climatologist
Role lens
Are you fascinated by the Earth's changing climate and want to contribute to a sustainable future? As a climatologist, you'll analyze long-term weather patterns and provide crucial insights to shape environmental policy and build resilience against climate change.
Climatologists are scientists dedicated to understanding the Earth's climate system. Your work involves studying historical weather data, developing climate models, and analyzing trends to predict future climate conditions. This often requires a combination of fieldwork, data analysis, and sophisticated computer modelling. You’ll be at the forefront of climate research, helping to inform decisions across various sectors.
- • Analyzing historical weather data and climate records to identify patterns and trends.
- • Developing and using climate models to forecast future climate scenarios, including temperature changes, precipitation patterns, and extreme weather events.
- • Advising governments, businesses, and communities on climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies.
Where this occupation is in demand
Reported labour shortages and surpluses, by year. Published for occupation groups, not for individual job titles.
Deeper colour: reported the same way in more consecutive years.
Figures cover Science and engineering professionals — 274 jobs including this one.
In shortage: Czechia, Italy, Spain.
Select a place on the map to see its figures.
About this source›
Source: ELA/EURES labour shortages and surpluses. Readings are published at occupation-group level, and cover Europe. Editions differ in annex layout and country coverage, so a change between years does not always mean the labour market changed. Countries in grey were not reported, which is not the same as being in balance.
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Could climatologist fit you?
Answer three quick questions. This is not a full assessment — it is a teaser to help you decide whether to compare your profile.
Do you enjoy tasks that require Analytical Thinking?
Do you enjoy tasks that require Achievement?
Do you enjoy tasks that require Achievement/Effort?
Future Outlook for climatologist
The outlook for climatologist reflects a balanced mix of automation exposure and durable, human-led work.
How are these scores calculated?
The Resilience Score (0–100) estimates how structurally protected this occupation is from automation and AI disruption, based on task-level analysis. Higher scores mean more human-judgment-intensive tasks. AI Exposure shows the estimated percentage of task hours that current AI capabilities could affect. These are model-derived structural indicators, not predictions about individual job security.
How could climatologist change as AI adoption grows?
This role is likely to change gradually, with AI supporting selected tasks rather than replacing the whole occupation.
Illustrative scenario based on task automatability — not a forecast. Values are rounded the further ahead you look.
How could climatologist change as AI adoption grows?
This role is likely to change gradually, with AI supporting selected tasks rather than replacing the whole occupation.
Illustrative scenario based on task automatability — not a forecast. Values are rounded the further ahead you look.
How AI may change this role
Deterministic, model-based interpretation of current role signals — not a guarantee of replacement.
What still depends on people
- interact professionally in research and professional environments
- evaluate research activities
- manage intellectual property rights
Where AI may become a co-pilot
- apply statistical analysis techniques
- manage open publications
- collect weather-related data
Tasks most exposed to automation
- synthesise information
- apply for research funding
- execute analytical mathematical calculations
Vital Signs & AI Vectors
AI Exposure Vectors
0-100%Exposure to AI-assisted analysis, pattern recognition, and predictive modelling tasks
Exposure to content generation, creative augmentation, and large language model tools
Exposure to physical automation, robotics, and sensor-driven task displacement
Exposure to workflow automation, decision-support software, and process digitisation
Technical Details
NexFuture v3.0 estimates automation exposure natively from ESCO essential-skill groups, weighted by skill mass and calibrated against expert anchors. Scores are probabilistic estimates, not guarantees. See the NexFuture Methodology White Paper for full details.
Measures automation exposure. It does not measure pay, demand, or how many jobs exist near you.
What people in this role usually do
Energy & Natural Resources
A typical day as a climatologist
09 09:00 · Morning apply for research funding
10 10:30 · Mid-morning carry out meteorological research
12 12:00 · Midday manage intellectual property rights
14 14:00 · Afternoon operate open source software
15 15:30 · Late afternoon advise on weather-related issues
17 17:00 · Wrap-up analyse weather forecast
Task order is illustrative. Individual days vary.
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aviation meteorology
The scientific field of study that interprets the impact of weather on air traffic management (ATM) and how thorough changes in pressure and temperature values at airports can create variations in head and tail-wind components, and may impose low visibility operating conditions. Knowledge of aviation meteorology can help to reduce negative impact on the ATM system by diminishing disruption and the consequent problems of disturbed flow rates, lost capacity and induced additional costs.
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geographic information systems
The tools involved in geographical mapping and positioning, such as GPS (global positioning systems), GIS (geographical information systems), and RS (remote sensing).
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hydrology
The study of the water concerning the availability and movement of water as well as the impact of human activities on the water cycle.
- climate change impact
- climatology
- mathematics
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conduct research on climate processes
Conduct research on the characteristic events occurring in the atmosphere during the interactions and transformations of various atmospheric components and conditions.
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manage findable accessible interoperable and reusable data
Produce, describe, store, preserve and (re) use scientific data based on FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) principles, making data as open as possible, and as closed as necessary.
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perform scientific research
Gain, correct or improve knowledge about phenomena by using scientific methods and techniques, based on empirical or measurable observations.
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apply scientific methods
Apply scientific methods and techniques to investigate phenomena, by acquiring new knowledge or correcting and integrating previous knowledge.
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apply research ethics and scientific integrity principles in research activities
Apply fundamental ethical principles and legislation to scientific research, including issues of research integrity. Perform, review, or report research avoiding misconducts such as fabrication, falsification, and plagiarism.
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promote open innovation in research
Apply techniques, models, methods and strategies which contribute to the promotion of steps towards innovation through collaboration with people and organizations outside the organisation.
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draft scientific or academic papers and technical documentation
Draft and edit scientific, academic or technical texts on different subjects.
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disseminate results to the scientific community
Publicly disclose scientific results by any appropriate means, including conferences, workshops, colloquia and scientific publications.
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publish academic research
Conduct academic research, in universities and research institutions, or on a personal account, publish it in books or academic journals with the aim of contributing to a field of expertise and achieving personal academic accreditation.
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write scientific publications
Present the hypothesis, findings, and conclusions of your scientific research in your field of expertise in a professional publication.
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collect weather-related data
Gather data from satellites, radars, remote sensors, and weather stations in order to obtain information about weather conditions and phenomena.
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analyse weather forecast
Analyse weather forecasts and the information provided on meteorological conditions, such as wind forces, atmospheric structures, clouds, and visibility. Constantly monitor weather conditions to maintain the validity of the forecast. Provide analyses depending on the requirements of various different industries and service providers. Evaluate routine air observations.
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manage research data
Produce and analyse scientific data originating from qualitative and quantitative research methods. Store and maintain the data in research databases. Support the re-use of scientific data and be familiar with open data management principles.
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use data processing techniques
Gather, process and analyse relevant data and information, properly store and update data and represent figures and data using charts and statistical diagrams.
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interact professionally in research and professional environments
Show consideration to others as well as collegiality. Listen, give and receive feedback and respond perceptively to others, also involving staff supervision and leadership in a professional setting.
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advise on weather-related issues
On 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.
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operate open source software
Operate Open Source software, knowing the main Open Source models, licensing schemes, and the coding practices commonly adopted in the production of Open Source software.
Skill DNA
Work personality traits and values that define this role
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Explore typical career progression paths, adjacent skills, and similar roles to plan your next transition.
Where does climatologist fit?
Similarity scores based on skill overlap from ESCO data.
Frequently asked questions
- What kind of educational background is typically required to become a climatologist?
- A strong foundation in mathematics, physics, and computer science is essential. Most climatologists hold a Master's degree or a Ph.D. in climatology, atmospheric science, environmental science, or a related field. Research experience is highly valued.
- How does the work of a climatologist impact policy decisions?
- Climatologists provide scientific evidence and projections that inform environmental policies, such as carbon emission reduction targets, renewable energy investments, and adaptation measures for vulnerable communities. Their findings help policymakers understand the potential impacts of climate change and make informed decisions.
- What are some of the challenges climatologists face in their work?
- Challenges can include dealing with complex and uncertain data, communicating scientific findings to a public often skeptical of climate change, and navigating political and economic pressures that can influence climate policy. Securing funding for research projects can also be competitive.
- Climatologist — is there a shortage in Europe?
- Both, depending where. Of the 6 European countries that assessed this occupation group in 2025, 3 reported a shortage and 3 a surplus. These assessments are published per occupation group rather than per job title.
- Climatologist — what does it pay in the United States?
- $97,450 a year at the median, as of 2025-05. State medians run from $42,820 to $128,800. Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is a United States figure and not a projection for Europe.