The Emerging Demand for Climate Finance Professionals Amid Global Policy Shifts
With the growing concern about climate change across the globe and among policymakers, numerous new laws, institutions, and structures are emerging to curb humanity’s carbon footprint. The Energy Conservation (Amendment) Act 2022 in India has created the need for a carbon credit trading platform, leading to an unprecedented rise in demand for professionals equipped with the requisite skills and expertise.
Carbon management and ESG (environmental, social, and governance) standards are the two areas that have seen a significant increase due to the Paris Agreement. The implementation of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) is central to the Paris Agreement and is a mandate for carbon-intensive industries. These industries include power generation, cement production, oil refining, shipping, heavy-duty transportation, and steel production. Given the increasing importance of climate change and the inclusion of NDCs in the Paris Agreement, there is a burgeoning need for climate finance professionals to manage carbon trading & accounting. Climate finance involves large-scale investments aimed at mitigating and adapting to the consequences of climate change.
The Evolution of ESG Standards and the Quadruple Bottom Line
Another intertwined area that is gaining momentum is ESG (environmental, social, and governance), with disclosure agreements varying from country to country. These variations underscore the high demand for qualified ESG professionals within the industry, serving as a compelling call for specialized training to meet this need. The traditional triple bottom-line approach to sustainability- focused on profits, people, and the planet, has evolved to include a crucial fourth dimension: professionals. The triple bottom line has thus become a quadruple bottom line, reflecting the increasing importance of professionals in achieving sustainability goals. The evolution from the triple bottom line to the quadruple bottom line has opened up a broad range of opportunities across sectors, such as consulting, construction, real estate, investment, manufacturing, and NGOs, especially for certified ESG professionals within the realm of Climate Finance.
The Scope of Climate Finance
A new International Finance Corporation (IFC) report on Blended Finance for Climate Investments in India maintains that Climate finance needs to increase by 590 percent to meet internationally agreed climate objectives by 2030, according to the Climate Policy Initiative (2021). This need translates into a substantial financial requirement, underscoring the pressing need for well-trained climate finance professionals. The e-Masters program at IIT Kanpur is specifically designed for professionals to navigate and lead in this expanding field, calling for proficient management in carbon-intensive industries while directly addressing the global demand for such professionals.
The role of IIT Kanpur in training future leaders
IIT Kanpur, prominent for its leadership in innovation offers a fully online course, e-Master’s program in Climate Finance focused on carbon management and sustainable finance. The program equips professionals with critical skills to meet industry demands. IIT Kanpur’s course e-Masters in Climate Finance aims to provide professional leaders in the field of climate and contribute to climate positive growth in India and beyond.
Why choose IIT Kanpur’s e-Masters in Climate Finance?
The e-Masters Degree in Climate Finance and Sustainability at IIT Kanpur is designed to provide a comprehensive education in carbon management, ESG and green finance through a flexible one-year, online course. The curriculum is flexible enough to suit working professionals, giving them ample scope to learn at their own pace. It features live interactive sessions that enhance the value of the curriculum, fostering lively discussion and hands-on learning for a deep understanding and practical application.
Dive into curriculum of e-Master’s Degree in Climate Finance and Sustainability
The program curriculum, stemming from the expertise of subject matter experts, seamlessly bridges theoretical knowledge with real-world application. It includes 12 core modules, ranging from “Business Environment & Strategy” to “Financial Modelling for Clean Energy Products,” each crafted to deepen your understanding of how climate change impacts corporate finance and investment providing practical insights and hands-on experience.
Designed with an immersive learning experience, the eMasters Program by IIT Kanpur will be delivered on iPearl.ai, a State-of-the-Art digital learning platform.
Learn from the Leading Minds at IIT Kanpur
The e-Masters in Climate Finance and Sustainability at IIT Kanpur offers a unique opportunity to learn directly from the foremost researchers and faculty in the field. This program not only offers knowledge acquisition but also practical application through team-based projects, enhancing both understanding and skills. Participants will benefit from an extensive professional network by engaging with peers and experts throughout the course and during final module examinations conducted online. In addition, this eMaster’s program includes a unique campus immersion experience at IIT Kanpur. This aspect of the program allows students to directly engage with the vibrant academic community through visits to various facilities on campus.
e-Masters Degree in Climate Finance and Sustainability benefits for working professionals
This program is tailored for accomplished professionals who are positioned high in their respective fields and are committed to further enhancing their impact on environmental and financial sustainability. Working professionals in the role of financial analysts, investment managers, and professionals within the banking, insurance, and asset management sectors will gain advanced skills and knowledge that can lead to leadership roles. Ultimately, helping in shaping eco-friendly investment strategies and developing innovative financing solutions for green projects.
Policymakers, government officials, regulators, and financiers involved in environmental governance will benefit from an enriched understanding of how financial tools can underpin policy and regulatory frameworks aimed at sustainability.
Lastly, professionals working in environmental management or sustainability, equipped with financial acumen, will be better positioned to actively influence their organizations’ sustainability agendas. It will enable them to drive strategic initiatives that balance profitability with environmental impact.
Enhanced Benefits and Privileges of the e-Master’s degree
Participants in the e-Masters in Climate Finance and Sustainability at IIT Kanpur will have a notable advantage with the credit waiver scheme, providing significant value for those progressing to higher degrees such as MTech or PhD at IIT Kanpur.
Eligible students can receive up to 60 credit waivers, facilitating a smoother and more integrated advanced study experience.
Enrollment in this prestigious program also offers inclusion in the IIT Kanpur Alumni Network. Upon completion, participants will be awarded a certificate from IIT Kanpur, marking their achievements and expertise in Climate Finance and Sustainability.
Finally, this certification significantly bolsters one’s professional standing, providing a competitive edge in the industry—all without the prerequisite of a GATE score.
Who Can Pursue the e-Masters Degree in Climate Finance Program at IIT Kanpur?
-Candidates with a Bachelor’s degree (3 or 4 years) or Master’s degree in (Engineering, Science, Economics, MBA, etc) with at least 55% marks or 5.5/10 CPI.
-Minimum of 2 years of work experience (You need not be currently employed to be eligible).
-Candidates with relevant experience and calculus knowledge will be preferred.
Admission Details:
-Applications Closing on April 30th
-Class Start – July 2024
-Application Fees- INR 1500 (to be paid during application submission)
-EMI options are available
Immerse yourself in IIT Kanpur’s eMasters program in Climate Finance and Sustainability curriculum. This comprehensive program seamlessly integrates theoretical depth with practical application nurturing a balance between profits, people, the planet and the new fourth dimension- ‘Professionals’. Whether you’re seeking career advancement or transitioning to a new path, this program equips you with the tools and resources for success. Click here to discover more and apply.
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