Climate Scientists

Climate scientists conduct research to better understand how weather patterns have affected and will continue to affect different regions over a certain period of time. They also try to better understand the interactions between different aspects of weather (such as temperature and sunlight or wind and temperature) and the natural changes that occur in ocean and air currents such as El Niño and La Niña.

In recent years, many climate scientists have focused on global warming and the major role it plays in global climate change. Global warming is the slow rise in our planet’s average temperature caused by an increase in greenhouse gases (such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide). Greenhouse gases are produced through both human-made and natural processes. Nearly all of the world’s leading scientists believe that global warming is causing major negative climate change. These harmful changes include an increasing number of storms, droughts, heat waves, and wildfires; rising sea levels due to the melting of glaciers; the acidification of our oceans; serious threats to animal and plant life (including extinction); and other events that affect humans, plants, and animals.

Climate scientists collect and analyze data about atmospheric temperature, ocean conditions, glaciers, and greenhouse gases in order to test their hypotheses, better understand how the climate has changed and will change in the future, and provide scientific-based recommendations to policymakers on how to reduce global warming. The data is obtained from weather stations, satellites, radar stations, complex scientific instruments and sensors, and on-site visits to natural areas.

Some climate scientists specialize in atmospheric dynamics and physics, atmospheric chemistry, paleoclimate studies, or other areas. Others prepare forecasts and briefings for commercial, industrial, and governmental clients or serve as consultants for science publications or documentaries. Still others work as professors and pass on their knowledge to students. Some educators also continue to conduct laboratory and field research.