Climate change competence—a view of professionals advancing climate change action

To support development of higher education on climate change (CC), this article uses an exploratory approach to gain perspectives on the needed competence of professionals in advancing CC mitigation and adaptation at expert or leadership positions at Finnish public, private and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). We conducted an open-ended questionnaire with fifty-eight professionals, followed by a series of interviews with twenty-four professionals who coordinate and advance CC actions in a professional manner. Based on our findings, a framework of professional CC competence emerges, through most utilized skills, knowledge(s), attitudes and values, consisting of six categories; Systemic climate change insight; Visions and strategies in changing climate; Collaborative climate leadership; Active engagement in networks; Courage and determination in climate action; and Climate values and justice. Such framing is relevant for climate change education (CCE) in both competency-oriented (higher) education, and in continuous learning, where experts and professionals as key practitioners solving the CC challenges in society are cultivated.