How Earthwatch is empowering climate action through live online learning 

Since 1971, Earthwatch has connected people with scientific research through global expeditions and educational programs. When the COVID-19 pandemic halted travel and in-person activities, we had to adapt quickly and develop new forms of virtual engagement. With a long history of successful in-person programs, we sought a new way to pursue our mission while expanding our reach to engage a larger audience. While this expansion had its challenges, and some questioned whether virtual programs can be as impactful as traditional ones, online educational programming is essential to our mission. As a result, Earthwatch launched the Climate Change Master Class, a live virtual science education program in which participants interact with leading environmental scientists.


 


 

Expanding access and minimizing carbon footprints through virtual learning

Recognizing the immense value of hands-on experience, Earthwatch faced the challenge of continuing our mission in the face of global health risks and the ongoing climate crisis. Our dedicated team of scientists and educators was eager to continue sharing critical research and developing innovative online programming. As a result, Earthwatch's online programs have grown, providing a virtual platform for people worldwide to learn about climate change, air pollution, pollinators, and environmental sustainability. Participants also have the opportunity to hear directly from scientists who work on these topics daily. This type of virtual programming not only breaks down geographical barriers, allowing us to reach more people at home or work, but it also aligns with Earthwatch's commitment to reducing the environmental impact of program-related travel.


 


 

What sets the Climate Change Master Class apart?

The Climate Change Master Class has quickly gained traction among corporate partners and professionals from various industries, including financial services, utilities, and insurance. The program's success can be attributed to its unique combination of educational modules and direct interactions with Earthwatch's global network of scientists and partners. Participants gain valuable insights into the concepts of climate change and environmental sustainability while exploring sector-specific topics that are aligned with ongoing ESG or sustainability initiatives.


 

Earthwatch participants gain valuable insights into the concepts of climate change and environmental sustainability while exploring sector-specific topics that are aligned with ongoing ESG or sustainability initiatives.


 


 

What expertise do guest speakers bring to the table?

Participation of renowned experts from Earthwatch's extensive network is a standout feature of the program. Scientists and partners share their most recent research findings and perspectives, enriching participants' learning experiences. Participants can engage with scientists directly and ask questions about topics such as biodiversity loss, climate science, and the socioeconomic impacts of climate change. Past speakers include marine conservation ecologist and Director of Environmental Conservation at Cedar Crest College, Dr. John A. Cigliano, and Restauración Ecológica y Desarrollo A.C. (REDES) Director Elsa Valiente Riveros.


 


 

The power of live online programming

Online programming grew in popularity in 2020, though some question whether it is still a worthwhile investment. However, Earthwatch believes that the virtual realm provides exceptional opportunities for education and engagement. Our Climate Change Master Class reaches a broad audience, breaks down geographical barriers, and improves accessibility by leveraging emerging interactive technology. This model is not only environmentally friendly, as it reduces greenhouse gas emissions associated with travel for in-person programming, but it also allows us to reach people who would otherwise be unable to participate in our programming. Since its launch, over 1,800 have participated in our Climate Change Master Class program.

Our Environmental Education Manager, Anna Woodroof, outlines how the Climate Change Master Class reaches a broader audience and lets people interact directly with scientists. "This program allows people to engage with Earthwatch programming that previously felt out of reach," Anna explained. "Our goal is to keep organizations up to date on the most recent environmental research, to tailor our content to specific sectors, and to encourage participants to take action."


 


 

Ready to bring the Climate Change Master Class to your organization?

Earthwatch's Climate Change Master Class is a virtual game changer, allowing a broad audience to learn, engage, and collaborate on pressing environmental issues. More and more businesses recognize that embracing sustainability and corporate social responsibility requires more than environmental awareness. Earthwatch provides a variety of customized corporate engagement opportunities and programming, such as our Climate Change Master Class, to help further your organization's sustainability commitment.


 

Earthwatch's Climate Change Master Class is a virtual game changer, allowing a broad audience to learn, engage, and collaborate on pressing environmental issues.


 


 

Please get in touch with us at partnerships@earthwatch.org to learn more about our Climate Change Master Class and other partnership opportunities.


 

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