MThe UNDP-hosted Learning for Nature platform offers a free 10-hour IPBES and IPCC course with a certificate, covering biodiversity, climate policy and international science–policy engagement.
Background & Course Description
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), through its Learning for Nature platform, hosts a free online course titled IPBES and IPCC: Bridging Science, Policy and Practice.
The self-paced course introduces learners to two major international science-policy bodies: the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
Participants will learn how these organisations operate, conduct scientific assessments and contribute to decision-making on biodiversity and climate change. The course also explains opportunities for experts, policymakers and stakeholders to participate in their work.
The course is delivered in English, takes approximately 10 hours to complete and offers a certificate upon successful completion.
Course Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Course title | IPBES and IPCC: Bridging Science, Policy and Practice |
| Platform | Learning for Nature |
| Host | UNDP |
| Course type | Online, self-paced training |
| Duration | Approximately 10 hours |
| Cost | Free |
| Language | English |
| Level | Intermediate |
| Certificate | Available upon successful completion |
| Deadline | No fixed deadline stated on the course page |
| Official enrolment | Access the course |
Course Content and Learning Benefits
The course consists of five main learning modules covering the work of IPBES and IPCC and the different ways participants can engage with these organisations.
Learners will explore the history, objectives, governance structures and assessment processes of both bodies. The training also examines how scientific assessments inform decisions at global, national and local levels.
Key topics include biodiversity assessments, climate policy, stakeholder engagement, policy analysis, strategic planning and systems thinking.
The programme provides practical guidance on participation in international science-policy processes, including the roles of experts, knowledge holders, national focal points and stakeholders.
Who Can Apply?
The course is designed for a range of learners, including:
- Researchers and experts: Individuals interested in contributing scientific knowledge to international biodiversity and climate assessments.
- National focal points and government representatives: People involved in connecting national priorities with international environmental processes.
- NGO representatives and other stakeholders: Participants seeking to understand how civil society and other organisations can engage with IPBES and IPCC.
- Environmental professionals and students: Learners interested in biodiversity, climate change, sustainability and evidence-based policymaking.
The course description welcomes participants with different levels of experience with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals framework.
Qualifications and Eligibility
The supplied course information does not specify formal academic qualifications or professional experience requirements.
Interested learners can access the course online through Learning for Nature. An account and sign-in are required to enrol.
Participants should have sufficient English proficiency to follow the lessons, complete quizzes and understand the course materials.
Additional Information
Certificate Requirements
To receive the course certificate, participants must complete all online lessons, submit the course survey and achieve a score of at least 60% on each quiz.
The course is self-paced, allowing learners to work through the material according to their schedules.
How to Enrol
Visit the official Learning for Nature course page, create an account or sign in, and select the enrolment option.
There is no fixed application deadline stated on the course page, so interested learners can check the platform for current enrolment availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the UNDP-hosted IPBES and IPCC course free?
Yes. The course is available free of charge through the Learning for Nature platform.
2. Is a certificate available?
Yes. Participants who complete all lessons, submit the course survey and score at least 60% on every quiz can receive a certificate.
3. How long does the course take?
The estimated study time is approximately 10 hours.
4. Is the course online?
Yes. It is a self-paced online course that learners can complete through Learning for Nature.
5. What does IPBES mean?
IPBES stands for the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services. It provides scientific assessments and knowledge to support decisions related to biodiversity and ecosystem services.
6. What does IPCC mean?
IPCC stands for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, which assesses scientific information relevant to understanding climate change, its impacts and possible responses.
7. Who should take this course?
It is suitable for researchers, environmental professionals, government representatives, national focal points, NGO representatives and other stakeholders interested in international climate and biodiversity policy.
8. What is the application deadline?
The course page does not state a fixed deadline. Learners should visit the official platform to check enrolment availability.
Opportunities Feed Assessment
This free course may benefit environmental researchers, climate professionals, students and NGO practitioners seeking a better understanding of international biodiversity and climate science-policy processes. Its self-paced format, 10-hour duration and certificate option make it a practical learning opportunity for people interested in environmental governance and evidence-based decision-making.
Disclaimer: Opportunities Feed shares educational opportunities for informational purposes. It is not affiliated with UNDP, IPBES or IPCC and does not administer the course. Learners should verify current enrolment and certificate requirements through the official Learning for Nature platform.
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