Climate Adaptation and Resilience Training Program
Building climate change adaptation knowledge and skills in Atlantic Canada
Communities across Atlantic Canada are already feeling the impacts of climate change. Climate adaptation is about working together to find practical ways to keep people safe, protect what matters, and help communities and businesses stay strong. Through our hands-on Climate Adaptation and Resilience Training (CART) Program, CLIMAtlantic helps build the skills and confidence people need to do this work. Along the way, you’ll share ideas in a supportive learning environment and connect with others who care about making positive change.
Who is the CART Program for?
CART is for you if climate change impacts show up in your work, if you want to build a career in climate change adaptation, or you’re ready to turn climate challenges into practical, community-focused approaches for your community.
This includes:
- sector employees
- municipal, provincial, and federal government staff
- consultants
- non-profit organization staff
- Indigenous organization staff
- watershed groups
- post-secondary students and recent graduates
Program Overview
- 12-week part-time program
- Total time commitment: at least 60-70 hrs (about 5 hours per week)
- Groups of 25 participants
- Six self-paced online modules with short learning assignments
- Group sessions:
- Virtual kick-off event for all participants
- Six training sessions provide an opportunity to practice skills and connect with others
- Final virtual half-day gathering with all participants from across Atlantic Canada for further peer learning and networking
- Optional virtual training sessions on climate data, facilitation skills, climate emotions, and more
- Note that some events may be in-person depending on the season
- Certificates of completion will be awarded to those who complete the program components
Cost
The CART Program is FREE. However, you (or your employer) must cover transportation costs to attend any
in-person training sessions. A limited number of travel bursaries are available for eligible participants most in need.
Join our Next Sessions
Meet with others from across the region, or within your province – New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador- to connect, share ideas and learn together.
APPLICATION FOR FALL 2026 SESSION OPENS IN MAY
English Provincial Session: Now Open! Apply here.
Atlantic region-wide Francophone Session: Now Open! Access the French website here.
Fall 2026 Program Schedule
Fall 2026 will have groups of 25 participants in each Atlantic province in English and one Atlantic-wide French group.
SCHEDULE TO COME
Modules and Learning Goals
Module 1 - Understanding Climate Change: Processes, Projections and Possibilities
- understand different perspectives about climate change, including Indigenous Knowledge
- understand the science and history behind climate change
- understand climate change risks and impacts across Atlantic Canada
- access, retrieve, and use reliable climate information for Atlantic Canada
Module 2 - Risk, Vulnerability and Adaptation
- understand the importance of equitable climate adaptation and resilience
- understand what a risk and vulnerability assessment is
- understand adaptation as an ongoing social process with multiple co-benefits for the community
resilience - share examples of adaptation and understand maladaptation
- understand and use adaptation tools such as flood hazard maps
Module 3 - Talking Climate: Communication, Engagement and Facilitation
- communicate about climate adaptation, engage with various audiences, and facilitate
difficult conversations - plan and design effective engagement events and meetings
- understand and use basic facilitation skills
- communicate with people who may not share your views
Module 4 - We're in this Together: Relationship Building, Teamwork, and Leadership
- build teams and collaborate with diverse people
- identify ways to build empowerment and decrease barriers in adaptation work
- know when and how to reach out to experts
- find out about provincial climate adaptation working groups and communities of practice to
connect with
Module 5 - Understanding Systems and Adaptation Process Management
- understand the concept of systems change
- plan and implement long-term plans and projects
- monitor and evaluate your projects
- take care of yourself and those around you, cope with climate anxiety, and work toward
collective resilience
Module 6 - Influencing Change and Navigating Adaptation Across Government Levels
- navigate climate adaptation across different levels of government and Indigenous
governments - understand jurisdictional issues and how different levels of government operate
- manoeuvre the political side of adaptation
- understand planning and policy processes and ways to influence change
Program Outcomes
With a CART Program certificate of completion, you’ll be equipped to:
- manage adaptation processes and projects
- understand and use climate change information
- assess climate risk and vulnerability
- engage, facilitate, and collaborate across sectors
- centre equity and Indigenous leadership
- navigate climate change adaptation across
- different governance levels
- enhance community resiliency
Have specific questions about the CART Program?
Hear from past Students
Meet the CART Team
Amanda Marlin (she/her)
Emily Cumming
Krystal Pyke
Zaheera Denath
Timilehin Oguntuyaki
Charles Thibodeau
Liz Carr
Muntaka Siddique (she/her)
Funded by
Our delivery partners
