Access resources from start date
7–10 hours per week
Self-paced learning online
Course overview
The percentage of global CEOs who say their company will not be viable in ten years unless they fundamentally reinvent their business in response to megatrends such as climate change and the net zero transition.
PwC (Jan, 2024).
The amount that companies switching to low carbon products, services, and business models are expected to generate in additional revenue within the next five years.
CDP (Nov, 2024).
Duration: 8 weeks (excluding orientation)
Dependence on fossil fuels and unstable energy markets is exposing organisations to mounting risk across finances, operations and strategy. The transition to a net zero future is accelerating as markets and global supply chains look to build resilience by investing in renewable alternatives. Shifts in regulation, technology, finance and stakeholder expectations are also reshaping the conditions for competitiveness. In this context, businesses that embed climate, nature and people into core strategy are pulling ahead through stronger risk management and long‑term value creation.
Over 8 weeks, the Business and Climate Change: Towards Net Zero Emissions online short course from the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL) explores core concepts, tools and low carbon initiatives through real-world case studies and practical activities. Guided by feedback from expert tutors, you will learn to navigate climate-related risks and opportunities, shape strategies that align climate ambition with commercial priorities, and leverage innovation to build a more resilient business model. The course connects transition planning, clear success criteria and leadership frameworks with your day-to-day business context, so you can see where change is needed and which levers you can pull.
By the end of the course, you will have a clear, organisation-specific action plan to advance the transition to net zero emissions and the confidence to lead change within your organisation and beyond.
Is this course for you?
This course is designed for professionals who are responsible for navigating climate risks or implementing net zero commitments. It aims to equip students across industries with the skills to help businesses mitigate and adapt to climate change. Climate change consultants, sustainability specialists and environmental managers will sharpen the skills they rely on most: assessing climate risks, identifying relevant low carbon practices and developing strategies that align with emerging opportunities and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The course is also valuable for finance and operations professionals who need the tools to transition their organisations to net zero emissions while evolving their business models for resilience and profitability. Senior managers and C-suite executives will gain strategic perspectives on leading sustainable transformation and embedding a clear, credible net zero vision.
CISL Connect: Online live sessions
CISL has developed three bonus CISL Connect: Online Live Sessions for all students joining any of our online business sustainability leadership courses. Through these sessions, you’ll get direct access to CISL's leading voices on today’s most urgent business topics – competitiveness, AI and resilience. This format gives you the chance to connect, collaborate and exchange ideas with a far broader global network of professionals beyond your cohort.
This 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 80 hours of learning.
Note: should students wish to claim CPD activity, the onus is upon them. The University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership and GetSmarter accept no responsibility, and cannot be held responsible, for the claiming or validation of hours or points.
This is your opportunity to unleash your potential for extraordinary impact. By completing a course with CISL, you'll develop the skills, confidence, and network to lead change in your sector, organisation and sphere of influence to make significant contributions to society. Extraordinary change happens when passionate and inspired individuals share a common purpose to drive meaningful impact for the collective good.
Course overview
Introduction
Duration: 8 weeks (excluding orientation)
Dependence on fossil fuels and unstable energy markets is exposing organisations to mounting risk across finances, operations and strategy. The transition to a net zero future is accelerating as markets and global supply chains look to build resilience by investing in renewable alternatives. Shifts in regulation, technology, finance and stakeholder expectations are also reshaping the conditions for competitiveness. In this context, businesses that embed climate, nature and people into core strategy are pulling ahead through stronger risk management and long‑term value creation.
Over 8 weeks, the Business and Climate Change: Towards Net Zero Emissions online short course from the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL) explores core concepts, tools and low carbon initiatives through real-world case studies and practical activities. Guided by feedback from expert tutors, you will learn to navigate climate-related risks and opportunities, shape strategies that align climate ambition with commercial priorities, and leverage innovation to build a more resilient business model. The course connects transition planning, clear success criteria and leadership frameworks with your day-to-day business context, so you can see where change is needed and which levers you can pull.
By the end of the course, you will have a clear, organisation-specific action plan to advance the transition to net zero emissions and the confidence to lead change within your organisation and beyond.
Is this course for you?
This course is designed for professionals who are responsible for navigating climate risks or implementing net zero commitments. It aims to equip students across industries with the skills to help businesses mitigate and adapt to climate change. Climate change consultants, sustainability specialists and environmental managers will sharpen the skills they rely on most: assessing climate risks, identifying relevant low carbon practices and developing strategies that align with emerging opportunities and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The course is also valuable for finance and operations professionals who need the tools to transition their organisations to net zero emissions while evolving their business models for resilience and profitability. Senior managers and C-suite executives will gain strategic perspectives on leading sustainable transformation and embedding a clear, credible net zero vision.
CISL Connect: Online live sessions
CISL has developed three bonus CISL Connect: Online Live Sessions for all students joining any of our online business sustainability leadership courses. Through these sessions, you’ll get direct access to CISL's leading voices on today’s most urgent business topics – competitiveness, AI and resilience. This format gives you the chance to connect, collaborate and exchange ideas with a far broader global network of professionals beyond your cohort.
This 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 80 hours of learning.
Note: should students wish to claim CPD activity, the onus is upon them. The University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership and GetSmarter accept no responsibility, and cannot be held responsible, for the claiming or validation of hours or points.
This is your opportunity to unleash your potential for extraordinary impact. By completing a course with CISL, you'll develop the skills, confidence, and network to lead change in your sector, organisation and sphere of influence to make significant contributions to society. Extraordinary change happens when passionate and inspired individuals share a common purpose to drive meaningful impact for the collective good.
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
A meaningful understanding of the organisational risks and strategic opportunities presented by climate change.
Practical insights and strategies drawn from real-world examples of successful low carbon initiatives, guiding collaborative efforts and the alignment of financial, environmental and social goals.
Insights needed to rewire your business model for resilience and profitability over the long term.
A broader network and meaningful peer relationships that strengthen your connection with the wider Cambridge sustainability community.
A tailored net zero transition action plan you can use to lead change and advance your personal and organisational sustainability goals.Course curriculum
Orientation module
Welcome to your Online Campus
Module 1
A changing climate for business
Module 2
The vision of a net zero future
Module 3
Planning the transition to net zero
Module 4
Collaborating and leading a net zero transition
Module 5
Decarbonisation success stories
Module 6
Innovation and design for a net zero 21st century
Module 7
Leading change and coping with disruption
Module 8
Your role in leading the transition
Course Convenors
Dimitri Zenghelis
Senior Associate, University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership
Martin Roberts
Sustainability and education specialist and former Director of Digital Learning, University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership
About the certificate
Explore how businesses can compete to win in a net zero future, and earn an official certificate of completion from the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership.
Assessment is continuous and based on a series of practical assignments completed online. In order to be issued with your 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.
Get more information
Want to know more?
Why choose GetSmarter?
GetSmarter operates as edX's partner for premium online short course products from the world's leading universities and institutions. With edX, we leverage our people, technology, and resources to power your education and your potential.
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 specialist, 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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