How to become A Climate Change Analyst

• Clean Energy Policy Analyst
• Climate Change Risk Assessor
• Climatologist
• Cumulative Effects Analyst
• Environmental Change Analyst
• Global Climate Change Analyst

What do Climate Change Analysts do?

A Climate Change Analyst would typically need to:

• Analyze past climate conditions; study factors like greenhouse gases that affect climate change
• Analyze and interpret data obtained from meteorological stations, radar & satellite imagery, and computer models, using techniques like geophysical fluid dynamics, data assimilation, and numerical modeling
• Use mathematical models to conduct numerical simulations of climate conditions to understand and predict global or regional weather patterns and future climate trends
• Assess wind, integration, validation studies, temperature, and humidity in the upper atmosphere, using weather balloons
• Gather and review climate-related studies from government agencies and research laboratories; analyze findings to inform legislators, regulatory agencies and other stakeholders
• Prepare climate-based study reports, memoranda, briefs, testimonies, and other written materials to inform the government, the scientific community, or environmental groups
• Review existing policies or legislation to identify environmental impacts; provide analytical support for policy briefs related to renewable energy, energy efficiency, and climate change
• Create graphics, presentations and impact models to educate the public about climate change and its impacts on human beings and nature
• Research the impact of industrial projects or pollution on climate, air quality, and weather phenomena
• Provide information for and work with businesses that rely on the weather: farms, tourism, and construction companies
• Collaborate with scientists who gather climate data; write grant proposals to further research climate change and environmental stewardship
• Design or develop new equipment or methods for meteorological data collection, remote sensing, and related applications
• Create visualizations to illustrate historical or future changes in the Earth's climate, using paleoclimate or climate geographic information systems (GIS) databases
• Collect air samples from planes or ships over land or sea to study atmospheric composition
• Perform managerial duties: create work schedules, create or implement staff training, match staff expertise to situations, and analyze the performance of offices
• Prepare weather reports or maps for analysis, distribution, and use in weather broadcasts and direct forecasting services at weather stations, radio, and television broadcasting facilities
• Develop educational and outreach programs on climate change; teach college-level courses on atmospheric and space science, meteorology, and global climate change

Climatologists can choose to work in a laboratory or an office or carry out fieldwork. They may also find a position that combines all three possibilities. Work in the lab would include taking measurements and recording data. Climatologists do paperwork in the office, analyze data, prepare reports, draft models, communicate with clients, government departments, and the public, and consult with other professionals in their field. Fieldwork for observation and research may take place nearby or in remote locations around the world.

Typically, Climatologists dress in casual attire for the office, business formal for conferences, lab attire for lab work with protective and safety gear, and weather-appropriate clothes, footwear, and headgear for fieldwork.

Consulting work can be done on a full-time or part-time basis, and often involves travel. Lab, field, and research work are flexible. Most Climatologists work full-time during normal business hours.

While overtime may not be required except maybe during weather emergencies, you may need to travel to conduct fieldwork, consult with businesses, or present research and findings at conferences and public forums.

Most openings will occur in larger metropolitan areas where international media are located.

Climate Change Analysts are generally employed by:

• Government Departments
• Colleges & Universities
• Research Institutes
• Environmental Consultancies
• Engineering Consulting Firms
• Non-Governmental Organizations
• Non-Profit Organizations

Some Climatologists may be represented, in the category of environmental scientists, by Unions such as the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers.

Professional associations and organizations are a crucial resource for those interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership in one or more looks excellent on your resume to bolster your credentials and qualifications as a Climatologist.

• The usual risks associated with a lab but can be mitigated with adequate safety measures and precautions
• Dangers of fieldwork and its uncertainties, especially in locations such as the Arctic, where supply flights can be delayed for days or weeks because of extreme weather conditions
• Given the complexity of climate and associated aspects, a range of expertise needed
• While not new, climate change continues to be uncharted territory
• Educating the public about the differences between climate and weather

Use internships and independent study to get hands-on or specialized experience. Climatology internships might be found through local television and radio stations, your country or region’s weather service, the weather channel, or state emergency management programs. Independent study courses may provide research experience for those who plan on going to graduate school.

A bachelor’s degree in environmental science, climatology, atmospheric science, hydrology, meteorology, public policy, and economics with a focus on climate or environment studies, is the basic requirement. Most Climate Change Analysts have a master's degree in environmental science, economics, environmental engineering, and natural resources management.

Students who would like to concentrate more on the science and mathematical modeling aspects of climate change analysis would need a master’s or PhD in mathematics, statistics, computer science, and physics. Students who plan to pursue the policy side of climate change should take a heavier course load in public policy and economics.

Voluntary certification is often seen as evidence of an individual’s drive and motivation, giving them a leg up for raises and promotions. Certification from an objective, credible, and reputed organization can help you stand out in a competitive job market and stay up-to-date on technology.

Successful certification programs promote and enhance the profession’s visibility, seek to serve and protect public welfare, and are responsible for investigating individuals that practice outside of the program’s Code of Ethics.

There are two career paths that a Climate Change Analyst can take. The scientific approach involves collecting and analyzing raw data to evaluate the economic and physical impacts of likely changes in the earth’s climate. The political approach concentrates more on evaluating the published body of climate data to draw conclusions and make predictions from multiple studies to lobby for or against proposed policy changes. They spend a lot of time communicating their findings to non-scientific audiences such as lawmakers, corporations, and the general public.

Promotions happen in positions related to research. As Climate Change Analysts earn more responsibilities and autonomy, they may supervise technicians or other scientists. Eventually, they may be promoted to project leader or program manager, or some other management or research position.

Climate Change Analysts may have to be content with intellectual revenue, but if you are looking for the big bucks, there are certainly some to be made in the industry. Low-carbon and adaptation technologies are inevitably the big growth areas, with transport and energy right at the top of the pile.

People are keen to lead greener lifestyles and embrace home energy generation but have no clue where to begin. So, there are several opportunities for entrepreneurs in this area, especially in advisory and brokering capacities.

Qualified Climate Change Analysts should not have difficulty finding employment in this still-emerging sector of the green economy.

Obtaining a professional certification demonstrates a detectable level of commitment to the field and facilitates entering the profession at a higher level and qualifying for a higher salary. Climate Change Analysts have to be well-versed in both science and policy.

Diversity of Work

A Climate Change Analyst evaluates scientific data, researches the climate, and then makes inferences to link the collected data to the world around them. The kind of information collected may include glaciers, ocean temperatures, atmospheric temperature, and greenhouse gas emission levels, amongst a lot of other scientific data.

Growing Need and Role

More businesses are expected to consult climate and environmental scientists to help them develop practices that minimize waste, prevent pollution, and conserve resources. Increasing public and political awareness of the environmental and economic impacts of climate change will create jobs and demand in this field. These analysts will be called upon to identify and suggest policy changes to governments and private businesses, especially as population growth exerts pressure on natural resources. Architects and Planners will look to Climate Change Analysts to assist them in designing and constructing buildings, utilities, and transportation systems that protect nature and limit damage to the land.

As opposed to meteorologists, who study short-term weather patterns, Climate Change Analysts forecast weather changes for years rather than days.

Natural climate solutions such as restoring degraded forests could create as many as 39 jobs per million dollars spent - a job-creation rate more than six times higher than the oil and gas industry.

Climate Change is a matter of grave concern, and though our responses may not have an immediate effect, they will honestly decide the future of humanity. Now is the time for people to learn, research, and educate...it is the time for us to unite truly. Every second that passes without action is another second wasted. Who shall lead us and provide us with timely guidance? It may very well be you, as a scientist...a researcher...a Climatologist.

Check out government jobs. Be flexible about location. Beginners may need to move to different geographic regions. Once your career is established, you may have more latitude for location in your chosen region or climate.