The Leadership and the Age of Climate Change Program (PDF, 1 MB) is an advanced professional development program for those involved in leading any facet of government activity from operational and administrative functions through policy and program work. It will provide a robust framework and proficiency in the knowledge, skills and insights required to lead effectively in the context of a world evolving to a “new normal” of assumptions and strategic choices.

Arguably the issue of our times is climate change. Canada and its global partners have made a commitment to cut greenhouse gas emissions deeply to avoid even more dramatic climate impacts than have already been incurred. In Canada, a commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 will mean not just significant action by those working directly on these issues, but also a change in the way most things are considered and done.

Leaders in this time of transformation will need to have sufficient understanding of the facts and where to get more as information evolves to be able to discover the possibilities for the contribution of their work to the overarching goal of a low carbon society. In other words, climate literacy is an essential element to enable their leadership.

Our primary goal is to generate sufficient climate literacy in public sector leaders so they can more effectively operate in a world in which economic success, societal wellness, and human health and safety depend upon understanding the spectrum of climate issues. Our graduates will have an improved capacity to drive analysis and option development in their organizations, and to lead teams that are open to the innovation necessary to support transformation.

Three design principles shape the approach:

Firstly, we are driven by the principle of developing the leadership capacity to see connections and act to address potential conflicts or seize opportunities. This means that greater weight is placed on practical as opposed to theoretical issues through the use of methods such as problem based and action learning.

Secondly, we promote the principles of learning by engagement. Specifically, this means that participants will interact with current practice and thought leaders to explore contemporary issues and future challenges.

Thirdly, our final design principle is that the program aims for relevance to the participants in terms of content and excellence and in terms of method and resources. In practice, this means that while each module’s general topic is framed, the specific content of sessions, the use of particular methods, and the identification of expert resources is the product of an on-going facilitated conversation between and among participants to ensure that learning opportunities are directly responsive to their needs.

This program will provide meaningful context to all leaders so that they can more effectively operate in a world in which all decisions need to consider the impact on the climate and on plans to transform emissions profiles and resilience.

As a leadership development program, the Program will include discussion of selected topics that are particularly relevant to leading in complexity. These will support participants in their efforts to be the best possible leaders, leading in and through partnerships, and leading with purpose and integrity. Participation will support elevating the learning beyond the facts and help build the skills required to support major transformations.

Participants will be asked to undertake a self-assessment with two elements at the start of the program and again at the end. First, they will explore their understanding of the complexity and interconnectedness of climate change issues, including the connection to their areas of interest/work. Second, they will self-assess their own leadership practice. A focus on self-reflection and the evolution of each participant’s view of the world adds an additional dimension to their development.