Bolster Your Sustainability Credentials in 2022

Despite growing interest in climate change and the availability of sustainability courses, the impacts of global warming continue to trend in the wrong direction. This dire news was front and center during the United Nations Climate Change Conference of Parties (COP26) in Glasgow, Scotland from October 31st to November 12th, 2021. It is clear that something has to be done to preserve the future well-being of people and our planet.

In fact, the World Economic Forum’s Global Risk Report 2021 claims that failure to address climate change will be detrimental to people around the world. Those most impacted will be:

• Women.
• Children.
• People of color.
• Native communities.
• Lower-income communities.
• Animals and their habitats.

So, what can you do?

Now is the time to build your sustainability skills

As the Harvard Business School points out, in today’s ever-evolving world, incorporating sustainability is no longer an option but a necessity for businesses. Simply put, it is vital to the long-term success of businesses across the globe as more and more people are looking to effect positive change on the environment and on the well-being of their local communities.

Some of the key issues that businesses must now prioritize include:

• Global warming.
• Income disparities.
• Shrinking natural resources.
• Human rights.
• Unfair working conditions.
• Pollution.
• Racial injustice.
• Gender inequality.

If these issues strike a chord with you, it may be time to take a closer look at your skill sets and determine how they can align with the new business strategies of the 21st century.

What sustainability courses are available?

In 2020, Net Impact reviewed some of the best courses to bolster your sustainability credentials. Let's take a look at what classes are available today, many of which are free and online! This is an excellent way to kick off your New Year and gain skills that will be crucial to your career. 

Environmental science and sustainability

Introduction to Sustainability at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign explores:

• The academic approach of sustainability.
• How societies can survive due to the adverse effects of climate change.

Business and environmental sustainability

Strategy and Sustainability at the IESE Business School at the University of Navarra digs deep into:

• The dichotomy between business and sustainability.
• How businesses must have a strategy the involves both.

Mitigating the impacts of climate change

From Climate Science to Action by The World Bank Group explores:

• How to gain a better understanding of regional climate change and its impacts.
• How to address specific strategies.

Making your company and the world a better place

Become a Sustainable Business Change Agent at the University of Colorado is designed for those wanting to address how their businesses impact:

• People.
• Communities.
• The environment.

Other online sustainability courses of interest

Climate change

Global Warming I: The Science and Modeling of Climate Change with the University of Chicago explores:

• The science of global warming.
• Its impact on humans and the planet.

Environmental policy

Introduction to Environmental Law and Policy at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill examines those who govern policies in pollution, endangered species and toxic substances.

Social impact

Social Entrepreneurship at Wharton at the University of Pennsylvania serves as a launching pad for those interested in:

• Pursuing social entrepreneurial endeavors.
• Creating innovative and effective solutions.

Exploring knowledge and opportunities with Net Impact

Net Impact is a global community of students and professionals dedicated to being the drivers of economic, social and environmental change. Its mission is to inspire and equip emerging leaders to build a more just and sustainable world.

Committed to inspiring, equipping, and activating emerging leaders to take on the most challenging social and environmental issues, Net Impact offers sustainability courses like the Climate Ambassadors Program. This eight-week course trains you to:

• Model climate resilience scenarios.
• Develop relationships with climate advocates.
• Develop leadership skills to hold workshops in your community.

Where are the jobs at?

There is a growing demand for sustainability jobs, but where can you find that ideal position? Check out Net Impact’s job board, for all of the latest employment news and opportunities. In addition, Net Impact has a range of resources to help you determine what career path is best for you as well as many job search tools and resources to get you where you want to be.