UNSSC and UN Climate Change offer a free online climate-action course covering systems thinking and behavioural science. Complete the 3.5-hour training and earn a certificate by enrolling before 31 December 2026.
Background & Course Description
The United Nations System Staff College (UNSSC), in partnership with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Youth4Capacity programme and with support from Italy’s Ministry of Environment and Energy Security, is offering Systems Change x Behavioural Science for Climate Action.
The free online course is designed to help people understand climate challenges, influence behaviour and develop practical approaches to sustainable change.
Participants will explore how systems thinking can identify the underlying causes of climate problems and how behavioural science can help shape decisions, social norms and individual actions. The training is particularly relevant for young climate leaders, community organisers and people developing environmental initiatives.
The course runs online from 2 March to 31 December 2026 and is open to everyone. Participants who complete the three modules, mandatory quiz and evaluation form will receive a certificate.
Course Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Course provider | UNSSC, in partnership with UNFCCC Youth4Capacity |
| Course title | Systems Change x Behavioural Science for Climate Action |
| Delivery | Online and self-paced |
| Duration | Approximately 3.5 hours for core content |
| Additional project exercises | May take 6–8 hours |
| Language | English |
| Cost | Free |
| Target audience | Everyone, particularly people involved in or aspiring to climate action |
| Course availability | 2 March–31 December 2026 |
| Enrolment deadline | 31 December 2026 |
| Certificate | Available after completing the modules, mandatory quiz and evaluation form |
| Official course page | Register through UNSSC |
Course Content and Learning Benefits
The course consists of three self-paced modules designed to help learners connect individual behaviour with broader environmental and social systems.
Module 1: Understanding Climate Change: People, Patterns, and Systems
Introduces climate change as a complex challenge involving human behaviour, interconnected systems and patterns that influence environmental outcomes.
Module 2: Systems Change for Climate Action
Explores systems thinking and how to identify underlying causes of problems and develop structural interventions that can support lasting climate action.
Module 3: Behavioural Science for Climate Action
Introduces behavioural science concepts and how they can be applied to encourage decisions and behaviours that support climate initiatives.
What Participants Will Learn
By the end of the course, participants should be able to recognise climate change as a systemic challenge, apply behavioural science principles to climate projects, and use systems-thinking tools to design interventions.
Learners will also explore how the two approaches can be combined to improve climate initiatives and adapt strategies to different project goals and communities.
The training includes practical exercises, allowing participants to apply the concepts to their own initiatives. Learners can also access recorded interviews with climate professionals discussing how they use these approaches in practice.
Certificate of Completion
Participants who complete all three modules, pass the mandatory quiz and submit the evaluation form will receive a certificate.
The course is free of charge, and learners can complete the core content at their own pace.
Qualifications and Eligibility
The course is open to everyone and does not list a formal degree requirement in the supplied information.
It is particularly relevant for people actively involved in climate action or those planning to develop environmental initiatives. The course is of special interest to young people aged 18–35, including those engaged with the UNFCCC Youth4Capacity programme and its Climate Catalysts Mentorship Programme.
The course may be useful for community organisers, students, environmental advocates, youth leaders and others who want practical tools to strengthen the impact and sustainability of climate-related projects.
Additional Information
The course is available online in English, and registration is open until 31 December 2026.
How to register:
- Visit the official UNSSC course page.
- Select “Add to Cart”, then choose “Proceed with Registration” and submit your registration.
- Log in to your existing account or create a new account when prompted.
- Check your email for login details to the UN Learn platform. Check your spam folder if the message does not appear in your inbox.
- Sign in to UN Learn and complete the three modules, mandatory quiz and evaluation form to qualify for the certificate.
Anyone who already has a UN Learn account can use their existing login details.
For additional information, contact sustainable-development@unssc.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the UNSSC climate-action course free?
Yes. The Systems Change x Behavioural Science for Climate Action course is offered free of charge.
2. How long does the course take?
The core content takes approximately 3.5 hours. Completing the applied exercises for your own project may require an additional 6–8 hours.
3. Will participants receive a certificate?
Yes. Participants receive a certificate after completing all three modules, the mandatory quiz and the evaluation form.
4. Who can apply for the course?
The course is open to everyone, with particular relevance for people involved in or aspiring to engage in climate action. Young people aged 18–35 are a key intended audience.
5. What topics does the course cover?
It covers climate change, systems thinking, behavioural science and practical approaches to designing sustainable climate initiatives.
6. Is the training available online?
Yes. The course is self-paced and delivered online through the UN Learn platform.
7. What is the enrolment deadline?
The advertised enrolment deadline is 31 December 2026.
8. How do I register?
Register through the official UNSSC course page and follow the instructions to access the training on UN Learn.
Opportunities Feed Assessment
This course is a useful option for people seeking free climate-action training without committing to a lengthy academic programme. Its emphasis on systems thinking and behavioural science may help participants design more effective environmental projects, engage communities and understand the factors behind lasting change.
Disclaimer: Opportunities Feed shares educational and professional development opportunities for informational purposes. It is not affiliated with UNSSC or UNFCCC and does not administer the course. Participants should confirm registration instructions and course requirements through the official provider.
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