Climate Change Policy Analysts
What is a Climate Change Policy Analyst?
A Climate Change Policy Analyst is a professional who specializes in evaluating, developing, and advocating for policies aimed at addressing climate change and its environmental impacts. These analysts examine the scientific, economic, and social dimensions of climate issues to provide informed recommendations to governments, organizations, and stakeholders. They often work with data related to greenhouse gas emissions, renewable energy technologies, and climate adaptation strategies to evaluate the effectiveness of current policies and propose new initiatives. Additionally, Climate Change Policy Analysts engage in research, conduct impact assessments, and promote awareness and action on climate-related challenges. Their work is crucial in shaping strategies that aim to mitigate climate change effects and promote sustainable practices for future generations.
Tasks
- Provide analytical support for policy briefs related to renewable energy, energy efficiency, or climate change.
- Propose new or modified policies involving use of traditional and alternative fuels, transportation of goods, and other factors relating to climate and climate change.
- Prepare study reports, memoranda, briefs, testimonies, or other written materials to inform government or environmental groups on environmental issues, such as climate change.
- Analyze and distill climate-related research findings to inform legislators, regulatory agencies, or other stakeholders.
- Make legislative recommendations related to climate change or environmental management, based on climate change policies, principles, programs, practices, and processes.
Technology Skills
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Analytical or scientific software
- Community Climate System Model CCSM
- Grid analysis and display system GrADS
- SAS
- The MathWorks MATLAB
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Presentation software
- Microsoft PowerPoint
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Object or component oriented development software
- C++
- Perl
- Python
- R
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Development environment software
- Formula translation/translator FORTRAN
- Interface definition language IDL
- NCAR Command Language NCL
- Unidata Network common data form NetCDF
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Geographic information system
- ESRI ArcGIS software
- Geographic information system GIS systems
Tools Used
- Scanners
- High end computer servers
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Mainframe computers
- Notebook computers
- Laser printers
Knowledge
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Law and Government
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
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English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Skills
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Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
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Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
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Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
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Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
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Writing
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Abilities
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Written Comprehension
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
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Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
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Inductive Reasoning
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
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Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
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Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
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Master's degree
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Bachelor's degree
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Doctoral degree
Work Activities
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Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
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Analyzing Data or Information
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
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Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
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Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
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Communicating with People Outside the Organization
Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Detailed Work Activities
- Evaluate civic projects or public policies.
- Develop environmental sustainability plans or projects.
- Conduct climatological research.
- Prepare research or technical reports on environmental issues.
- Interpret research or operational data.
Work Interests
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Investigative
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
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Enterprising
Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.
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Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.

Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$48580.0 - $133660.0
This career will grow rapidly in the next few years.
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.