Managing Climate Solutions

24 April 2020. A new certificate programme at the HSG addresses one of the biggest societal challenges of our time. As we know, climate change has been widely acknowledged, but understanding how a more environmentally sustainable strategy can be implemented, and doing so has been problematic. It seeks to answer key question that will be asked of future leaders in business and society.

Certificate in Managing Climate Solutions (MaCS-HSG)

Through the certificate in Managing Climate Solutions (MaCS-HSG), students will complement their core Master’s programme at the University of St.Gallen with dedicated courses enabling them to understand the magnitude of the challenge, to explore the range of possible solutions, to craft behaviorally informed strategies, and to shape a positive future in a carbon-constrained world.

MaCS academic director Prof. Rolf Wüstenhagen was asked to describe his vision for the certificate programme.

What exactly is the MaCS-HSG programme?

This new certificate programme in Managing Climate Solutions addresses one of the biggest societal challenges of our time. Climate change has been called "a trillion-dollar risk, and an opportunity", so coming up with positive solutions is key for future leaders in business and society. The programme will enable participants to understand the magnitude of the challenge, to explore the range of possible solutions, to craft behaviorally informed strategies, and to shape a positive future in a carbon-constrained world.

What is unique about it?

The MaCS is unique in that it provides a set of interdisciplinary insights – from climate science to policy to business strategy – towards addressing climate change. Furthermore, it has a clear focus on solutions. By designing it as an additional qualification, students can complement their expertise in core areas such as business innovation, international affairs, finance or management and apply them to developing specific climate solutions.

 
What challenges does it address?

We have known for 30 years that greenhouse gas emissions need to be reduced to avoid dangerous climate change. But the world has been slow to respond. There is no shortage of scientific knowledge, and several low-carbon technologies are available. The bottleneck is for future leaders in business and society to manage the transition, and move from insight to impact.

 
Who may participate?

MaCS-HSG is designed for students choosing any of the Master’s programmes offered at the University of St.Gallen. We are looking for highly motivated students who care about our common future and would like to turn their career climate positive. The application deadline is June 30, 2020.

 
Who is running the programme?

The programme has been developed by a team at the Institute for Economy and the Environment (IWÖ-HSG). I am the MaCS-HSG academic director and have a wide range of experiences from co-authoring an IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) report to advising the Swiss government on its Energy Strategy 2050 to working in venture capital, and have been teaching courses on climate change for more than a decade. The programme manager, Dr. Merla Kubli, focuses in her award-winning research on solar-powered mobility and prosumer preferences. If you are interested you can learn more about MaCS-HSG and meet the people involved in a webinar on 6 May 2020, 4.30 - 5.30 p.m.

Image: Adobe Stock / Tomasz Zajda