Business and Climate Change

Aberystwyth University

Our Planet is facing a ‘Climate Emergency’. Climate Change is the greatest environmental challenge the world has ever faced. Man-made carbon emissions have resulted in unprecedented rises in global temperatures, which is having significant impacts on human, social, political, economic and natural systems. The relationship between climate change and society is highly complex, however, we have the knowledge and the technology to reduce our impact on the climate, and thus ease the pressures on the world's most vulnerable places, people and wildlife. We just need to make it happen.

Businesses are a key contributor to greenhouse gas emissions but they are also part of the solution. Climate change thus represents both a risk and an opportunity to business performance. Businesses that do not respond to the climate challenge are likely to face higher costs in terms of carbon taxes and a reduced customer base. In contrast, more progressive businesses, who adapt by decarbonizing and developing green products are likely to increase their financial, social, and environmental performance – their triple Bottom Line.

The degree in ‘Business and Climate Change’ will prepare students to become future business leaders who tackle climate change head on through the development of meaningful corporate social responsibility strategies and practices. In this degree, you will combine knowledge of the science of climate change with the skills to lead a successful business. The degree explores creative ways for businesses to respond to the challenge and opportunities of the current climate crisis and it will equip you with relevant subject specific knowledge alongside the inter-disciplinary, interpersonal skills and attributes needed to create a more just and sustainable world. If your trajectory involves having a positive impact on your world, this scheme will set you securely on that rewarding journey.

Students studying Business and Climate Change at Aberystwyth will:
- Develop a distinct inter-disciplinary approach to how businesses account for, and respond to, climate change


- Analyse the causes and consequence of climate change and environmental degradation, in particular from a business perspective


- Study organisations, their management and the changing external environment (including climate change) in which they operate. The programme covers a wide range of organisations, including public, private and not-for-profit, and focuses on the key functional areas of management at both the strategic and operational levels


- Prepare for a career in business and management, including the development of a range of specific business knowledge and skills, together with improved self awareness and personal development appropriate to graduates with the potential to progress into leadership positions. The programme encourages the development of positive and critical attitudes towards change and enterprise


- Enhance lifelong learning skills and personal development to contribute to society at large


- Develop and enhance a range of general transferable intellectual and study skills, which whilst being highly appropriate to careers in business and management, are not exclusive to these career choices


- Develop business graduates with an appreciation of social responsibilities, including in the area of climate change.

Aberystwyth Business School