Implemented successfully, climate change policy should have significant beneficial impacts for society and the environment, especially in northern, rural and small community settings. This course will highlight the importance of a participatory framework for leading a group, organization, or community through the process of long-term sustainable change.

Policy development and implementation are the vehicles for governments and municipalities/communities to work with non-governmental organizations, the private sector, citizens and community members to reduce the overall risks of climate change impacts. Students will analyze case studies showing various approaches to leadership, visioning, and communications as well as implementation of change with respect to socio-cultural, environmental and climate issues. Additional topics addressed in this course include, but are not limited to, public engagement, education, outreach, presence of and collaboration between various stakeholders and partners, networking and capacity building.