Program Overview

Introduction to the Systems Thinking for Climate Risk Course

The University of Technology Sydney (UTS) offers a course on Systems Thinking for Climate Risk, designed for finance professionals working in various sectors, including superannuation, asset management, insurance, banking, and government. This course aims to equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complexities of climate risk and opportunity in their sectors, organizations, and roles.

Course Overview

The course is presented by leading experts in sustainable finance and systems thinking from the UTS Institute for Sustainable Futures. It covers the latest developments, challenges, and opportunities in the sustainable finance landscape, including the science and impacts of climate change, climate risk and opportunity, and the role of climate scenarios in assessing climate risk.

Course Objectives

Upon completing the course, participants will gain:

• An understanding of the science and impacts of climate change and leading-edge developments, challenges, and opportunities in the sustainable finance landscape.
• Practical and relevant skills to identify and assess climate risks and opportunities for their role, organization, and sector.
• The ability to draw on systems thinking and anticipatory tools to think critically and creatively about their organization's role in the transition to net zero.
• Enhanced individual capacity to reflect, identify, and evaluate practical actions to lead and motivate change.
• Connection with other sustainable finance leaders and experts to expand their network and opportunities for collaboration.

Course Structure

The course is delivered over two days, with a combination of lectures, discussions, and interactive activities. The program includes:

• Day 1: Pressures and Transition in the Finance System
  • Introduction to systems thinking concepts and their application to climate risk.
  • Understanding climate risk and the need for the net zero transition.
  • Exploring current responses to climate risk in the financial system.
• Day 2: Navigating and Leading Transition
  • Using systems and futures thinking tools to navigate climate risk and opportunity.
  • Navigating the net zero transition from innovation to action.
  • Identifying individual actions and commitments, reflecting on what participants have learned, and how systems thinking can be applied in their daily work.

Course Details

• Date and Time: To Be Confirmed (TBC)
• Format: In-person class
• Location: UTS Business School, Building CB08, 14-28 Ultimo Rd (Room 2, Level 5, Building 8), Ultimo NSW 2007, Australia
• Cost: $1,975 (GST inclusive)

Speakers and Facilitators

The course is facilitated by experts from the UTS Institute for Sustainable Futures, including:

• Alison Atherton, Research Director
• Gordon Noble, Research Director
• Prof. Chris Riedy, Associate Director Learning and Development

Why Study with UTS

UTS is recognized as the world's leading university in its pursuit of sustainability through partnerships. The Institute for Sustainable Futures at UTS provides a unique learning environment that leverages the university's role in the broader financial system and its established expertise in systems thinking and foresight. Participants can expect best-in-class content in a forum that invites unbiased discussion, emerging insights, and a learning experience that promotes critical thinking and reflexivity.