Climate Change Scientist

Climate change scientists research, collect and evaluate climate data and develop models that predict changes to the environment, economy and society. They advise government on policy and legislation that can help to mitigate the impacts of climate change and advise businesses and industry and civil society on mitigation and adaptation measures.

Climate change scientists can work in global teams with other climate specialists and policy makers to address matters of climate change. They mostly work in office environments, analysing data and writing reports and making recommendations from findings.

Skills

Climate change scientists require extensive knowledge of factors causing climate change and strong competence in mathematical modelling. They will also benefit from:

• Extensive problem-solving ability 
• Excellent logical reasoning and analytical skills 
• Ability to work with and manage large datasets
• Strong research competence
  

Tasks

Research policies, practices or procedures for climate management

Create models to simulate effects of changes to climate

Provide analytical support and advise on climate change policy 

Make legislative recommendations related to climate change

Studies

B.Sc., B.Sc. (Hons), M.Sc. in Geography specialising in Climate Science at all universities

B.Sc., B.Sc. (Hons), M.Sc. in Meteorology at UP

B.Sc., B.Sc. (Hons), M.Sc. in Ocean and Atmospheric Science at UCT

B.Sc. (Hons), M.Sc. in Climate Change and Development at UCT

Employers

National, provincial and local government.

NGOs, community-based and development organisations and private companies and consultancies.

Research institutions.