EDF Launches Free E-Learning Course to Equip Workers with Climate Action Skills

Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) today announced the launch of Corporate Climate Action Essentials, an e-learning course that equips professionals with the tools and knowledge to integrate climate strategies into business decision-making. The course is offered at no cost through EDF’s Net Zero Action Accelerator (NZAA) and Climate Corps programs and for the first time, includes a certificate. 

EDF is open-sourcing elements of the Climate Corps curriculum, which is backed by nearly two decades of on-the-ground experience, into a certificate program available to anyone.  Since 2008, EDF’s Climate Corps has placed thousands of fellows inside companies and organizations worldwide to help accomplish emissions reduction goals by mapping climate commitments, reducing energy consumption, procuring renewable energy, electrifying fleets, and engaging suppliers.    

Participants who complete the e-learning course will earn an EDF credential, demonstrating their readiness to advance credible climate action inside their organizations. Through five comprehensive modules, participants will gain a foundation in net-zero principles, learn how to measure and assess Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, set and implement science-based targets, and identify key stakeholders, initiatives, and regulatory frameworks.  

“Integrating climate strategy into business isn’t just good for the planet—it creates value and reduces risk,” said Ellen Shenette, Director of EDF’s NZAA. “This series distills the essentials every professional needs to take the first step in building a climate strategy.” 

“We’ve seen firsthand where companies get stuck,” said Sophie Marx, Director of EDF’s Climate Corps U.S. Program. “This course bridges those gaps with the practical tools and frameworks that our fellows have used successfully in organizations around the globe.” 

The new e-learning course is designed for anyone seeking professional development in climate action, ideal for sustainability teams training colleagues across procurement, finance, and operations, and for companies helping suppliers to launch their own climate strategies. The Corporate Climate Action Essentials e-learning course is now available on EDF’s Net Zero Action Accelerator webpage. 

 About the Net Zero Action Accelerator: The NZAA helps companies prioritize the highest-impact climate actions, with detailed roadmaps on how to get there.  The free web hub is designed to meet the demand for practical, actionable resources – backed by science. The Accelerator offers over 25 net zero pathways, 75 customizable action steps, events, webinars and action-oriented trainings to help companies achieve net zero goals.  

About Climate Corps: EDF’s Climate Corps is an innovative fellowship program that trains talented and passionate graduate students and pairs them with companies and public institutions dedicated to meeting their climate and energy goals. Climate Corps bolsters sustainability teams’ capacity to advance climate solutions while building the next generation of global climate leaders.