Columbia University Climate School Social Impact Certification Program

DESCRIPTION: Background:

The Seven Seas chapter of the YPO has discussed with faculty of Columbia University's Earth Institute the need to conceptualize and organize thinking around how social impact can be best achieved by its members' support of individual projects. While sustainable development is being discussed at the higher levels of governmental and non-governmental agencies and philanthropies, the frameworks for designing and implementing practical solutions and the measurement and assessment of social impact are not necessarily apparent to the broader communities interested in supporting community-based programs. Indeed, this is an area of frontier research and its application in practice for which the Earth Institute is known.

The Columbia Climate School proposes to design a certification program that will provide members of the Chapter a deeper understanding of the frameworks, tools and examples needed to deliver more impactful social change through humanitarian and environmental initiatives. Areas of focus will include such sustainable development themes as, for example, improving livelihoods, educational resources and accessibility, sustainable agriculture, water availability & management, climate impact on healthcare and resilient infrastructure. The program will be offered to the Chapter members
and their partners.

The certification program will include these curricular elements:

Thinking in systems: Understanding human interactions with the environment demands a systems approach, building on the deep knowledge base of individual disciplines but with an appreciation for the fine-grained interdependencies among the different components. Such a trans-disciplinary approach can help avoid the unexpected consequences of particular projects and can aid in the assessment of social impact.

Building frameworks for identifying and categorizing social impact: Social impact is often defined subjectively, but both subjective and objective elements pertain to an assessment. How these are defined, measured and categorized can clarify both the aspirational and particular design elements of an intervention.

Identifying the tractable elements of an impactful intervention: Achievable social impact
ed on practical and sustainable design, including assessments of ongoing operational and maintenance costs in addition to capital investment.