Top business schools are shifting MBA programs to focus on climate

Top business schools like Wharton are adapting their MBA programs to meet the growing demand for expertise in climate and sustainability, preparing graduates to navigate and capitalize on the evolving climate economy.

Mathilde Augustin reports for Inside Climate News.

In short:

• Wharton’s new Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) major became its sixth most popular within a year, reflecting student demand.
• The program teaches how ESG factors impact business finances, highlighting both risks and opportunities in the climate transition.
• Growing interest in climate-related careers has led to more students pursuing roles in green investing and corporate sustainability.

Key quote:

“I wanted to bring more purpose to what I was doing professionally, try to be more mission-focused. I wanted to do something that would make the future a more liveable place.”

— Caroline Haley, second year MBA student.

Why this matters:

As the climate crisis reshapes industries, business leaders with expertise in sustainability will be essential for driving both economic growth and environmental progress. These programs signal a broader shift in how future executives are being trained to tackle global challenges.

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