Discover the Magic of Science with Class Central

Are you looking to understand the intricacies of climate change in a reputable and engaging way? If so, you’re in the right place. A few years ago, I found myself delving into online courses to grasp the significance of climate change amidst all the debates and misinformation. The journey was enlightening and convinced me of the urgent need to address the pressing issue of climate change. With diverse interests from governments, businesses, and individuals, the landscape of climate change is complex and multifaceted.

Today, the focus has shifted from questioning the existence of climate change to exploring ways to minimize its impact and adapt to the changes. However, there are still skeptics who deny the reality of climate change, and specialized courses address these perspectives head-on.

Whether you’re interested in the scientific fundamentals of climate change, its health implications, climate change denial, mitigation strategies, or adapting to a changing world, there’s a course tailored for you. In collaboration with Class Central, a leading online course search engine, we have curated a list of top online climate change courses. With over 800 courses on climate change and a vibrant community of over 39,000 learners following the subject on our platform, we have sifted through ratings and reviews to bring you the best choices.

These courses are developed by prestigious institutions such as Harvard University, Columbia University, and the University of Groningen, among others. We have also included offerings from platforms like Udemy and SDG Academy to provide a comprehensive learning experience. For a complete list of courses aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), you can explore goal number 13, which pertains to climate action.

Ready to dive into the world of climate change education? Click on the shortcuts below for detailed insights:

Here are our top picks

Courses Overview

• All courses in this guide, except one, are free or offer free auditing
• All courses, except one, provide certificates; one certificate is offered for free
• With nearly 40,000 learners engaging with Class Central’s Climate Change subject, you’re in good company
• The most featured provider is edX, with 3 courses in the selection

Embark on your climate change education journey with “Frontiers of Science: Climate & Us” from Columbia University. This course serves as a fundamental introduction to the key factors influencing Earth’s climate, covering topics such as astronomical phenomena, surface reflectivity, greenhouse gases, and more. Delve into the complexities of climate models, human impact on carbon emissions, and the intricate feedback loops within climate science. Whether you’re a novice or an enthusiast, this course offers invaluable insights into the world of climate change.

“As someone without any scientific training or background, I was able to follow, learn and gain from the content of this course. I highly recommend this…” – Mikhail Meksin, Class Central learner

Dive into the essentials of climate change and sustainability with the “Climate Change & Sustainability Essentials -2023 Edition” course on Udemy. Explore the root causes of climate change and discover actionable steps on personal, national, and global levels to combat its effects. With inputs from experts in the field, this course offers a comprehensive overview of climate change that has garnered rave reviews, making it the highest-rated climate change course on Udemy to date.

“Great reminder of the broad impacts of climate change and some suggestions on how we can each play our part.” – John L., Udemy learner

Unravel the myths surrounding climate science with “Climate change explained, and the myths debunked” by potholer54 on YouTube. This series delves into the misinformation and misconceptions prevalent in blogs and media outlets, offering a fact-based narrative to counter such falsehoods. Led by Peter Hadfield, a seasoned science journalist with a background in geology, the course provides a critical analysis of climate change discourse with referenced sources for verification. Whether you’re new to the subject or seeking clarity on contentious issues, this course equips you with the tools to navigate the landscape of climate change.

Despite its inception in 2008, the course continues to evolve and update its content, ensuring relevance and accuracy in addressing contemporary climate issues.

“You are the man! Don’t let people’s opinions get in the way of science fact! Our planet depends on it!” – @flailios, YouTube learner

Delve into the connections between climate change and health with “The Health Effects of Climate Change” from Harvard University. This course sheds light on the direct and indirect implications of climate change on human health, exploring topics such as heat-related illnesses, waterborne diseases, nutrition, and more. Led by Aaron Bernstein, this comprehensive course equips you with insights into the complex interactions between climate change and public health, empowering you to address the multifaceted challenges posed by a changing climate.

“This was an amazing course, it really opened my eyes to just how many aspects of global health are being/will be impacted by climate change…” – Anonymous, Class central learner

Gain insights into actionable climate solutions with “Climate Action: Solutions for a Changing Planet” by the SDG Academy. This course equips you with the knowledge and tools to implement climate policies based on the 2015 Paris Agreement. From renewable energy to sustainable land use, this course delves into the key components of effective climate action, offering a well-rounded understanding of the global efforts to combat climate change. With updated content and engaging learning materials, this course provides a roadmap for transitioning to a low-emissions world.

“…I began the course yesterday, and I found it to be extremely worth taking….” – Alan Blanes, Class Central learner

Prepare for a changing climate with “Making Climate Adaptation Happen: Governing Transformation Strategies for Climate Change” from the University of Groningen on FutureLearn. This course delves into the societal impacts of climate change and existing adaptation measures, offering a comprehensive overview of climate governance and policy frameworks. As we navigate the challenges of a warming planet, this course equips you with the skills and knowledge to address climate-related crises effectively, whether in the public or private sector. Explore the costs and benefits of climate adaptation, alongside governance theories and international climate finance.

“…the focus is on necessary adaptation, as change is happening and more cannot be avoided now…” – Dave Mansell, Class Central learner