Training Courses | U.S. Climate Resilience Toolkit

The training courses here can help you acquire the tools, skills, and knowledge you need to manage your climate-related risks and opportunities. All courses are free of charge, and are offered in at least one of three formats: online audio-visual presentations ("Online, Self-Guided" and "Tool Tutorial"), training webinars ("Online, Scheduled Lecture Series"), and residence training courses ("Onsite, Instructor-Led"). Each training module is accompanied with a test to help you evaluate your knowledge. These courses feature scientific information adapted from authoritative sources, prepared by recognized subject matter experts. The courses have been pilot tested with users and other subject matter experts and may be updated periodically, as needed.

Climate Change and Extreme Weather

This module discusses how a changing climate can lead to changes in extreme weather events on the local scale. The role of natural variability is also explained. The module describes how climate change can have both positive and negative effects, depending on the situation, location, and the vulnerability of the population. While research on the relationships between climate change and extreme events is still relatively new, the module discusses what changes scientists think are likely to happen if greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise.

Climate Change Science and Modeling

This educational module provides a brief overview of the climate system, greenhouse gases, climate models, current climate change impacts, and future projections. A friendly and neutral approach seeks to demystify and remove the charge from climate change. There is a 14-question activity at the end of the module, and users who complete the activity will receive a printable certificate with their name and the date completed.

Climate Learning Network eLearning Program

The Climate Learning Network's eLearning program is designed to help Extension professionals, professional crop advisors, and professional foresters incorporate climate change into their existing program areas and become climate literate. Many modules offer Continuing Education Credits from the Society of American Foresters (SAF) and Certified Crop Advisors (CCA). Modules topics include basic climate science, communication, climate variability, vulnerability assessments, agricultural adaptation practices, and resilient land management.

Screen capture of the Climate Learning Network website

Gulf TREE Training Kit

Gulf TREE is a climate resilience tool search engine that allows users to access relevant tools quickly, easily, and confidently. The site walks users through a series of questions that help them identify the best climate tool for their needs. This Gulf TREE training kit allows you or a small group of people to complete the training and become a power user on your own or you can use this kit to train others to become power users.

Local Government Climate Adaptation Training

EPA’s Local Government Climate Adaptation Training helps local officials, municipal staff, and community leaders understand the changing climate and threats posed by climate change to local government services. The module covers climate impacts to water and wastewater services, air quality, public health, contaminated site management, and emergency response. The training also highlights some communities that have taken adaptation actions and provides a list of resources to support climate adaptation planning and implementation in local communities.

NOAA Data in the Classroom (NODE)—Sea Level Module

This module contains five activities designed for students in grades 5 to 8 to help them understand sea level using real data. Teachers can use any of the five modules developed to explore dynamic Earth processes and understand the impact of environmental events on a regional or global scale.

Using Economics to Inform Decisions

When you need to estimate the value of a project and incorporate economic data, you have various approaches to choose from. This self-guided module can help, as it provides information about benefit-cost analysis, economic impact analysis, cost-effectiveness analysis, and more. Understanding these basics will help you identify the appropriate approach and the data needed. This course offers one hour of certification maintenance credit for the American Institute of Certified Planners.