Climate Science and Adaptation

Climate change is already impacting northern New England, with anticipated impacts to Maine’s fisheries, timber industry, and economy. Understanding climate change science and its role in adaptation will be critical for Maine’s 21st century workforce across a variety of job sectors that include businesses, government decision-making, and education.

The Climate Science and Adaptation Certificate will target three key knowledge areas in climate studies: the physical science basis, climate-biosphere interactions, and practical application. The Certificate can be earned with 9 credits with a series of online course options. Our aim is to serve working professionals that are not concurrently enrolled in degree-granting academic programs at University of Maine.

The certificate provides students with the knowledge and skillset to integrate climate change into their career.

Students will:

• Gain an understanding of the Earth’s physical and chemical climate system
• Learn about the relationships between climate, ecosystems, and humans
• Develop proficiency with climate analysis tools
• Strengthen professional skills including communication to diverse audiences, collaborative skills, and proposal development

This program was developed by the Climate Change Institute (CCI), one of the oldest climate research units in the United States.