Learn how to become a climate change analyst, a career that involves environmental engineering, science, and policy. Find out the education, skills, and experience you need.

There are many types of “climate change analysts”. You may be specialized in climate or environmental science, or focused on climate policy or economics. You could work for a city, a transportation agency, a consulting firm or a bank. Define what is most interesting to you and aligned with your skills or previous diploma, and supplement as needed with more studies - degree or certificate in your line of work.

In recent years, I often see people started their careers as Climate Change analyst, and then jumped into consulting, international organizations, NGOs, etc. in order to learn more as well as getting a PhD. For example, I majored environmental engineering and began to work as a climate change analyst in a beverage company. And then I got an MBA and changed my role as a management consultant in climate change fields, which allowed me to broad my perspective as well as deepen my knowledge.

How do you become a climate change analyst?

Climate change is one of the most pressing challenges of our time, and it requires experts who can analyze its causes, impacts, and solutions. If you are interested in becoming a climate change analyst, you will need a combination of education, skills, and experience to succeed in this rewarding and dynamic field. Here are some steps to guide you on your path.

1 Choose your degree

The first step to becoming a climate change analyst is to pursue a relevant degree in environmental engineering, environmental science, climate science, or a related discipline. You will learn the fundamentals of natural and physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and engineering principles, as well as how to apply them to environmental problems. You will also develop your analytical, research, and communication skills, which are essential for any climate change analyst. Depending on your interests and goals, you may choose to specialize in a specific area of climate change, such as mitigation, adaptation, or policy.

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Emilie Mazzacurati

Co-Founder, Tailwind | Building the Adaptation & Resilience Tech Market
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There are many types of “climate change analysts”. You may be specialized in climate or environmental science, or focused on climate policy or economics. You could work for a city, a transportation agency, a consulting firm or a bank. Define what is most interesting to you and aligned with your skills or previous diploma, and supplement as needed with more studies - degree or certificate in your line of work.

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Jaime Saldarriaga, Ph.D.

Owner at Hydrology and Water Resource Science/Energy and Natural Resources/Climate/Utilities Regulation/Global Issues/Research/Mentoring.
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To be an Analyst you need to prepare yourself about the fundamentals of Environmental Science. It is highly desirable to obtain an advanced degree on a closely related discipline.

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Keisuke Shishido

Consultant (Climate & Sustainability Expert) at BCG
(edited)
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Climate change is a broad and interdisciplinary field that offers many career paths and opportunities. Therefore, It is essential to focus on a specific sector, region, or aspects that interests you. To identify your niche, you could join professional associations, online communities, or events that connect you with other environmental scientists.

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2 Gain practical experience

While studying for your degree, you should look for opportunities to gain practical experience in the field of climate change analysis. You can do this by participating in internships, research projects, volunteer work, or extracurricular activities that involve climate change issues. This will help you build your network, portfolio, and resume, as well as expose you to different aspects of climate change analysis, such as data collection, modeling, assessment, reporting, or advocacy. You may also find mentors or role models who can offer you guidance and feedback.

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3 Pursue further education

If you want to advance your career as a climate change analyst, you may consider pursuing further education, such as a master's degree or a PhD. This will allow you to deepen your knowledge, expertise, and credibility in the field of climate change analysis, as well as explore new topics and methods. You will also have the opportunity to conduct original research and contribute to the scientific literature and policy debates on climate change. Further education can also open up more opportunities for leadership, teaching, or consulting roles.

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Keisuke Shishido

Consultant (Climate & Sustainability Expert) at BCG
(edited)
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In recent years, I often see people started their careers as Climate Change analyst, and then jumped into consulting, international organizations, NGOs, etc. in order to learn more as well as getting a PhD. For example, I majored environmental engineering and began to work as a climate change analyst in a beverage company. And then I got an MBA and changed my role as a management consultant in climate change fields, which allowed me to broad my perspective as well as deepen my knowledge.

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4 Obtain relevant certifications

Another step to becoming a climate change analyst is to obtain relevant certifications that demonstrate your competence and professionalism in the field. For example, you may consider becoming a Certified Environmental Professional (CEP), a Certified Climate Change Professional (CC-P), or a Certified Environmental Engineer (CEE). These certifications require you to meet certain criteria, such as education, experience, and exams, and to adhere to ethical standards and codes of practice. They can also help you stand out from the crowd and increase your credibility and recognition.

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Keisuke Shishido

Consultant (Climate & Sustainability Expert) at BCG
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When you want to work in companies, climate change analysts are often hired in EHS (environment, health, and safety) fields. To apply this job, you are often required to learn some skills about - Analyzing to develop and implement strategies, processes, and procedures to achieve EHS goals and program objectives. - Communicating internal stakeholders to ensure that EHS policies are communicated, implemented, and enforced among employees, vendors. - Design injury/illness and accident management processes - Research specific strategies from risk assessment of the existing portfolio to identify sources of risk and develop remediation and mitigation plans.

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5 Keep learning and networking

The final step to becoming a climate change analyst is to keep learning and networking throughout your career. Climate change is a complex and evolving phenomenon that requires constant updating and adaptation of your knowledge and skills. You should stay abreast of the latest scientific findings, technological innovations, and policy developments on climate change, and seek opportunities to enhance your professional development. You should also network with other climate change analysts and stakeholders, such as researchers, practitioners, policymakers, or activists, and join relevant associations or organizations. This will help you exchange ideas, insights, and opportunities, and collaborate on projects or initiatives that address climate change challenges.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How do you become a climate change analyst?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Choose your degree

2 Gain practical experience

3 Pursue further education

4 Obtain relevant certifications

5 Keep learning and networking

6 Here’s what else to consider

Environmental Engineering

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How do you become a climate change analyst?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Choose your degree

2 Gain practical experience

3 Pursue further education

4 Obtain relevant certifications

5 Keep learning and networking

6 Here’s what else to consider

Environmental Engineering

Rate this article

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