Climatologists study long-term climate patterns rather than daily weather. Learn what they do, where they work, and how to build a career in the field.
Climatologists study both the nature of climates – local, regional or global – and the natural or human-induced factors that cause climates to change. Climatology considers the past and can help predict future climate change.
Climatologists define the climates of geographic areas by analyzing weather patterns over a period of 30 years. They look at what the average high and low temperatures were for each month of those 30 years and collect precipitation amounts and other data.
Climatologists study long-term patterns over months, years, decades, or even centuries. Think of it this way: a meteorologist tells you whether to bring an umbrella tomorrow; a climatologist tells you how rainfall patterns in your region are changing over time.
Some climatologists carry out field studies; others use computer models in a lab. We specialize in agricultural, transportation, and human health concerns and explore the effects of climate change on forests and marine species, infrastructure, and humans.
What do Climatologists do? Climatologists play a vital role in uncovering the deep patterns and shifts shaping our planet's climate. Their work goes beyond charts and numbers-they translate complex climate data into meaningful insights that help society prepare for the future.
What does a climatologist do? A climatologist studies long-term weather patterns and the causes of these conditions. They also use their critical thinking skills to analyze scientific data, which helps them understand climate conditions and trends.
Climatologists play a crucial role in understanding and addressing climate change. They study climate patterns, analyze data, and develop models to predict future scenarios.
Once collected, climatologists use statistical methods to analyze it for trends, cycles, and anomalies. They look for patterns that emerge over decades, such as gradual increases in global temperatures, and process raw data to correct for inconsistencies over time.