Geopolitics Of Climate Change & Energy Transition Training Course

Introduction

In the rapidly evolving global landscape, mastering the Geopolitics of Climate Change & Energy Transition is absolutely critical for international relations professionals, policymakers, energy experts, and environmental strategists seeking to understand and navigate the profound intersection of environmental imperatives and global power dynamics. This essential training course is meticulously designed to equip foreign service officers, government officials, international organization staff, energy sector analysts, and climate policy advisors with the specialized knowledge and practical skills required for analyzing climate-related security risks, understanding the geopolitics of renewable energy, and shaping international climate cooperation. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of how climate change impacts international security, resource competition, migration patterns, and state stability, alongside the geopolitical implications of the global shift from fossil fuels to clean energy sources, including the rise of new energy powers and critical mineral dependencies. Our rigorous curriculum emphasizes hands-on application, current international debates (UNFCCC COPs, IPCC reports), and real-world case studies pertinent to complex climate diplomacy challenges, empowering you to effectively contribute to a sustainable and secure global future.

This climate security and energy policy course is crucial for individuals and organizations striving to move beyond environmental science towards a proactive, strategic approach to managing the multifaceted political, economic, and security dimensions of climate action and energy transformation. Mastering climate risk analysis for foreign policy, implementing effective energy transition strategies with geopolitical foresight, and understanding strategies for multilateral climate negotiation are indispensable for fostering international cooperation, preventing resource conflicts, ensuring energy security, and promoting resilient development pathways. This program offers an unparalleled opportunity to elevate your expertise in strategic climate diplomacy and energy security policy, positioning your organization at the forefront of global sustainability efforts and driving significant long-term value creation through enhanced climate resilience, stable energy futures, and informed foreign policy.

Target Audience

• Foreign Service Officers & Diplomats
• Government Officials in Climate & Energy Ministries
• International Organization Representatives
• Energy Sector Analysts & Consultants
• Climate Policy Advisors & Strategists
• Defense & Security Sector Professionals
• Academics & Think Tank Researchers in Geopolitics

Course Objectives

• Understand the fundamental concepts of climate change and its geopolitical implications.
• Learn about the drivers and dynamics of the global energy transition.
• Master the analysis of climate change as a security threat (resource scarcity, migration, instability).
• Develop proficiency in assessing the geopolitical impacts of renewable energy deployment and critical mineral supply chains.
• Explore best practices for integrating climate and energy considerations into national foreign policy.
• Understand the critical aspects of multilateral climate negotiations and international cooperation frameworks.
• Learn about robust strategies for managing energy security in a transitioning world.
• Identify the critical role of technology and innovation in shaping the energy transition's geopolitics.
• Develop skills in applying geopolitical analysis to climate and energy policy-making.
• Understand the economic consequences and opportunities of the energy transition for different regions.
• Explore strategies for climate adaptation and resilience building from a geopolitical perspective.
• Drive the implementation of comprehensive climate and energy transition strategies with geopolitical foresight.
• Position yourself as a leader in navigating the complex intersection of climate, energy, and global power.

Duration

5 Days

Course Outline

Module 1. Introduction to Climate Change & Geopolitics

• Defining climate change, its causes, and projected impacts
• The concept of "climate security" and its dimensions (resource scarcity, migration, instability)
• Understanding the interlinkages between environmental change, economic systems, and political stability
• Overview of key international climate agreements (UNFCCC, Paris Agreement)
• The strategic imperative of addressing climate change in foreign policy

Module 2. Geopolitics of the Global Energy Transition

• Drivers of the energy transition: climate goals, technological advancements, energy security
• The shift from fossil fuel dependence to renewable energy dominance
• New energy powers and declining influence of traditional hydrocarbon states
• Geopolitical implications of diversified energy sources and decentralized grids
• Case studies of national energy transition strategies and their external impacts

Module 3. Climate Change as a Security Multiplier

• Climate-induced migration, displacement, and internal conflicts
• Resource scarcity: water, food, and land as drivers of conflict
• The impact of extreme weather events on state capacity and stability
• Vulnerabilities of critical infrastructure to climate impacts
• Role of military and defense sectors in climate security

Module 4. Geopolitics of Renewable Energy & Critical Minerals

• The new energy map: solar, wind, hydropower, geothermal power
• Dependence on critical minerals (lithium, cobalt, rare earths) for green technologies
• Supply chain vulnerabilities and strategic competition for mineral resources
• Geopolitical implications of renewable energy trade and infrastructure development
• Energy independence vs. new interdependencies in the green economy

Module 5. Energy Security in a Transitioning World

• Redefining energy security beyond fossil fuels
• Risks and opportunities of new energy sources for national security
• Diversification of energy supply and reduced reliance on volatile regions
• The role of hydrogen, nuclear, and other emerging energy technologies
• Managing energy market volatility during the transition

Module 6. Multilateral Climate Diplomacy & Governance

• The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) process and COPs
• Role of international organizations and non-state actors in climate governance
• Climate finance, technology transfer, and capacity building for developing nations
• Addressing climate loss and damage in international negotiations
• Challenges and opportunities for global climate cooperation

Module 7. Climate Risk Analysis & Foreign Policy Integration

• Methodologies for assessing climate-related risks for foreign policy
• Integrating climate change into national security strategies and foreign policy doctrines
• Climate diplomacy as a tool for conflict prevention and peacebuilding
• Designing foreign policy interventions that support climate resilience
• The role of diplomatic missions and foreign ministries in climate action

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 10 working days before commencement of the training.