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Science & ResearchISCO 2112

Climatologist

Climatologists study the average change in weather and climate from a long-term perspective. They research and analyse historic weather conditions in order to forecast climatic conditions trends such as changes in temperature, global warming, or regional evolutive weather conditions. They use these findings for advising on environmental policy, construction, agricultural projects, and societal matters.

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Rate 5 of the 11 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.

collect weather-related data

advise on weather-related issues

conduct research on climate processes

perform scientific research

analyse weather forecast

About climatologist

As a climatologist, you will be instrumental in understanding our planet's climate systems and predicting future climate trends. Your work involves analyzing vast amounts of historical weather data, conducting interdisciplinary research on climate processes, and using advanced statistical methods to forecast long-term climatic patterns. You'll provide critical insights on climate change impacts that inform environmental policy, agricultural planning, construction projects, and broader societal decisions, making your role essential in addressing one of humanity's greatest challenges.

Key Work Functions

Core areas of responsibility for a climatologist.

1

Climate Data Collection and Analysis

  • Collect weather-related data from multiple sources including satellites, weather stations, and research networks
  • Analyze weather forecasts and historical climate patterns to identify trends
  • Interpret complex meteorological and climatological datasets using statistical software
2

Scientific Research on Climate Processes

  • Conduct in-depth research on climate processes and atmospheric phenomena
  • Perform scientific research using established methodologies and peer-reviewed approaches
  • Conduct interdisciplinary research collaborating with other scientific fields
3

Climate Impact Assessment and Advisory

  • Assess and advise on climate change impacts across various sectors and regions
  • Provide expert advice on weather-related issues and climate-related concerns
  • Inform environmental policy development and construction/agricultural planning decisions
4

Meteorological Research and Forecasting

  • Carry out advanced meteorological research using specialized instruments and models
  • Develop climate models and forecasts for future climate conditions
  • Apply statistical techniques to analyze climate variability and change

European Skills Framework

Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.

Essential (11)

climate change impactclimate change impactThe impact of climate change on biodiversity and life conditions for plants and animals.statisticsstatisticsThe study of statistical theory, methods and practices such as collection, organisation, analysis, interpretation and presentation of data. It deals with all aspects of data including the planning of ...meteorologymeteorologyThe scientific field of study that examines the atmosphere, atmospheric phenomena, and atmospheric effects on our weather.climatologyclimatologyThe scientific field of study that deals with researching average weather conditions over a specified period of time and how they affected nature on Earth.collect weather-related datacollect weather-related dataGather data from satellites, radars, remote sensors, and weather stations in order to obtain information about weather conditions and phenomena.advise on weather-related issuesadvise on weather-related issuesOn the basis of weather analyses and forecasts, advise organisations or individuals of the impact of weather on their activity such as on agriculture and forestry, transport or construction.conduct research on climate processesconduct research on climate processesConduct research on the characteristic events occurring in the atmosphere during the interactions and transformations of various atmospheric components and conditions.perform scientific researchperform scientific researchGain, correct or improve knowledge about phenomena by using scientific methods and techniques, based on empirical or measurable observations.analyse weather forecastanalyse weather forecastAnalyse weather forecasts and the information provided on meteorological conditions, such as wind forces, atmospheric structures, clouds, and visibility. Constantly monitor weather conditions to maint...carry out meteorological researchcarry out meteorological researchParticipate in research activities on weather-related conditions and phenomena. Study the physical and chemical characteristics and processes of the atmosphere.conduct research across disciplinesconduct research across disciplinesWork and use research findings and data across disciplinary and/or functional boundaries.
Optional (19) — show
environmental policyenvironmental policyLocal, national and international policies dealing with the promotion of environmental sustainability and the development of projects which reduce negative environmental impact and improve the state o...palaeoclimatologypalaeoclimatologyThe field of science that studies climate changes during the entire history of Earth by collecting and analysing samples of elements such as rocks, ice, tree rings, and sediments.geographic information systemsgeographic information systemsThe tools involved in geographical mapping and positioning, such as GPS (global positioning systems), GIS (geographical information systems), and RS (remote sensing).green space strategiesgreen space strategiesThe authority’s vision on how to use its green space. This includes the goals it wants to achieve, the resources, methods, legislative framework, and time needed to meet these goals.oceanographyoceanographyThe scientific discipline that studies oceanic phenomena such as marine organisms, plate tectonics, and the geology of the ocean bottom.geologygeologySolid earth, rock types, structures and the processes by which they are altered.agronomyagronomyThe study of combining agriculture production and protection and regeneration of natural environment. It includes the principles and methods of critical selection and adequate application methods for ...urban pollution implicationsurban pollution implicationsCollection of pollutants created by cities and its effects on air, water and ground the entire environment.determine historic climate changesdetermine historic climate changesAnalyse samples taken from ice cores, tree rings, sediments, etc. in order to gain information on climate changes during the history of Earth and their consequences for life on the planet.use specialised computer models for weather forecastinguse specialised computer models for weather forecastingMake short-term and long-term weather forecasts applying physical and mathematical formulae; understand specialised computer modelling applications.use meteorological tools to forecast meteorological conditionsuse meteorological tools to forecast meteorological conditionsUse meteorological data and tools such as weather facsimile machines, weather charts and computer terminals, to anticipate weather conditions.use geographic information systemsuse geographic information systemsWork with computer data systems such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS).develop environmental policydevelop environmental policyDevelop an organisational policy on sustainable development and compliance with environmental legislation in line with policy mechanisms used in the field of environmental protection.conduct ecological researchconduct ecological researchConduct ecological and biological research in a field, under controlled conditions and using scientific methods and equipment.operate meteorological instrumentsoperate meteorological instrumentsOperate equipment for measuring weather conditions, such as thermometers, anemometers, and rain gauges.manage meteorological databasemanage meteorological databaseDevelop and maintain meteorological databases. Add information after each new observation.analyse environmental dataanalyse environmental dataAnalyse data that interpret correlations between human activities and environmental effects.manage air qualitymanage air qualityMonitoring, audit and management of air quality, including remedial measures.assess environmental impactassess environmental impactMonitor environmental impacts and carry out assessments in order to identify and to reduce the organisation's environmental risks while taking costs into account.

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Frequently asked questions

What does a climatologist do?

Climatologists study the average change in weather and climate from a long-term perspective. They research and analyse historic weather conditions in order to forecast climatic conditions trends such as changes in temperature, global warming, or regional evolutive weather conditions. They use these findings for advising on environmental policy, construction, agricultural projects, and societal matters.

What skills does a climatologist need?

A climatologist needs 11 essential skills, including climate change impact, statistics, meteorology, climatology, collect weather-related data.

Will AI replace climatologist jobs?

The AI disruption score for climatologist is 30/100 (low risk). Skills most exposed to automation: collect weather-related data, operate meteorological instruments, manage meteorological database. Most resilient: develop environmental policy, oceanography, palaeoclimatology.

Quick Facts

SectorScience & Research
ISCO GroupScience and engineering professionals
Essential Skills11

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