Introduction

Course Convenor: Honorary Associate Professor Nicholas Rowley

Giving you the ability to make a difference

Climate change is one of the defining challenges of our time. But understanding the problem is only the beginning. Effective response demands the ability to work at the intersection of science, politics and policy — where evidence must be translated into action, and where leadership matters most. 

Effective Climate Policy and Leadership is a professional short course for decision-makers and practitioners who want to do more than understand climate change. It is designed for those who want to respond to it effectively — with stronger judgement, sharper analytical tools, and a deeper understanding of what makes climate policy work in practice. 

Grounded in research and real-world case studies, the course explores the climate challenge in all its complexity: its scientific foundations, its political dimensions, and the policy approaches that have proven — or have the potential to make a meaningful difference. 

Register your Expression of Interest to be the first to hear about course dates, program details and enrolment information.

Submit your Expression of Interest

Overview

This course is designed for professionals seeking a more rigorous understanding of climate policy and a stronger capacity to act on it. Beginning with a shared foundation in climate science and the historical relationship between human activity and greenhouse gas concentrations, it moves through the core questions at the heart of the climate policy challenge. 

Participants will examine how the climate problem is framed, why disagreement persists, how science, politics and policy interact, and what distinguishes effective climate policy from well-intentioned but ineffective action. The course also considers what it takes to be an effective climate policy professional in a complex and contested policy environment. 

Why this course matters

Climate policy is not shaped by evidence alone. It is influenced by institutions, interests, political dynamics, risk perception and the practical realities of decision-making. For professionals working in this space, the challenge is not only understanding the science, but also knowing how to navigate competing pressures and contribute to policy that is credible, strategic and effective. 

This course responds to that need by helping participants build a stronger understanding of:

• the principal drivers of the climate problem 
• the relationships and tensions between scientific knowledge, political power and policy design 
• the ways individuals, institutions and governments assess and respond to climate risk 
• the characteristics of effective climate policy and leadership 
• the knowledge, skills and judgement required to contribute meaningfully to climate policy decisions 

Who should attend

This course is designed for mid- to senior-level professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of climate policy and strengthen their capacity to act on it. It may be particularly relevant for:

• Government — Senior officials working in State government and Commonwealth: Executive Level 1–2 and APS 5–6 officers working on climate, energy, environment and related policy areas 
• Business — professionals engaged in sustainability, climate risk, and current and emerging regulatory environments 
• Non-government organisations — advocates and practitioners seeking a rigorous grounding in climate policy and political dynamics 

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

• explain the principal drivers of the climate problem and the attributes of the policies and decisions needed to address them 
• analyse the complex relationships and tensions between scientific knowledge, political power and policy design 
• critically evaluate the different ways individuals, institutions and governments assess and respond to climate risk 
• construct well-reasoned arguments grounded in compelling evidence and data 
• apply academic scholarship and practical case studies to assess current and future climate policy options  

Course topics

Topics may include:

• the science and history of the climate problem — understanding what we know, and how we came to know it 
• the psychology of climate response - why people and institutions respond to climate risk the way they do 
• the nature of the problem, including complexity and uncertainty - framing complexity and uncertainty
• the politics of climate change - power, interests, and the dynamics of policy change
• the elements of effective climate policy - what works, what doesn't, and why
• the role and limits of economics - a critical assessment of economic tools and their application 
• the attributes of effective climate policy professionals - the knowledge, skills, and attributes that drive impact.

What makes this course distinctive

This course brings together science, politics, policy and professional practice in one integrated learning experience. Rather than treating climate policy as a purely technical field, it examines the real dynamics that shape climate decisions and outcomes. 

Participants will gain a stronger framework for thinking clearly about climate policy, assessing options critically, and contributing more effectively in professional settings. It is designed for those who want to get to the heart of the problem — and develop the tools to act on it. 

Why register your interest

Submitting an Expression of Interest will allow you to:

• receive updates when course dates are confirmed;
• access the latest course information and program details;
• be among the first to hear when enrolments open.