With the IFoA’s new Climate Risk and Sustainability Course now up and running, we explain what is involved – and share the thoughts of those who have already completed it
In the August 2021 edition of The Actuary (bit.ly/3QHijb0) we shared with you the development of the new IFoA course and the results of the pilot with a small group of volunteers. That pilot helped to inform the development of the final modules prior to the launch of the first cohort in March this year.
The course is built around nine modules. The first five cover the key concepts around climate risk and sustainability and the final four focus on the application to actuarial practice. Each module is released weekly and is designed to require eight to 10 hours of self-paced study. There are additional resources for individuals to draw upon, depending on their interests in particular topics. These resources are designed to appeal to a range of learning styles.
While the course is designed to allow individuals to study at their own pace and in their own time, there are two occasions when we bring all participants together during the seminars that form modules 5 and 9. These seminars allow participants to come together to share their views in a virtual format. Climate risk and sustainability in a global context will attract different perspectives, and bringing participants together allows for discussion and debate in a facilitated environment. The seminars are compulsory, and the dates are advised in advance so members can plan when to take the course.
We deliberately didn’t want to set a course examination, preferring a pass or fail result. A Pass requires completion of module quizzes, some written reflective pieces, and attendance and participation in the two seminars.
The first two cohorts, totalling some 98 IFoA members, have now completed the course, and the plan is to run three cohorts a year. Feedback from attendees has been very positive and all have seen a direct impact upon their work. Details of the next course can be found at bit.ly/IFoA_Clim_Risk
With such a broad subject, the authoring team of volunteers will be working on updating the materials to ensure that the course is as relevant as possible. While individuals will have access to materials on completion, the course is designed as a springboard for further research and application.
We are always looking for volunteers to help support the course. Details of the Facilitator roles can be found at bit.ly/IFoA_ClimCourse_Facil. If you would like to help with the content, please get in contact at [email protected]
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