Climate and Disaster Risk Management for Organizational Leadership

Description:

As climate-fueled disasters surge worldwide, the urgency for skilled professionals who can navigate risk, drive preparedness, and guide recovery has never been greater. This program is designed for anyone looking to strengthen their ability to lead and act in a rapidly changing world—whether in government, business, nonprofits, or community organizations. It empowers participants to turn climate challenges into opportunities for innovation and resilience, bridging knowledge with action to build stronger, safer systems for the future.

This foundational 15-hour interactive workshop delivers a practical, hands-on overview of climate and disaster risk management. Designed to equip participants with actionable insights, it examines how climate change is reshaping disaster risks and highlights the leadership roles essential to building resilience. Participants will explore the urgent challenges that extreme events pose to modern organizations, including operational, financial, and regulatory risks, and learn how climate-related vulnerabilities can be transformed into pathways for adaptation and long-term stability. Through applied exercises, real-world case studies, and sessions with leading industry experts, the program covers core topics such as climate risk assessment, disaster preparedness, regulatory mandates, and the integration of resilience strategies into business continuity and strategic planning. The result is an engaging and impactful learning experience that prepares participants to confidently face an evolving climate landscape.

Learning objectives/themes:

• Understanding Climate and Disaster Risks for Leaders. Build understanding in the evolving landscape of climate and disaster risks and their implications for organizational resilience and leadership. Leaders will be empowered to identify and respond to operational, financial, and regulatory challenges influencing business continuity and strategy.
• Foundations of Risk Assessment and Inclusive Recovery. Explore practical tools and develop foundational skills in risk assessment, equity-focused community engagement, and post-disaster recovery strategies relevant to business and operations.
• Leadership in Crisis: Communication and Organizational Change. Develop leadership skills to communicate risk clearly, foster collaboration, and guide organizational change initiatives that embed disaster resilience into strategic planning and operations.
• Navigating Disaster Finance and Emerging Challenges. Gain an overview of disaster finance fundamentals, including funding mechanisms and innovative financial strategies. Address emerging challenges such as disaster policy, supply chain

Who this workshop is intended for: 

This workshop suits emerging, as well as mid- to senior-level professionals and organizational leaders seeking a concise introduction to climate and disaster risk management. It is designed for those seeking to understand and lead organizational climate resilience efforts within their industries and organizations. No prior specialized knowledge is expected.

Learning Modalities:

This workshop will be offered in a virtual format using zoom. It will feature a mix of lectures, discussions, and audio/visual materials. Please note that all courses are taught in English. Proficiency in written and spoken English is required.

Schedule:

(VIRTUAL) March 25 - May 6, 2026, Wednesdays. Session 1 will be 2 hours in length. All other sessions will run for 2 hours and 10 minutes.

Session 1: Wednesday, March 25, 5:30-7:30 pm ET

Session 2: Wednesday, April 1, 5:30-7:40 pm ET

Session 3: Wednesday, April 8, 5:30-7:40 pm ET

Session 4: Wednesday, April 15, 5:30-7:40 pm ET

Session 5: Wednesday, April 22, 5:30-7:40 pm ET

Session 6: Wednesday, April 29, 5:30-7:40 pm ET

Session 7: Wednesday, May 6, 5:30-7:40 pm ET

Instructor Bio:

Jeff Schlegelmilch is an Associate Professor for Professional Practice in Climate. He is also the Director of the National Center for Disaster Preparedness at the Columbia Climate School, as well as the Director of Executive Education and Non-Degree Programs for the Columbia Climate School. His areas of expertise include public health preparedness, community resilience, and the integration of private and public sector capabilities.

In addition to his work at Columbia, he also served as an advisor to private sector organizations on topics related to grid resilience planning and advised leaders on preparedness systems and policy at all levels of government. He is an opinion contributor with The Hill and is frequently called upon as an expert for numerous media outlets. He is also the author of Rethinking Readiness: A Brief Guide to Twenty-First-Century Megadisasters and co-author of Catastrophic Incentives: Why Our Approaches to Disasters Keep Falling Short, both published by Columbia University Press.