How to become A Paleoclimatologist

Need to understand the Greenhouse Effect? Need answers to questions on how ice ages begin and end or how ozone levels impacted local ecologies in the past? Look no further than a Paleoclimatologist who is at the forefront of interpreting modern climate change through the lens of past fluctuations.

• Palaeoclimatologist
• Paleoecologist

What do Paleoclimatologists do?

A Paleoclimatologist would typically need to:

• Examine climate data to understand how local ecology and global climate looked in the past; differentiate between natural and human-induced changes; identify future pathways to avoid the most dangerous effects of global change
• Collect and examine tree ring data, ice cores, sediments, microfossils and other such samples to figure out the characteristics of climate from times when there were no valid instrumental records
• Develop mathematical or computer models to interpret data from the field samples mentioned earlier
• Use geological archives to reconstruct past climate states and the transitions between the different conditions 
• Use computationally efficient climate models to generate extensive ensemble simulations of past conditions
• Interpret data, reports, photographs or charts using computer models and knowledge of climate theory, physics and mathematics
• Use paleoclimate data to simulate future climate changes and explain fluctuations in global temperature and ice cover
• Develop the curriculum and conduct workshops or classes in palaeoclimatology, earth sciences, geology or related fields when employed in the academic sector
• Assist with research for documentaries or work behind-the-scenes as consultants for fiction and non-fiction production, when employed by television broadcasting companies
• Build empirical datasets and couple them with novel environmental reconstructions; use sophisticated analytical tools and integrated modelling methods to conduct research
• Write research reports itemising the findings of various projects and present them to diverse stakeholders
• Write grant proposals to secure funding for research projects

The work environment will differ according to the kind of industry Paleoclimatologists are employed in. The majority may divide their time between the field where they gather samples, the lab where they would study the samples and the office where they write reports and conduct meetings. 

Those who work in the academic sector would spend additional time in the classroom giving lectures. In contrast, those who work in the broadcasting industry may find themselves conducting behind-the-scenes research.

Travel may be an essential part of the research.

Most Paleoclimatologists have a regular work schedule that may be built around that of their employers.

Finding a new job might seem challenging. Paleoclimatologists can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting companies directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs, leveraging social media, and inquiring at staffing agencies.

Paleoclimatologists are generally employed by:

• Government Organisations and Departments
• Private Businesses
• Charities
• Public & Private Schools
• Community Colleges & Universities
• Public Outreach Organisations
• Television Broadcasting Companies

Professional associations and organisations such as The World Meteorological Organization are crucial for a Paleoclimatologist interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation.

Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• 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 is needed
• While not new, climate change continues to be uncharted territory
• Educating the public about the differences between climate and weather

Promising Paleoclimatologists with proven experience in climate modelling, working in a research laboratory and analytical instrumentation will find it easy to prove their commitment to course providers and prospective employers.

Read about the profession and interview/job shadow experts to gain further insight into the career.

Budding Paleoclimatologists will find a bachelor’s degree in climatology, geology, environmental chemistry, biogeochemistry, environmental biology, environmental science, ecology, oceanography, meteorology, applied mathematics and physics with electives in archaeology or paleozoology is adequate for entry-level research support or lab roles.

However, the student will need a Master of Science (MS) or a Master of Arts (MA) in the afore-mentioned subjects for research, analytical and teaching positions.

Doctorates are required for university teaching & research positions and those available in monitoring and research organisations.

You would do well to earn strong high school grades in math, physics, biology, chemistry and statistics. English and speech classes will help you develop your research, writing, and oral communication skills.

Voluntary certification in climate change and modelling, data acquisition & query design from an objective and reputed organisation can help you stand out in a competitive job market.

Successful certification programs protect public welfare by incorporating a Code of Ethics.

Experienced Paleoclimatologists with desirable academic qualifications and expertise can take on the role of Lead Scientist in research projects where they will develop project goals and parameters besides leading data collection and analysis.

Those with a passion and aptitude for teaching may become Professors in higher education institutes to train future generations of scientists.

Both government and private enterprises need Paleoclimatologists to conduct research and act as consultants on climate change.

Although the number of opportunities is few, you may also venture into television entertainment to conduct research and assist in making documentaries on climate change.

Candidates with a postgraduate degree in climatology, geology, environmental chemistry, biogeochemistry, environmental biology, environmental science, and relevant certifications will have the best job prospects.

Continuing professional development (CPD) will help an active Paleoclimatologist build personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity, formal education, or self-directed learning. It allows you to upskill continually, regardless of your age, job, or level of knowledge.

Invest in a master’s or doctoral degree if you do not possess one. Earn additional certifications in climate change, sustainability accounting, global reporting and related technical skills to increase your chances of advancement, and allow you to become an independent consultant.

Be on the lookout for training sessions and courses on paleoenvironmental, paleoecological, paleo-oceanographic or archaeological data.

Paleoclimatologists can expect support and additional training from the academic institution or from Vitae, a non-profit global leader with over 50 years of experience in enhancing the skills of researchers. 

In partnership with governments, funders of research, professional bodies, trusts & foundations, universities, and research institutes, Vitae offers training, resources, events, consultancy, and membership.

Data Drawn From

While palaeoclimatology owes its primary research data to geology and palaeobotany, one finds speculative explanations emerging from astronomy, atmospheric physics, meteorology and geophysics.

Contributory Factors

Paleoclimatologists consider the relationship between the Earth and the Sun as evidenced by the slight alteration in the configuration of the Earth’s orbit a significant factor in the study of past and present climatic conditions.

They also factor in changes in the surface of the Earth, such as volcanic eruptions, mountain-building events and the break-up of the supercontinent Pangea.

Questions That Need Answers

The reasons behind the irregular advances and retreats of the ice sheets - the glacial and interglacial episodes - are near impossible to explain with the current research.

Proxy Records Explained

The paleontological remains preserved in nature over millions of years are known as proxy records. Synthesis of proxy data helps better understand Earth’s climate over different geologic periods. 

Examples include the growth and size of tree rings on fallen trees which help Paleoclimatologists understand the general temperature or precipitation on Earth when the tree was alive.

Shells of dead marine creatures buried beneath layers of sediment over time are another type of proxy. Analysis of chemicals that existed in the shell from the time it originally formed helps determine the water chemistry and temperature when these organisms lived.

Scientists drill into ice sheets and extract ice cores to analyse deposits such as pollen and gas trapped within the ice. It allows them to understand atmospheric and climatic conditions that existed when particular layers of the sheet formed.

How Does Paleoclimatology Help?

Palaeoclimatology teaches us that the Earth’s climate is constantly changing with ice ages and periods of global warming alternating regularly. 

Other environmental factors such as continental drift, solar energy, greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and the variation in the Earth’s orbit affect Earth’s climate. Research shows that more than 50% of the observed global warming is due to human-induced greenhouse gas increases.

Models simulating increased carbon dioxide levels and other changes help predict future climate changes.

Potential Pros & Cons of Consulting vs Full-Time Employment

Consulting Paleoclimatologists have more flexible work schedules and locations. They have full ownership of the business and can select their projects and clients. However, they experience inconsistent work and cash flow, which means more responsibility, effort and risk.

On the other hand, a full-time Paleoclimatologist has company-sponsored health benefits, insurance, and retirement plans. They have job security with a fixed, reliable source of income and guidance from their bosses. Yet, they may experience boredom due to a lack of flexibility, ownership, and variety.

When deciding between freelancing or being a full-time employee, consider the pros and cons to see what works best for you.

Humans have disrupted the regular carbon cycles by burning fossil fuels, clearing land and suppressed the Quaternary planetary dynamics. There will be no ice age, as predicted, in 50,000 years.

Climate Change and Global Warming have become household terms over the past few decades, for a good reason. With Paleoclimatologists at the forefront of studying how our world is changing - in the oceans, the air and on the land, we have a better awareness of our responsibilities towards our planet.

Understanding "climate surprises" of the past is critical to avoid being surprised by abrupt climatic change in the future.