Business and Climate Change: Towards Net Zero Emissions online short course

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 expert tutors, you will learn to navigate climate‑related risks and opportunities, align climate ambition with commercial priorities, connect transition planning and leadership frameworks to your day‑to‑day business context, and leave with a clear, organisation‑specific action plan to advance the transition to net zero emissions.

Dependence on fossil fuels and unstable energy markets is exposing organisations to mounting financial, operational and strategic risk, while the transition to a net zero future is accelerating as markets and global supply chains invest in renewable alternatives. Shifts in regulation, technology, finance and stakeholder expectations are reshaping the conditions for competitiveness, and businesses that embed climate, nature and people into core strategy are pulling ahead through stronger risk management and long-term value creation.

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CISL's courses are delivered in collaboration with digital education provider GetSmarter, a brand of 2U, Inc. This link will take you to their site.
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Course start dates

  • 7 October 2026

Format

  • Online

Length

  • 8 weeks online, 7-10 hours per week

Is the Business and Climate Change 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.

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Business and Climate Change: Towards Net Zero Emissions Online Short Course

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

The design of this online course is guided by CISL faculty and industry experts who will share their experience and in-depth subject knowledge with you throughout the course.

  • Dimitri Zenghelis- Senior Associate, University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership
  • Martin Roberts- Former Director of Digital Learning, University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership

What will set you apart?

On completion of this course, you’ll walk away with:

  1. A meaningful understanding of the organisational risks and strategic opportunities presented by climate change.
  2. 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.
  3. Insights needed to rewire your business model for resilience and profitability over the long term.
  4. A broader network and meaningful peer relationships that strengthen your connection with the wider Cambridge sustainability community.
  5. A tailored net zero transition action plan you can use to lead change and advance your personal and organisational sustainability goals.

CISL Connect: Online live sessions

CISL has developed three bonus CISL Connect: Online Live Sessions for all students joining any of our ten 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.

CPD Certified

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 74 hours of learning.

Note: should you wish to claim CPD activity, the onus is upon you. CISL and GetSmarter accept no responsibility and cannot be held responsible for the claiming or validation of hours or points.

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Delivered in Collaboration with GetSmarter

The University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL) is collaborating with digital education provider GetSmarter, a brand of 2U, Inc., to provide an interactive and supported online learning experience.