USC to provide climate change training for executives
The University of the Sunshine Coast has signed an agreement that will see it jointly provide the first accredited climate change training for business and government professionals in Australia.
A strategic agreement to develop and provide the training was signed by USC Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Greg Hill and representatives from Climate Risk Pty Ltd (Australia/UK) and CLIMsystems Ltd of New Zealand at the University on Tuesday 5 December.
Climate Risk Pty Ltd and its sister company, Climate Risk Europe Ltd, have broad experience in climate risk assessment, corporate sustainability and emergent energy development. CLIMsystems Ltd holds the exclusive distribution rights for software products in support of climate change vulnerability and adaptation assessment.
Under the agreement, the parties will combine their collective expertise to deliver professional and technical programs which will equip the public and private sectors to make informed decisions about managing the risks arising from climatic variability and change.
Professor Hill said the joint venture planned to develop a range of training programs, from two-day executive primers right up to Masters level qualifications.
"It’s an opportunity for us to be part of a consortium that’s working at the cutting edge of climate change research, teaching and risk management,’’ he said. "It will lift the profile of the University and provide great opportunities for staff and students."
USC Environmental Science Associate Professor Peter Waterman said the University’s joint venture with Climate Risk and CLIMsystems was a logical partnership.
"The University has already developed a suite of professional development programs in study areas relating to climate change ranging from graduate certificates to Masters degrees," he said.
Climate Risk Pty Ltd Director of Corporate Risk Gareth Johnston said: "This unique alliance bridges science and industry and will equip a pool of professionals with climate change risk management and adaptation skills to take to all aspects of business and government".
The agreement was signed at the South East Queensland Climate Change Adaptation Demonstration Project inaugural workshop which was hosted by the University of the Sunshine Coast on Tuesday 5 December.