Climate scientist
Climate scientists study changes in the Earth's climate over time and how they might affect the planet in the future.
Also known as: Climatologist
- Starter salary£32,000 a year
- Experienced£58,000 a year
- Typical hours37 to 42 a week
- Green jobYes
What you'll do
As a climate scientist, you could:
- analyse data from the atmosphere, oceans and land
- simulate the effects of climate change with computer modelling
- design and build scientific instruments and sensors
- study past changes to climate to help forecast future trends
- monitor global ice and sea levels, using radar and satellite imagery
- look at how global climate affects regional weather events
- attend conferences and publish research findings
- investigate ways to tackle climate change
- advise policy makers
Working environment
You could work in a laboratory, at a university or visit sites.
Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
You'll need:
- maths knowledge
- knowledge of geography
- knowledge of physics
- analytical thinking skills
- excellent verbal communication skills
- science skills
- the ability to work well with others
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications
How to become a climate scientist
You can get into this job through a university course.
University
You could do a degree or postgraduate qualification in a relevant subject like:
- environmental science or ecology
- geography, earth sciences or geology
- physics
- maths and statistics
- oceanography or marine science
- meteorology and climate science
- computer science
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including maths and a science for a degree
- a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
Career path and progression
You could specialise in an area of climate science, for example polar research, rainfall patterns or ocean changes. You might do this through research and teaching at a university or by working for a government department.
You could also work as a palaeoclimatologist, studying historical variations in climate and how the Earth adapted to these.
Other career options include working as a consultant for science publishers or broadcasters.
You may be able to apply for Chartered Environmentalist status with the Society for the Environment, which recognises your knowledge and expertise in this area.
Career tips
You can find information about global climate conditions through:
- NASA
- the Met Office
- the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
Guides for this industry
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