Meteorology and climate change

Investigating the realities of climate change and meeting the energy demands of the world are challenges that will occupy physicists for the foreseeable future.

Those wishing to work in the field of meteorology should have a strong interest in collecting and analysing data from satellite images, radar, remote sensors and weather stations. Typical research avenues include investigations of airflows, improving computer models of short-range forecasting, monitoring variability and change, inputting data into ever-increasingly sophisticated computer programs, seasonal forecasting, ocean forecasting and climate prediction. Scientists working in this field must enjoy working as an individual, as well as being part of a social network that requires them to liaise and work with colleagues from around the world.

The following organisations and companies either recruit into this field or their websites offer a broader view of current and future issues affecting the world's climate:

• AEA Technology
  One of the world's leading energy and climate change consultancies
• The British Antarctic Survey (BAS)
  One of the world's leading environmental research centres and is responsible for the UK's national scientific activities in Antarctica
• The Met Office
  Covers everything from the weather forecast to global warming
• The Royal Meteorological Society (RMetS)
  At the forefront of climate change research
• The National Environmental Research Council Laboratory (NERC)
  The UK's main agency for funding and managing research, training and knowledge exchange in the environmental sciences

Job sites include:

• Earthworks
• New Scientist
• Naturejobs

As with many of the specialisms here, a Master's course in meteorology could help you to make a more informed decision about pursuing this career path by improving your knowledge and experience. Additional qualifications can improve your chances of securing a position, although specific employers will be able to tell you whether they favour particular courses or prefer to offer their own training. There's more advice on finding suitable courses in the further study section.

If you want to make a difference in the field of meteorology and climate change, why not check out another physicist’s real-life experience in this industry?

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