5 Jobs That Help Fight Climate Change

Climate change is a hot and trending topic, given the rate of global warming has been faster than expected. The desire to address climate change through our careers and life's work, and the demand for these types of jobs, has also increased.

One might consider becoming an environmental lawyer, a climate scientist, or a sustainability consultant. There are plentiful opportunities to help fight climate change in a range of industries, from government to private sector to non-profit.

If you're concerned about climate change, consider a career that takes action toward alleviating it. Learn more about climate change jobs and decide if this is the right career path for you.

5 climate change jobs to consider in 2024

Whether you enjoy sitting at a desk or working outdoors, climate change jobs exist across many fields, including science, engineering, business, and law. While some professionals in these fields use complex formulas to make predictions about climate change, others find solutions to environmental or climate problems by making new laws. Here are five climate change careers to consider. 

*All salary data sourced from Glassdoor (December 2023)

1. Climate scientist 

Climate scientists study aspects of Earth's climate like temperature, sunlight, and precipitation. They use complex mathematical formulas and computer models to help predict climate change’s effects on the ocean, the food supply, regional weather patterns, and more. 

To become a climate scientist, you can pursue a bachelor's degree in climate science, climatology, meteorology, or another related field. For an educational track, get an entry-level job that allows you to work simultaneously on a master's degree. Some companies and organizations might even help pay for your tuition to entice you to stay at the job. 

While some climate scientists work in an office or a lab, others may spend the majority of their time working in the field.

Average annual salary (US): $80,028

2. Environmental engineer 

Environmental engineers identify environmental problems and create plans to fix them using biology, chemistry, engineering, and soil science knowledge. They create systems and structures such as sewers, aqueducts, sustainable buildings, and wind turbines. 

To be an environmental engineer, consider pursuing a bachelor's degree in environmental engineering, civil engineering, or a related field. Join a cooperative environmental engineering program, and you can alternate periods of academic study with full-time work. 

As an environmental engineer, you might work in both an office and construction setting taking samples or surveying progress. 

Average annual salary (US): $80,691

3. Environmental lawyer 

Environmental lawyers represent individuals, companies, or organizations in legal issues regarding the environment like climate change, land use, or water rights. 

As an environmental lawyer, you could work for state or federal agencies, nonprofit groups, or corporations. Job duties might include working on court cases, lobbying for pro-environment legislation, consulting on sustainable business practices, and counseling clients on environmental regulations and laws.

To become an environmental lawyer, consider pursuing a bachelor's degree in a field like environmental studies, public policy, or political science. Then, earn a law degree and pass the bar exam. 

Average annual salary (US): $90,025

4. Renewable energy engineer 

Renewable energy engineers work on ways to get energy from renewable sources like wind, sun, and water. They also work to reduce the use of finite energy sources, like oil. These engineers might be advisors, consultants, designers, or builders. Some job duties might include report preparation, energy system inspections, project management, and data analysis.

If you're interested in becoming a renewable energy engineer, consider pursuing a bachelor's degree in renewable energy engineering or a related field, like electrical or mechanical engineering. Then, consider an internship or entry-level position with a renewable energy company to get some hands-on work experience and professional connections. 

Average annual salary (US): $89,941

5. Sustainability and climate change (S&CC) consultant 

Sustainability and climate change (S&CC) consultants help companies and organizations become more socially and environmentally responsible. They are sometimes now called ESG (environment, social, and governance) consultants. They offer advice on sustainable building practices and environmentally-friendly materials. They also show clients how to decrease energy consumption and waste by putting tools in place to measure and monitor corresponding data. 

To become a S&CC or ESG consultant, aim for a bachelor's degree in environmental science, community development, or sustainability for an entry-level position. At the consultant level, you may need a master's degree or a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in sustainability. As an S&CC consultant, you'll likely work in an office, but you may be required to travel to meet with clients and conduct site inspections. 

Average annual salary (US): $114,463

Job growth for climate change careers

It's projected that jobs for climate scientists, environmental engineers, and similar specialists will increase from 3 to 8 percent over the next decade [1]. Some of the highest job growth in climate change are responsible for installing and repairing devices, like solar panels and wind turbines. 

Top skills for climate change professionals

Climate change isn't just an environmental problem, but also a cultural, economic, social, political, and scientific one. Therefore, top skills and duties for climate change professionals may include:

• Research and innovation: Improve and research the efficiency of existing energy sources like sun and wind technologies.

• Climate change finance: Apply and distribute funds that support climate-change companies and nonprofit organizations.

• Data analysis: Interpret data that involves temperature, humidity, precipitation, wind, wind chill, and heat index.

• Communication skills: Explain complex climate issues in easy-to-understand ways.

Climate change certifications 

Certifications offer climate change professionals a way to get more training and stand out from their peers. Green business certifications are given to firms that have principles, policies, and practices that help improve climate change.  Here are a few offered from the Green Business Certification, Inc. (GBCI): 

• Sustainability Excellence Associate (SEA): For new professionals

• Sustainability Excellence Professional (SEP): For more advanced professionals

These certifications focus on understanding and communicating sustainability information to various audiences, using systems thinking in developing sustainability solutions and assessing risks, and planning and implementing sustainable practices and procedures.

Other certifications that you might get include:

• Certified Candidate Pilot Program from Association of Climate Change Officers (ACCO) for new or transitioning professionals

• Certified Climate Change Professional from ACCO for more advanced professionals

• Certified Energy Manager from Association of Energy Engineers (AEE)

• Business Energy Professional from AEE

• Certified Energy Professional from AEE

• Renewable Energy Professional from AEE

Start your climate career today

Check out climate change courses such as Introduction to Sustainability from the University of Illinois or From Climate Science to Action and Act on Climate: Steps to Individual Community. Start with a free seven-day trial of Coursera Plus.