Lecturer III in Environment and Sustainability
Innovative Climate Solutions
What You'll Learn
- Explain innovation in climate action and the different ways it can address the climate crisis.
- Identify innovative solutions for adaptation, mitigation, and their integration with development.
- Examine issues related to justice and transformation in climate solutions.
- Understand the role individuals play as agents of change who can lead innovative solutions.
5 Modules
25 Hours
5 hrs per module (approx.)
About Innovative Climate Solutions
Climate action isn’t just about cutting emissions; it is about reimagining how our societies thrive. "Innovative Climate Solutions" challenges us to look beyond standard sustainability practices and dive into meaningful climate action.
This course examines key solutions from technological, social, institutional, and grassroots perspectives. Additionally, you’ll take a justice-oriented approach, exploring not just what works technically for communities, but what works equitably.
Ultimately, you will shift from a passive observer to an active analyst of change, learning to recognize how individual choices, grassroots movements, and institutional shifts combine to spark climate action. You will leave with an understanding of the crisis and be equipped to champion the innovative solutions that drive genuine, lasting impact.
This is the third course in the" Climate Solutions" series" a three-course series on addressing climate change with innovative, community-centered strategies that protect biodiversity for the benefit of all.
Skills You'll Gain
- Environmental Health Management
- Environmental Science
- Sustainability Initiatives
- Sustainability Procedures
What You'll Earn
- Certificate of Completion
- Certificates of completion acknowledge knowledge acquired upon completion of a non-credit course or program.
Welcome Message
Welcome to Innovative Climate Solutions! We’re excited to explore effective approaches to addressing some of today’s most pressing climate challenges. As you begin this course, take a moment to review the syllabus below to better understand the course goals, expectations, assessment methods, policies, and the support resources available to you throughout your learning experience.
This abbreviated syllabus description was created with the help of AI tools and reviewed by staff. The full syllabus is available to those who enroll in the course.
Course Schedule
Module 1: Welcome to Innovative Climate Solutions
- Lesson 1: Getting Started
- Reading: Orientation to the Course
- Reading: Course Syllabus
- Video: Welcome to Innovative Climate Solutions
- Discussion Prompt: Characterizing "Innovative Climate Solutions"
- Reading: Pre-Course Survey
- Lesson 2: Climate Change & Potential Solutions
- Video: Climate Change and Potential Solutions
- Reading: NPR: Climate Solutions Week
- Discussion Prompt: Climate Solutions Week Share-Out
- Reading: Project Drawdown Climate Solutions
- Discussion Prompt: Project Drawdown Share-Out
- Lesson 3: A Call for Innovation
- Video: Defining Innovation
- Reading: How Digital Technology and Innovation Can Help Protect the Planet
- Reading: Explore an Innovative Climate Solution Podcast
- Discussion Prompt: Reflecting on "Innovation"
- Lesson 4: Module 1 Conclusion
- Video: What is Climate Innovation?
- Reading: EDF Explains: How Can We Innovate to Solve Climate Change?
- Reading: Why the U.S. Needs Climate Innovation
- Discussion Prompt: Reflecting on the Promise of Climate Innovation
- Reading: Interview with Jeremiah Thoronka
- Graded: Module 1 Quiz
- Reading: Previewing the Final Course Assignment
- Graded: Module 1 Gamut Workbook
- Reading: Supplemental Resources to Module 1
Module 2: Different Forms of Innovation
- Lesson 1: Technological Change for Climate Innovation
- Video: Technological Innovation for Climate Change
- Reading: Driving Low-Carbon Innovations for Climate Neutrality
- Reading: Innovative Examples in India
- Reading: AI-Driven Climate Solutions
- Discussion Prompt: Reflecting on Technological Climate Change Innovations
- Lesson 2: Social Innovation for Climate Change
- Video: Social Innovation for Climate Change
- Reading: Examples of Social Innovation in Action
- Discussion Prompt: Reflecting on Social Climate Change Innovations
- Lesson 3: Institutional Innovation and Climate Change
- Video: Institutional Innovation for Climate Change
- Reading: Institutional Innovations for Climate-Smart Agriculture
- Discussion Prompt: Reflecting on Institutional Climate Change Innovations
- Lesson 4: Grassroots and Frugal Innovation and Climate Change
- Video: Grassroots and Frugal Innovation for Climate Change
- Reading: Frugal Innovations to Accelerate Sustainable Development
- Discussion Prompt: Reflecting on Grassroots & Frugal Climate Change Innovations
- Graded: Module 2 Quiz
- Graded: Module 2 Gamut Workbook
- Reading: Supplemental Resources to Module 2
Module 3: Integrative Solutions Through Adaptation and Mitigation
- Lesson 1: Climate Change Mitigation and Innovation
- Video: Innovation and Mitigation
- Reading: IPCC Sixth Assessment Report: Mitigation of Climate
- Discussion Prompt: Reaction to IPCC AR6 Executive Summary
- Lesson 2: Climate Change Adaptation and Innovation
- Video: Innovation and Adaptation
- Reading: Interview with Netra Chhetri
- Reading: Gala Case: Souring Climate
- Discussion Prompt: Gala Case Reaction: Making Your Decision
- Lesson 3: Integrative Solutions
- Video: Innovation and Integrative Solutions
- Reading: Country Climate and Development Report
- Reading: Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management
- Discussion Prompt: Reaction to Integrative Climate Solution Examples
- Reading: Interview with Scott Morris
- Graded: Module 3 Quiz
- Graded: Module 3 Gamut Workbook
- Reading: Supplemental Resources to Module 3
Module 4: Just and Equitable Solutions for Transformation
- Lesson 1: Social Justice and Innovation
- Video: Social Justice and Innovation
- Reading: Interview with Charlene Zietsma
- Reading: Energy Justice Interview with Shalanda Baker
- Discussion Prompt: [Reaction to Reading]
- Lesson 2: Transition and Transformation
- Video: Social Transformation and Innovation
- Reading: Power Perspectives on Transformative Social Innovation
- Discussion Prompt: [Reaction to Reading]
- Lesson 3: Agents of Change in Innovation
- Video: Agents of Change in Innovation
- Reading: Project Management Institute "Solutionaries" Series
- Reading: Mahabir Pun and the Medical Drone Project
- Discussion Prompt: [Reaction to Readings]
- Graded: Module 4 Quiz
- Graded: Module 4 Gamut Workbook
- Reading: Supplemental Resources to Module 4
Module 5: Innovation for Change
- Lesson 1: Identifying Avenues for Innovation
- Video: Identifying Avenues for Innovation
- Video: Climate Innovation in Practice: Pakistan
- Graded: Innovating as a Change Agent
- Lesson 2: Course Wrap-Up
- Video: Course Wrap-Up
- Reading: Post-Course Survey
- Reading: Keep Learning with Michigan Online
Grading Policy
To pass this course, learners must achieve an overall grade of 80% or higher. There are four module-level quizzes worth 20% each (80% total) and one peer-reviewed assignment worth 20% of the final grade.
Course content developed by U-M faculty and managed by the university. Faculty titles and affiliations are updated periodically.
Beginner Level
No degree or prior experience required. Anyone interested in climate solutions, innovation, or global development can succeed in the course.
