An exploration of the challenges and opportunities specific to leading change for climate action.
Overview
This unit invites students to take a deep dive into the concepts of leadership and change in the context of climate change to understand what’s working well and where we need to do better.
Many people find themselves relying on “capital L” leaders like politicians and CEOs to tell them what to do and create the necessary conditions for change to happen. Yet, everyone has the opportunity to be a “small l” leader in their families, communities, schools or workplaces.
For example, choosing to install solar panels on your roof, getting a heat pump for your home or riding a bike instead of driving are all actions that create visible demonstrations of leadership. These actions can not only inspire people but also create opportunities for discussion about change. We are now seeing that one solar installation leads to the creation of a cluster of additional installations around it, as neighbour approach the trusted “leader” for information. The decision to electrify a fleet of vehicles at a company is now a competitive advantage that has been shown to incite other companies to do the same.
In addition to reviewing articles and media, students are encouraged to attend the course’s first synchronous session, which will explore the following questions.
- What is change leadership?
- Why do we need climate leadership? What, exactly, are we trying to change?
- Why is it so hard to make change in this specific area?
- What is the role of leadership in creating this kind of change? Why do we need to invest in climate leadership?
- What are the issues with traditional, current approaches to leadership for this challenge? What are the gaps? The opportunities?
- Where is change already happening that is having an impact?
Learning Outcomes
C. Articulate the leadership challenges specific to climate action.
Activities and Assessment
- Activity 1: Review assigned readings and resources for Unit 1
- Activity 2: Participate in the discussion forum for Unit 1 (see below).
- Activity 3: Participate in the synchronous session on Wed. June 21 from 09:00 – 10:30 PDT
- Activity 4: Review the Assignment descriptions.
- Assignment 1: Begin Assignment 1 – due at the end of Unit 2.
Activity 2: Unit 1 forum
As you reflect on your role as a leader, write an introductory post for your classmates that addresses the following:
- What do you see as the biggest untapped opportunity for climate leadership today?
- Why does that matter?
- What would you like to learn about leadership in this course?
Please post by the end of the Unit and respond to your colleagues to facilitate each other’s learning and enable a rich dialogue in our online community.
Post in Unit 1 Forum