Empowering Climate Leaders: Explore Yale’s Latest Environmental Programs

By Kristina Sánchez 

So many programs built for leaders like you! If you're looking to elevate your career and are passionate about the environment, the Yale School of the Environment is offering online non-degree programs that pair expert instruction with experiential learning you can apply right away. These flexible, non-degree programs are designed to help professionals gain the skills, knowledge, and global connections needed to lead on today’s most urgent climate challenges.

There are a variety of opportunities available. For instance, the Urban Climate Leadership program, which is now beginning its second cohort, gives participants practical tools to conduct strategic urban climate assessments while learning from a global community of peers. In parallel, the Clean and Equitable Energy Development program focuses on climate justice and community protection—preparing leaders to create equitable, sustainable energy solutions. 

Certificate holders describe these programs as transformative. They leave with a deeper understanding of the issues, a stronger voice in the climate space, and a clear path forward in their careers. Many participants say the experience reconnected them with their purpose and gave them the tools to make real, lasting change.

Now Accepting Applications
As of today, April 8, 2025, applications are open for the following online certificate programs at the Yale School of the Environment:

• Clean and Equitable Energy Development
• Green Chemistry for Climate and Sustainability
• Financing and Deploying Clean Energy
• Tropical Forest Landscapes

Whether you're an early-career professional, mid-career leader, or someone looking to pivot into the climate space, these flexible, online programs are designed to meet you where you are—and help you go further.

Learn more and see the full list of non-degree programs at environment.yale.edu/online-programs.

Kristina Sánchez is the Associate Director for Digital Education at the Poorvu Center for Teaching and Learning. She collaborates with the Yale School of the Environment to produce courses and programs in partnership with the Yale Teaching Studios. Faculty members interested in sharing their teaching on a digital platform can reach out to kristina.sanchez@yale.edu.