Overview
Cities are at the frontline of the climate transition, and their ability to act decisively depends on how well they understand and manage the data behind their strategies. This course equips local policymakers, planners, and technical staff with the skills to turn climate data into climate action. Over four practical modules, participants will build a clear understanding of why data is essential for setting credible climate objectives, how to establish baselines and model future trajectories, and how to select and process the right types of data for their needs.
`The course moves from foundational concepts—like understanding internal versus external data sources and assessing their quality—to more hands-on skills such as data cleaning, integration, and working with measurement providers. Finally, it explores how cities can use data not only to plan and monitor progress but also to engage citizens, shape compelling narratives, and build public support for their transition. Whether your city is developing its first climate plan or fine-tuning its path to net zero, this course will help you treat data not as a technical burden but as a strategic tool—one that guides better decisions, builds credibility, and accelerates impact.
What you'll learn
- Identify and evaluate the most relevant data sources for urban climate and energy planning.
- Create emissions baselines and define realistic, science-aligned climate targets.
- Clean, compile, and process data to inform decisions and model future scenarios.
- Collaborate with data providers and improve access to technical and operational data.
- Communicate data effectively to engage citizens and build support for climate action.
Requirements
- Basic understanding of local climate or energy planning processes.
- Experience working in or with a city administration on policy or strategy development.
- Familiarity with spreadsheets or data tables (no advanced data skills required).
- No prior use of specific tools (e.g. EUCityCalc) is required, but an interest in applied data use is essential.
Contents
Educational team
Enrolment options
Data for a clean energy transition
Cities are at the frontline of the climate transition, and their ability to act decisively depends on how well they understand and manage the data behind their strategies. This course equips local policymakers, planners, and technical staff with the skills to turn climate data into climate action. Over four practical modules, participants will build a clear understanding of why data is essential for setting credible climate objectives, how to establish baselines and model future trajectories, and how to select and process the right types of data for their needs.
`The course moves from foundational concepts—like understanding internal versus external data sources and assessing their quality—to more hands-on skills such as data cleaning, integration, and working with measurement providers. Finally, it explores how cities can use data not only to plan and monitor progress but also to engage citizens, shape compelling narratives, and build public support for their transition. Whether your city is developing its first climate plan or fine-tuning its path to net zero, this course will help you treat data not as a technical burden but as a strategic tool—one that guides better decisions, builds credibility, and accelerates impact.
- Teacher: Ermete Mariani
- Enrolled students: 20