Lessons learned from developing the transdisciplinary master’s-level course "Living with changing climate”

Abstract. Effective climate services require professionals who possess the competencies to interpret complex climate data, engage meaningfully with users, and support informed decision-making. This paper presents the development and pilot implementation of the graduate-level course Living with Changing Climate, designed to foster these competencies through transdisciplinary and practice-oriented climate change education. Developed collaboratively by experts in climate science, impact modelling, climate services, and educational sciences, the course aims to strengthen climate action competencies relevant to professional contexts. It is offered as part of the Nordic Master in Environmental Changes at Higher Latitudes (EnCHiL), the University of Helsinki’s Master’s Programme in Atmospheric Sciences, and the Climate University network. The course integrates climate change science, the use of climate data, and the principles of climate services, with a strong emphasis on real-world application. Using a design-based research approach, this study explores the competencies essential for climate-informed decision-making, the challenges of developing an online course for diverse learners, and the key elements of effective course design and implementation. Insights gained from the pilot phase and student feedback provided valuable guidance and highlighted critical issues, the resolution of which substantially improved the final version of the course. This work highlights the role of higher education in advancing user-centred climate services by equipping learners with the knowledge and skills necessary for proactive climate adaptation and mitigation across sectors.