The CARE Climate Leadership Program has just concluded its first semester, bringing together 45 outstanding graduate students from across France and Canada. Launched in April 2025, the program aims to equip emerging leaders with the tools, knowledge, and critical perspectives needed to respond to today’s complex climate challenges.
Over the course of the semester, students engaged in four interactive and interdisciplinary modules, each led by faculty members from CARE institutions:
- Leadership in Complexity and Uncertainty
Arancha Gonzalez Laya, Paris School of International Affairs, Sciences Po
This module explored how to lead effectively in uncertain times and complex systems, where solutions are rarely straightforward. - Seeing the Whole: Systems Thinking in Climate Action
Sara Elder, School of Public Policy and Global Affairs, University of British Columbia
Students learned to apply systems thinking to understand the interconnected nature of climate issues and design more holistic responses. - Climate Governance, Policy, and Justice
Laura Tozer, Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto
This module delved into how policy and governance structures can support—or hinder—just climate transitions. - Climate Communication and Storytelling
Jeanna Rex and Alex Sawatzky, Arrell Food Institute, University of Guelph
Emphasizing the power of narrative, this module helped students craft compelling stories to inspire climate action across audiences.
But the program was more than academic. It fostered a vibrant community of emerging climate leaders. Participants developed personal climate leadership plans, exchanged ideas in facilitated discussions, and reflected critically on their roles in advancing climate justice.
At CARE, we believe that climate leadership is not defined by titles or positions—it exists in every sector, at every scale, and in the everyday actions that push us toward a more just and sustainable future.
Looking Ahead
The next phase of the program includes a mentorship initiative launching in Fall 2025 and a second round of modules in Spring 2026. These upcoming components will build on the strong foundation laid this semester, continuing to support students as they deepen their leadership journeys.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Sabina Michael, our dedicated course developer, to our faculty leads and institutional partners, and most of all to our student participants. Their energy, insight, and commitment continue to shape what climate leadership looks like in practice.