It becomes more pressing each day to make a difference in managing and reversing the damage climate change is doing to our planet. As United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres stated in his State of the Planet speech in December 2020, human action may be where this started, but it can be where it ends as well:
"Let's be clear: Human activities are at the root of our descent towards chaos. But that means human action can help solve it."
As climate change continues to impact our lives, the growing need for trained professionals to study and address these challenges is increasingly important. Climate change jobs can give you the opportunity to make a difference by creating innovative solutions with technology that drive change and awareness of global warming.
Help fight climate change with these jobs
“There are many ways to get started on the fight against climate change,” said Dr. Hinsby Cadillo-Quiroz, associate professor at Arizona State University’s School of Life Sciences. “It’s a field where interdisciplinary knowledge and skills are needed and thus offer a broad range of opportunities to contribute to solutions.”
Some climate change jobs to consider include:
Environmental scientist
A career as an environmental scientist involves using general climate knowledge and research to assess basic threats and protect the environment. This can involve, but is not limited to, cleaning up polluted areas, reducing waste among an organization and helping policymakers make sustainable decisions.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment of environmental scientists is expected to grow at an average rate of 7% between 2023 and 2033. The median annual salary for this role in 2023 was $78,980.
Sustainability consultant
A sustainability consultant provides expert advice to stakeholders on policies and procedures that promote sustainability within an organization. Their key responsibility is to support their organization’s objectives while prioritizing their environmental impact. This can include working on projects related to climate change, energy transition, environmental equity and other eco-friendly best practices.
Environmental engineer
Environmental engineers are responsible for combining the principles of science, biology, engineering and chemistry to develop smarter solutions related to environmental sustainability. Environmental engineers may work to help an organization improve practices in recycling, waste management, public health and general pollution.
The employment of environmental engineers is expected to grow at a faster-than-average rate of 7% between 2023 and 2033. The median annual salary for this role in 2023 was $100,090 with the typical entry-level education being a bachelor’s degree.
Renewable energy engineer
Renewable energy engineers focus on the production of energy from sustainable sources including solar, wind, hydro or marine power, to minimize environmental impact. Renewable energy engineers have the option to specialize in chemical, industrial, mechanical or electrical engineering. In each specialization the goal is to reduce the impact of fossil fuels on climate change to protect the health of humans and other ecosystems.
Agricultural and food scientists
Agricultural and food scientists conduct research to enhance the effectiveness and safety of agricultural operations and products. Their primary responsibility is to improve and expand the country's food resources including the commercial farming of animals and plants. They can perform their work in laboratories, offices or hands-on in the field. Agricultural and food scientists in basic or applied research and development throughout their work.
The employment of agricultural and food scientists is expected to grow at a faster-than-average rate of 8% between 2023 and 2033. The median annual salary for this role in 2023 was $76,400.
Hydrologists
Hydrologists investigate the movement of water across and within the earth's crust. A hydrologist works on evaluating water initiatives such as irrigation systems, determining water supply levels and minimizing climate impacts due to pollution, erosion and flooding. Hydrologists may work collaboratively with environmental engineers, scientists and public officials on large impact projects.
The median annual salary for this role in 2023 was $88,770.
Ecologist
Ecologists study the relationship between plants, animals and their environment. Their work covers many areas of ecosystem support including urban expansion, irrigation, climate change and invasive species. Ecologists often specialize in a specific type of environment, such as marine or coastal areas, or focus on studying a particular animal or plant.
Wildlife conservationist
Wildlife conservationists are scientists that dedicate their work specifically to the preservation of wildlife. In their daily work this can include hands-on fieldwork, laboratory research and policy advocacy. Wildlife conservationists can work in zoos, national parks, government offices and more, depending on the area of focus. Drawing upon the outcomes of their findings, wildlife conservationists prepare reports tailored for policymakers, landowners, industry leaders and local communities.
The projected job growth for the group that includes conservation scientists and foresters is 5% between 2023 and 2033, with a median annual wage of $68,300 as of 2023.
Climate change analyst
A climate change analyst, also known as a climatologist, studies atmospheric changes regarding the weather and climate. In this career path, you may assist in developing weather forecasts and collecting data to determine the causes of climate change and gain a better understanding of global warming.
Urban planner
An urban planner's role involves developing and executing strategies for the advancement of cities, towns and other urban regions. They will frequently collaborate with government officials, developers and community stakeholders to develop plans that cater to the needs of both the environment and the community.
The employment of urban and regional planners is expected to grow at an average rate of 4% between 2023 and 2033. The median annual salary for this role in 2023 was $81,800.
