Advanced Certificate in Climate Finance for Small Cities
Published on June 28, 2025
About this Podcast
HOST: Welcome to our podcast, today we have Dr. Jane Smith, an expert in climate finance and the lead instructor for the new course, "Advanced Certificate in Climate Finance for Small Cities." Welcome, Jane! GUEST: Thanks for having me! I'm excited to be here. HOST: To start, can you tell us about your personal experiences that led you to specialize in climate finance for small cities? GUEST: Absolutely! I've always been passionate about climate action. During my Ph.D., I realized that small cities often struggle to access funding and knowledge for climate projects. That's what inspired me to focus on climate finance for these communities. HOST: That's inspiring! Now, what are some current industry trends related to climate finance for small cities? GUEST: There's a growing recognition of the importance of local climate action. Many funding initiatives now prioritize small cities, and innovative financial instruments like green bonds are becoming more popular. HOST: That sounds promising! But there must be challenges too. What have you noticed in your work and in teaching this subject? GUEST: Definitely. Access to information and capacity building remain significant barriers. Many city officials lack the necessary financial expertise, and there's a need for more tailored training programs. HOST: Speaking of training, can you tell us what sets your course apart from other climate finance programs? GUEST: Of course. Our course focuses on practical, hands-on learning, and we use real-world examples from small cities. We also emphasize networking and collaboration between participants, creating a supportive learning community. HOST: That's fantastic! Looking forward, what do you envision for the future of climate finance in small cities? GUEST: I believe we'll see more decentralized financing mechanisms and a stronger emphasis on local capacity building. Ultimately, empowering small cities to tackle climate change will be crucial for global success. HOST: Thank you, Jane, for sharing your insights and experiences. We're excited to see the impact your course will have on small cities and climate finance. GUEST: Thank you! I'm looking forward to seeing the difference our students will make in their communities. [2 minutes and 30 seconds]
