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Climate Risk Management graduate Jean-Michel Parle is using his knowledge to transform the Caribbean energy landscape. 

Jean-Michel Parle’s role at the Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (CCREEE) gives him a deep understanding of the urgent need to shift to cleaner energy systems. Caribbean countries have traditionally faced many energy challenges, including small and isolated power systems, high reliance on fossil fuels, and aging infrastructure. In addition, the impacts of extreme weather due to climate change have only compounded the region’s challenges. CCREEE is working to transition the region to a cleaner, more resilient energy future, and Parle supports this transition across several projects which provide decision-making support to countries in the region.   

Parle has an educational background in engineering and was looking to enhance his understanding of climate risk, assessment and mitigation. The graduate diploma in Climate Risk Management allowed him to gain this knowledge within one year while continuing to work full-time in Barbados. The program features, in addition to the University of ��ݮ��Ƶ’s reputation for excellence and innovation, were deciding factors in his decision to enroll.   

The program begins with a climate change fundamentals course, which Parle initially assumed would be uninspiring. However, he recalled that it called for practical engagement with climate change issues and realistic consideration of their implications in a way that ultimately proved invaluable. In one assignment, Parle was asked to review expert perspectives on sea level rise and develop guidance for planners on what coastal impacts they should plan for. This scenario, complicated by the deep uncertainty in climate change impacts and the real-world constraints faced by policymakers with limited resources, provided real insight into the practical value of this work. “Dr. Daniel Scott, who taught the class, was an excellent professor who was genuinely interested in his students' goals for the program. He often offered additional material and perspectives and would facilitate interesting discussions based on current climate-related affairs.” 

In addition to learning about climate risk in the context of his work in the energy sector, Parle was pleasantly surprised at his interest in other topics. "I was much more engaged with the course on climate change and community planning than I expected to be. I came to see the intersections between the work I do and the broader goals of community planning.” 

With the completion of the diploma, Parle feels better equipped to do his work. The graduate diploma in Climate Risk Management strengthened his understanding of climate change risk, enhanced his ability to collaborate with experts across disciplines, and increased his confidence in speaking on issues of climate change uncertainty, mitigation, adaptation and planning. 

#GRADimpact showcases the stories of our graduate students who are making an impact in their fields of study, communities, workplaces and the world.