Climate Change & Security – Spring Course 2026
CCASCOE Spring Course 2026: Climate Change & Security (Basic)
Decision Awareness: Building Climate-Informed Advisory Competence for Military Professionals
- Dates
- Online Session: May 4, 2026
- In-person Sessions: May 11-15, 2026
- Follow-up Session: TBC
- Location
- Maison du développement durable, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Language
- English
The CCASCOE Spring Course 2026 is a blended learning programme designed for professionals working across defence, security, and policy fields who seek to strengthen their ability to recognise and assess climate-related risks. Delivered through a pre-course module in early May 2026, an in-person session from 11–15 May 2026 in Montréal, and a post-course follow-up, the course offers a structured and practice-oriented learning experience.
Fully aligned with NATO Climate Change and Security approach and NATO Education, Training, Exercise and Evaluation (ETEE) doctrine, the course focuses on how climate factors act as risk multipliers within existing planning, assessment, and advisory processes. Using a realistic operational scenario and an interactive Awareness-Lab methodology, participants develop stronger problem framing, risk awareness, and decision-making skills under uncertainty. The course will equip participants with immediately applicable competencies to support senior decision-makers in increasingly complex, climate-affected environments.
While subject to change, the Course Agenda
is now available.
FAQ Section
When and where does the course take place?
- Online pre-course session: May 4, 2026
- In-person course: May 11–15, 2026
- Follow-up session: TBD
- Location: Maison du développement durable, Montréal, Québec, Canada
How many participants will be accepted and how do I apply?
The course is limited to 40 participants. Applications must be submitted via the CCASCOE online registration form before the application deadline of March 27, 2026 (mandatory for international participants, and for Canadian participants who already have supervisory approval).
Important: Canadian participants are explicitly encouraged to apply even if supervisory approval has not yet been granted before the end of the fiscal year. Applying does not constitute a binding commitment to participate.
Registration is not final until confirmed by CCASCOE. Please do not book flights before receiving the confirmatory message.
What is the course fee?
The course fee is CAD 600 (EUR 370).
Is prior knowledge of climate science required?
No. The course is designed as a basic / foundational course. No prior background in climate science is required.
What makes this course “basic” rather than advanced?
This basic course focuses on:
- awareness and understanding rather than mastery,
- guided exercises rather than complex simulations, and
- qualitative discussion rather than formal assessment.
Advanced courses build on this foundation with more complex scenarios, analytical tools, and decision-level training.
What methodology is used in the course?
The course uses a practice-oriented, scenario-based methodology, combining short expert inputs, facilitated group work, simple practical exercises, and structured reflection. The emphasis is on learning by doing rather than lectures.
What is meant by a scenario-based approach?
Participants work with one simplified operational scenario throughout the course, allowing them to understand cause–effect relationships and progressively integrate climate-related considerations without changing context.
How does the course toolkit work?
The toolkit is developed progressively throughout the course. Participants co-create a simple, practical set of tools that can be directly applied to climate-aware planning, discussion, and advisory tasks in their professional roles.
Is there any assessment or grading?
No. The course has no exams, no formal grading, and no ranking. Learning is supported through participation and practical engagement.
What will participants be able to do after the course?
After completing the course, participants will be able to:
- recognize climate-related operational risks,
- explain why climate matters for security decisions, and
- integrate basic climate considerations into planning discussions and advice.
Is there a pathway after the basic course?
Yes. The basic course can be followed by advanced or specialised courses, such as decision-maker training, functional modules (e.g. logistics or CIMIC), or integration into exercises and staff training.
What is the time commitment for the course and follow-up?
Participants are expected to attend:
- a two-hour online pre-course session, and
- the five-day in-person course.
The course also includes a follow-up phase designed to support application in practice without creating additional workload.
What does the follow-up phase consist of?
The follow-up phase includes three online meetings, held once per month, combined with brief feedback activities:
- T+2 weeks:
Email distribution of the consolidated course toolkit
- T+1 month:
First virtual reunion (online) and short survey on initial application
- T+2 months:
Second virtual reunion (online) and deeper impact survey
- T+3 months:
Final virtual reunion (online) and comprehensive course evaluation
Participation in follow-up activities is recommended but not mandatory.