Summary Report for:
19-2041.01 - Climate Change Analysts
Research and analyze policy developments related to climate change. Make climate-related recommendations for actions such as legislation, awareness campaigns, or fundraising approaches.
This title represents an occupation for which data collection is currently underway.
Tasks | Tools & Technology | Education | Work Values | Wages & Employment | Additional Information
Tasks
- Analyze and distill climate-related research findings to inform legislators, regulatory agencies, or other stakeholders.
- Propose new or modified policies involving use of traditional and alternative fuels, transportation of goods, and other factors relating to climate and climate change.
- Research policies, practices, or procedures for climate or environmental management.
- Make legislative recommendations related to climate change or environmental management, based on climate change policies, principles, programs, practices, and processes.
- Prepare study reports, memoranda, briefs, testimonies, or other written materials to inform government or environmental groups on environmental issues such as climate change.
- Provide analytical support for policy briefs related to renewable energy, energy efficiency, or climate change.
- Review existing policies or legislation to identify environmental impacts.
- Develop, or contribute to the development of, educational or outreach programs on the environment or climate change.
- Gather and review climate-related studies from government agencies, research laboratories, and other organizations.
- Prepare grant applications to obtain funding for programs related to climate change, environmental management, or sustainability.
Tools & Technology
Tools used in this occupation:
| High end computer servers — High-performance cluster HPC computers |
| Laser printers — Computer laser printers |
| Mainframe computers |
| Notebook computers — Laptop computers |
| Scanners — Computer data input scanners |
Technology used in this occupation:
| Analytical or scientific software — Community Climate System Model CCSM *; Ferret *; Grid analysis and display system GrADS *; Unidata Integrated Data Viewer IDV |
| Development environment software — Formula translation/translator FORTRAN; Interface definition language IDL; NCAR Command Language NCL *; Unidata Network common data form NetCDF * |
| Object or component oriented development software — C++; Python; R *; Sun Microsystems Java |
| Operating system software — Linux; UNIX |
| Spreadsheet software — Microsoft Excel |
* Software developed by a government agency and/or distributed as freeware or shareware.
Education
This occupation may require a background in the following science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) educational disciplines:
Work Values
| Achievement — Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement. |
| Independence — Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy. |
| Recognition — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status. |
Wages & Employment Trends
National
Median wages data collected from Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health.
Employment data collected from Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health.
Industry data collected from Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health.
| Median wages (2011) | $30.25 hourly, $62,920 annual |
| Employment (2010) | 89,000 employees |
| Projected growth (2010-2020) | 
Average (10% to 19%)
|
| Projected job openings (2010-2020) | 43,200 |
| Top industries (2010) |
State & National
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2011 wage data
and 2010-2020 employment projections
.
"Projected growth" represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2010-2020). "Projected job openings" represent openings due to growth and replacement.
Sources of Additional Information
Disclaimer: Sources are listed to provide additional information on related jobs, specialties, and/or industries. Links to non-DOL Internet sites are provided for your convenience and do not constitute an endorsement.
- Environmental Scientists and Specialists
. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition.