Climate Change Policy Analysts

Research and analyze policy developments related to climate change. Make climate-related recommendations for actions such as legislation, awareness campaigns, or fundraising approaches.

SOC: 19-2041.01

Common Job Titles

Climate AnalystClimate and Energy Program AssociateEnvironmental Policy AnalystPolicy Analyst

What You'll Need to Succeed

AI-generated

Key competencies for this occupation at a glance

  • KnowledgeSynthesize complex climate research, stakeholder input, and policy frameworks into actionable recommendations for legislative proposals, awareness campaigns, and fundraising strategies.
  • KnowledgeFormulate strategic objectives and policy interventions addressing climate change mitigation and adaptation through systems analysis and stakeholder collaboration in governmental and non-governmental organizations.
  • KnowledgeAnalyze climate change policy developments and legislative initiatives using interdisciplinary knowledge of law, environmental science, and economics to inform strategic recommendations.
  • KnowledgeEvaluate policy compliance and effectiveness against climate mitigation targets integrating quantitative data analysis with regulatory standards in governmental and organizational settings.
  • KnowledgeInterpret climate modeling outputs and scientific data using GIS systems, Python, R, and statistical software to translate technical findings for policy audiences.
  • MindsetAdvocate evidence-based climate policy solutions to diverse stakeholders balancing scientific rigor, political feasibility, and public engagement in high-stakes negotiations.
  • MindsetIntegrate interdisciplinary perspectives and stakeholder values into climate policy design when navigating competing interests among government agencies, advocacy groups, and private sector entities.
  • KnowledgeAssess the social, economic, and environmental impacts of proposed climate policies applying cost-benefit analysis and risk assessment frameworks under time constraints.
  • KnowledgeDevelop technical policy briefs, reports, and presentations on climate change initiatives communicating complex analytical findings to policymakers, media, and the public using Microsoft Office suite and visualization tools.
  • MindsetEngage with external organizations and the public to build support for climate action demonstrating persuasion and social perceptiveness in awareness campaigns and stakeholder consultations.
  • KnowledgeApply quantitative modeling and statistical methods to climate data analysis using MATLAB, SAS, and climate system models to project policy outcomes and trends.
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics

Annual wage data for Climate Change Policy Analysts (2024)

Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)

84,930

Wage Distribution by Percentile

MetricU.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less$50,130
10% of workers earn the following or more$134,830
Workers on average earn$88,640

+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)

Skills & Requirements

Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance

  • Law and Government4.0/5
  • English Language3.8/5
  • Mathematics3.5/5
  • Communications and Media2.9/5
  • Engineering and Technology2.8/5
Tools & Technology

Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation

In-Demand Technology

Frequently requested by employers in job postings

C++ESRI ArcGIS softwareLinuxMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WordPerlPythonRSASThe MathWorks MATLABUNIX

Technology Skills

Community Climate System Model CCSMFerretFormula translation/translator FORTRANGeographic information system GIS systemsGrid analysis and display system GrADSInterface definition language IDLNCAR Command Language NCLNorth American Regional Climate Change Assessment Program NARCCAP data tables

Tools & Equipment

Computer data input scannersComputer laser printersDesktop computersHigh-performance cluster HPC computersLaptop computersMainframe computersMulti-line telephone systemsPersonal computers