If you’re a lifelong learner looking for ways to turn your passion for the planet into powerful action, you’re not alone. Many people today are seeking meaningful, accessible education to better understand climate change and conservation. Luckily, some of the world’s top universities and environmental organizations offer free climate online courses that can help you expand your knowledge and skills — often at little to no cost.

At The Tree Legacy Society, we believe that lifelong learners have an important role to play in building a more resilient, sustainable future. Education can empower individuals to advocate more effectively, innovate boldly, and inspire others to protect what matters most. Whether you’re just starting your journey or deepening an existing commitment, these free online courses can open new pathways for your personal and collective impact.

Why Choose Free Online Courses for Climate and Conservation Learning?

Taking a free online course allows you to learn from global experts at your own pace, without financial barriers. From climate science basics to conservation leadership, you can find a program tailored to your interests and time availability. Plus, many courses offer certificates you can proudly add to your professional or volunteer profile.

Here are some carefully selected, high-quality options to get you started:

1. Climate Change: From Learning to Action – UN CC:Learn

This self-paced course offers a comprehensive overview of climate change science, impacts, and policy responses. It’s designed to empower individuals to take informed action in their communities.
👉 Enroll here​

2. Ecology and Wildlife Conservation – University of Leeds via FutureLearn

Explore the principles of ecology and the importance of biodiversity conservation in this engaging course. You’ll learn about the threats to wildlife and strategies to protect natural habitats.
👉 Join the course​

3. Global Warming I: The Science and Modeling of Climate Change – University of Chicago via Coursera

Delve into the scientific aspects of global warming, including climate modeling and the role of greenhouse gases. This course is suitable for learners with a basic understanding of science.
👉 Start learning​

4. Nature-based Solutions for Disaster and Climate Resilience – UNEP

Learn how to leverage natural ecosystems to mitigate the impacts of climate change and enhance disaster resilience. This course highlights practical approaches to environmental challenges.
👉 Sign up here

5. Introduction to Climate Change and Health – Yale University

Examine the intersection of climate change and public health in this course, which covers topics like heat-related illnesses, vector-borne diseases, and health equity.
👉 Learn more​

🌱 Why Engage in Lifelong Learning on Environmental Issues?

Continuous learning equips you with the knowledge to understand complex environmental issues and the skills to contribute to solutions. By staying informed, you can participate more effectively in community initiatives, influence policy, and adopt sustainable practices in your daily life.

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