Climate scientist
Climate scientists study changes in the Earth's climate over time and how they might affect the planet in the future.
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
You could:
- gather and analyse data from the atmosphere, oceans and land
- create computer models to simulate the effects of climate change
- design and build scientific instruments and sensors
- study past climates to understand what might happen in the future
- monitor ice, sea levels and temperatures
- look at how global climate affects regional weather
- attend conferences and publish research findings
- investigate ways to tackle climate change
- advise policy makers
- teach or lecture in education
Working environment
You could work in a laboratory, at a university or visit sites.
Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time.
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 historic 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. You can find out more about being a chartered environmentalist from the Society for the Environment.
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- maths knowledge
- knowledge of geography
- knowledge of physics
- excellent verbal communication skills
- science skills
- knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
- the ability to work well with others
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
How to become
You can get into this job through a university course.
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
Work experience
You can get work experience through internships, placements or a year in industry during your course. This may help you to identify your area of interest for research.
For example, the Met Office runs both summer placement and year in industry schemes.
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
More Information
Career tips
You can find information about global climate conditions through:
Further information
Discover more about working in climate science from:
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External links
This page contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.