Diploma in Climate Medicine Certificates

Each 60-hour Certificate is offered once per year. Certificates may be completed in any order with the exception of Global Challenges, which requires participation in one or more prior Certificates.

Foundations in Climate Medicine

Foundations in Climate Medicine prepares clinicians to navigate and articulate the complex interplay between public health, climate science, energy policy, earth science, and governance. Translating intricate scientific concepts—such as the links between extreme heat and urban illness, biodiversity loss and pandemics, or extreme weather and food insecurity—into actionable insights is critical for effective advocacy and policy development. Climate Medicine specialists are uniquely positioned to fill this gap, crafting patient-centered narratives that engage policymakers, community leaders, and health system executives in promoting climate-resilient health policies, addressing environmental justice, and guiding health systems toward decarbonization. 

Key Features:

• Examination of the health impacts of climate change, including air quality, extreme weather, heat, diet, and gender-specific effects.
• Interdisciplinary sessions with renowned experts, including atmospheric scientists, environmental health specialists, and communication science professionals.
• Facilitated sessions at the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) Mesa Laboratory using state of the art climate models.
• Field exploration with a land manager on the front lines of climate-driven wildfires and community impacts.
• In-depth reviews of IPCC and National Climate Assessment reports.
• Training in narrative medicine and climate communication, and strategies for effective change management.
• Introduction to advocacy and oral testimony.
• Optional tour of the U.S. National Science Foundation Ice Core Facility (NSF-ICF).

Sustainable Healthcare

The U.S. healthcare sector contributes approximately 8.5% of national carbon emissions, with a significant environmental footprint generated by facility operations, energy consumption, and supply chains. Addressing this impact requires healthcare leaders who can drive sustainable, cost-saving strategies. From energy efficiencies and waste reduction to “greener” clinical practices, healthier food services, and sustainable purchasing, these initiatives present meaningful opportunities for healthcare professionals to lead as agents of change. By championing sustainability, clinicians can influence both the sector's economic impact and its commitment to community health and well-being. 

Key Features:

• Greenhouse gas accounting for healthcare facilities.
• Circular healthcare and sustainable waste management practices.
• Analysis of pharmaceuticals' impact on planetary health.
• Conducting life cycle assessments for healthcare goods and services.
• Sustainable healthcare policy development.
• Best practices from leading healthcare facilities, Health Care Without Harm, and Practice Greenhealth.
• Engagement with federal policy experts on healthcare decarbonization.
• Skills for effectively pitching sustainability initiatives to organizational leadership.
• Scheduled adjacent to CleanMed, the premier conference on environmental sustainability in the health care sector.

Disaster Resilience and Response

Climate change, recognized by The Lancet as the “biggest global health threat of the 21st century,” is intensifying wildfires, hurricanes, and extreme weather events that degrade air quality, disrupt communities, and lead to widespread illness. These shifts strain the social determinants of health, with climate-related effects resembling an emergency department triage list: heat-induced fainting, respiratory issues from pollution, vector-borne diseases, and trauma from extreme weather events. This course delves into the root causes of climate-driven disasters and equips participants with strategies for disaster response and resilience planning including vulnerability assessments and climate action plans.

Key Features:

• Case studies such as extreme heat events in the Western United States, extreme weather in the Gulf coasts and Caribbean, and threats to major safety net hospitals in New Orleans and New York City.
• Risk and vulnerability assessments for healthcare facilities and hospital systems.
• Exploration of climate action plans.
• Insight into stress injury awareness in disaster settings.
• Sessions with federal policy experts on national disaster mitigation strategies.
• Collaboration with environmental justice leaders on equitable approaches to disaster preparedness and response.
• National Incident Management System and disaster response training.
• Two days of immersive, hands-on scenario training at TEEX Disaster City, including participation in the renowned annual Disaster Day event.

Community Resilience

The economic and structural systems that drive climate change and environmental degradation also shape public health and the social determinants of health. Protecting communities requires a deep understanding of the core drivers of public health and policy at the individual, local, and regional levels. This course examines how innovations in transportation, the built environment, and energy shape social and health outcomes. Emphasis will be placed on using tools like policy briefs and public messaging to prepare for effective advocacy. Through expert-led sessions and insights from community leaders, participants will learn strategies for advancing environmental justice through co-production and collaboration.  

Key Features:

• Introduction to public health infrastructure, policy, and climate resilience with guidance from regional and national experts.
• Insights on strategies to decarbonize the electrical grid and achieve Net Zero goals.
• Case studies demonstrating real-world applications of city and state level climate action plans.
• Tips for tracking environmental health legislation.
• Training in media communication, featuring interactive sessions with Burness on message development.
• Scheduled adjacent to Our Planet, Our Health: 2025 Climate Action Convention, a collaborative gathering focusing on planetary health and climate action.
• Optional Capitol Hill advocacy day, where participants will engage with U.S. legislators on climate health policies.

Global Challenges

The health impacts of climate change are closely connected to global carbon economics and development priorities. Understanding energy transformation policy requires a thorough grasp of the environmental effects of both current and emerging energy supply chains, along with advances in renewable energy, sustainable mining, geo-engineering, and carbon capture technologies. Transparent, accurate, and comparable greenhouse gas accounting is essential to propel global climate action. Leveraging international environmental and planetary health policies is key to addressing complex global health challenges, such as climate-induced drought, malnutrition, displacement, and conflict.

Key Features:

• Examination of One Health and Planetary Health frameworks.
• Introduction to international human rights and environmental law.
• Case studies in forest conservation and restoration.
• Exploration of water and food system challenges in a changing climate.
• Insights into greenhouse gas emission accounting, energy economics, supply chain transparency, and renewable energy advancements.
• Perspectives from global climate doctors.
• Exploration of the Plant Select program at the Denver Botanic Garden.
• Scheduled adjacent to the Annual Critical Minerals Symposium hosted by the Payne Institute for Public Policy at the Colorado School of Mines.

Meet Our Experts

Climate Medicine represents a new frontier in clinical care, and at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, we are defining it. Through our Climate & Health Program, we leverage education, research, service, and partnerships to build a dedicated and sustainable community. Our mission is to enhance the capacity of all healthcare professionals to address this critical health crisis. We can't think of a more important endeavor for our creative energies, educational passion, and professional work.

Along with our in-house experts, we collaborate with leading figures in the field to enrich our team and provide a comprehensive educational experience. Our distinguished core faculty anchor our programs with their unparalleled expertise and experience. They are supported by a diverse group of instructors who combine academic research with practical insights. Together, they delve deeply into critical topics, equipping you with knowledge from those at the forefront of the climate and health dialogue.

PROGRAM LEADERSHIP

Bhargavi Chekuri, MD Director, Climate & Health Science Policy Fellowship Director, Diploma in Climate Medicine	Shana Tarter, WEMT, FAWM Managing Director, Diploma in Climate Medicine
Jay Lemery, MD Co-Director, Climate & Health Program Professor, Emergency Medicine	Terry O’Connor, MD (deceased) Founding Director, Diploma in Climate Medicine

CORE FACULTY

Kris Karnauskas, PhD	Edward Maibach, PhD
Emily Sbiroli, MD	Tara Benesch, MD
Jason Moats, PhD	Courtney Howard, MD

INSTRUCTORS

First graduating class of Climate Medicine Diplomates.

Qualifications:

The Diploma in Climate Medicine is open to United States based healthcare practitioners who hold an advanced degree and licensure in any area of clinical practice. This includes prehospital care providers, nurses, allied health professionals, and physicians.

Registration Process:

Registration is managed separately for each Certificate.

*Participation in one or more Certificates is a pre-requisite for Global Challenges 

If you are not ready to register but would like to join our interest list, please complete the form below.

Fees:

Participants register in each Certificate separately. The program fee includes instruction, access to the Learning Management System, a copy of Global Climate Change and Human Health (2e), some group meals, and transportation for field excursions.

• The fee for each Certificate is $2,900 (USD) for physicians in residency and other health professionals.
• The fee for each Certificate is $3,500 (USD) for physician participants for courses beginning prior to 7/1/2025 and $3,700 (USD) for physician participants for courses beginning after 7/1/2025.
• The fee for CME credits is $150 per Certificate (USD).
• The fee does not include airfare or lodging.
• Whenever possible, discounted rates will be arranged for associated conferences.
• Financial assistance is available (see below).

Registration Policies:

• A $500 refundable deposit is required to reserve your spot.
• Final balance payment is due 45 days prior to the start date.
• Refunds will be granted up to 30 days prior to the start of the program. No refunds will be granted for cancellations made 29 days or fewer prior to the start of the program. All refunds will be assessed an administrative fee of $50.
• Participants who complete all 5 Certificates will be eligible for a 50% discount on their final Certificate.

Financial Assistance:

We will award two $900 discounts per Certificate to exceptional applicants who can attest to need. Once we receive your deposit, you may submit your financial assistance application which includes:

• A 250- to 500-word statement attesting to your need.
• A letter of recommendation from a colleague in your clinical work setting.

Accessibility

The Diploma in Climate Medicine Program strives to ensure equitable access to our program for all participants and we welcome comments on how to improve this course’s accessibility. If you have a question or you would like to request an accommodation, please email ClimateMedDiploma@cuanschutz.edu.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I complete the program fully online?

No, to complete each Certificate you must complete all the recorded content and attend both live virtual and in person sessions.

Do I need to be a physician to participate?

No, the program is open to all United States based healthcare practitioners who hold an advanced degree and licensure in any area of clinical practice. This includes prehospital care providers, nurses, allied health professionals, and physicians. 

Why is the program limited to U.S.-based clinicians?

The program is heavily focused on U.S. policy and governance structures. In the future we hope to add a global focus to this program.

Is there a time limit to complete the Diploma?

There is not. While we offer each Certificate once per year, we recognize that participants may need multiple years to complete the Diploma.

Can I take just one Certificate?

Yes, participants are free to enroll in any Certificate that meets their professional goals, however, to earn the Diploma you must complete all five Certificates.

Do I need to complete the Certificates in a specific order?

You do not. You may complete the Certificates in any order with one exception. To participate in Global Challenges, you must have participated in one or more prior Certificates. 

How long do I have to complete each Certificate?

You will gain access to the Learning Management System about one month before the first live virtual session, allowing you ample time to start engaging with the course material. After the final in-person session, you will have three weeks to complete any remaining work, including recordings, readings, and quizzes. Since each 60-hour Certificate includes substantial content, we strongly encourage you to begin exploring the material early. 

Am I required to attend all sessions?

Yes, participants are expected to attend and actively participate in all live virtual and in person sessions.

What kind of credit can I earn?

Through partnership with the Wilderness Medical Society, we offer AMA PRA Category 1 Credits ™ for each Certificate. In addition, you will earn a certificate of completion and a micro-credential from the University of Colorado.

Do you offer financial assistance?

We offer two $900 discounts per Certificate to exceptional applicants who can attest to need. To apply you will need to submit a 250- to 500-word statement attesting to your need and a letter of recommendation from a colleague in your clinical work setting.

What is included in my registration fee?

The registration fee includes instruction, access to the Learning Management System, a copy of Global Climate Change and Human Health (2e), group meals, and transportation for field excursions. It does not include travel or lodging.

Do you offer ADA accommodations?

We strive to provide equitable access to our program for all participants and are happy to work with you to offer reasonable accommodation. Some Certificates include outdoor activities with travel of 1-2 miles on trails in variable environmental conditions. Please contact us at climatemeddiploma@cuanschutz.edu if you would like to discuss your specific needs.

Do you support specific dietary requests?

We work with our caterers to ensure that dietary requests are respected and choose restaurants that have robust vegetarian and vegan menus.