How do you become a climate change specialist?

1. Willingness to learn. 2. Motivated by the cause 3. Read, read, and read 5. Ability to differentiate what to read and what not. 6. Avoid fake news

To be a specialist in any discipline, in my opinion, one need not hold a strong degree or program. However, having a passion in the subject is the first and foremost of all degrees one would require. Hence any bachelor degree with a basic fundamental course on climate change subject for a passionate individual is all we require.

Formal Education: Undergraduate degree: A strong foundation in natural sciences like environmental science, ecology, meteorology, or engineering can provide a crucial base. Graduate degree: Pursuing a Master's in Climate Change, Environmental Science, Sustainability, or related fields equips you with specialized knowledge and research skills. Ph.D.: Optional yet very advantageous. Informal Education: Online courses and certifications: Numerous online platforms offer specialized courses and certifications in climate change science, policy, and mitigation strategies. Bootcamps and workshops: Immersive programs can provide intensive training in specific areas like data analysis or carbon foot-printing.

Working with environmental or social organizations, community groups, or government planning departments offers a unique opportunity to make a tangible impact, gain valuable experience, and contribute to building a more equitable, sustainable, and resilient future for all.

Tornar-se um especialista em mudanças climáticas é uma jornada desafiadora e gratificante. Primeiramente, é importante buscar uma formação acadêmica sólida em áreas das geociências como Geologia, ciências ambientais, meteorologia, geografia, engenharia ambiental ou outras disciplinas relacionadas. Além disso, é fundamental manter-se atualizado com pesquisas e publicações científicas sobre o assunto, participar de conferências e eventos da área, e buscar oportunidades de estágio ou trabalho em organizações dedicadas à sustentabilidade e mudanças climáticas. A prática constante e o envolvimento ativo na comunidade científica e ambiental são essenciais para se tornar um especialista nesse campo tão importante.

Working with environment or social organizations, community organizations or planning departments of local or national governments gives you practical first-hand experience. It's important.

-> Learn Statistics and basics of Meteorological Science. -> Learn MS Excel, GIS tools, and scripts (VB, Python or R tools whatever suits to you. -> Read related latest scientific reports (especially IPCC and NOAA reports) ->You should feel confident handling enormous quantities of data. -> Play with the observed meteorological data (identify the trend of Temperature, rainfall seasonally and annually). -> Try to identify the change of climatic characteristics from the data. -> Try to built a storyline from the data analysis.

Experience is critical. You're going to need the "ivory tower" knowledge and skills, but be able to apply them to an understanding of how the world works, how organizations function, and to specific institutions and sectors. That's why we have professional experience as a requirement for the CC-P certification (and the SEP certification administered by GBCI also requires experience).

Trabajar con las comunidades diría que es el primer paso para entender cómo el cambio climático nos afecta como sociedad. La experiencia que se puede adquirirse con el trabajo en campo es mucho mas importante que la que puedes adquirir en una oficina.

But another way to make yourself a path is to volunteer for different organizations both ONGs or startups, this is a great way to get exposure fast and to understand the ecosystem

Climate change is an ever evolving subject with loads of new research being published on both the science as well as the impacts of climate change. To become a specialist one ought to keep up-to date with these information. I often rely on the IPCC reports, but also subscribe to other sites with loads of information such as UNDP climate, UNEP ( adaptation reports, emission gap reports, UNhabitat, FAO, IISD, WRI etc. These organizations are rich with knowledge that can equip specialists with insights and trends to watch. Finally, networks are important in the space. They foster a community of practice for collaboration, influence and career advancement.

Apart from classroom study and being involve in work, nourishing self-knowledge is of earnest necessity. Various up-skilling courses are available in open-source domains for personal growth. You all can check the Open Learning portals of UNDP, UNFCC, FAO, World Bank, etc.

There are several upskilling startups that can also leverage your current skills, in my own experience I can recommend Terra.do and Voiz Academy, they are both increadible platforms to help professionals to understand climate change basic science and all its different edges

To build your knowledge and skills to not only understand but also clearly present climate change, Climate Fresk has been my go too tool so far. You can take part in a workshop and then get trained to facilitate the session yourself, which will develop both your climate science knowledge and facilitation skills.

Being always up-to-date is an important factor, as the climate change studies and discoveries growing rapidly. Moreover, it is also about staying active with the community by engaging more in environmental events and workshops with the experts.

It is also essential to consider geography you want to contribute and pursue when identifying a niche. This is because most climate change topics (renewable energy, water, waste, social issues, etc.) are highly dependent on the local context. In particular, these points below should be noted: - Particular issues - Local environment conditions - Laws and regulations - Stakeholders

Opportunity is for people who seek it. It’s for those who look for mentors not just wish to have it. Join like minded people and you will Win 🥇

The fight for a healthier climate is like a giant puzzle, and there's a piece for everyone! Discovering your unique contribution means finding where your passions and skills intersect with the movement's needs. Are you a scientific mind? Dive into research. Have a knack for storytelling? Educate others. Remember, every action, big or small, adds up to a powerful force for change.

Finding a niche is crucial and I'd say a sub-niche within that niche. My field is Climate Change mitigation, but it also matters what kind of mitigation and from which source. Networking with targeted people is crucial to really engage with someone who is interested in your POV. Interacting publicly giving an opinion while introducing your key expertise, is a good way. I've gotten to a point where NGOs have even sponsored me to participate in specific forums. The key is interact, react, reach out.

Climate change is a journey of commitment and discovery that begins at our doorstep. By getting involved locally, I have initiated actions and projects, contributed to the creation of new structures, with a focus on involving young people and women. These experiences have been documented and shared, enriching my journey and that of my community. Integration into professional networks is a key step. The careful choice of partners from the start, favoring structures aligned with my professional objectives, has been decisive. The journey is marked by continuous training, learning, and discoveries. Every action, every project creates a ripple effect. Every initiative counts. Every effort contributes to the fight against climate change.

Get involved with initiatives that challenge you and expose you to people whose viewpoints, skills and experience are different. Climate change is not something that can be addressed narrowly or in a "closet" ... you need to constantly be growing, adapting and pursuing innovation and transformation.

The first step towards identifying viable, meaningful solutions is to understand the range of possible outcomes. Challenge yourself to characterize all of the potential climate-related impacts associated with an activity, process, or project. This brainstorming exercise could include applying the lifecycle management process to assess climate risks to assets.

Get familiar wit IPCC background studies, assessment reports, and data repositories. Try contributing to IPCC published reports whenever possible.

All of the 5 points are corelated to each other, so in my opinion, there is no exact formula, you need to assess with a SWOT analysis of yourself at the moment, and decided what is your strength and weak point, and then optimize any opportunity while minimizing threat.

Se permita subir os primeiros degraus. Não ache que vai começar no topo. Seja humilde nesse momento, aceite pequenas propostas, seja voluntário, conheça pessoas, aprenda. O desafio te desafia de diferentes formas, incluindo desafio pessoal e emocional.

Closely and honestly observing for oneself the climate change crisis that is unfolding around you, finding it's causes including your own actions that contribute to it without any justification or rationalization, and understanding it's implications on human and animal population.... all of it without depending on media reports, books, courses or any experts. By doing so, everyone can become a climate change specialist.

Climate change is not easy to deal with emotionally, once you understand it. People become depressed and feel powerless. Focus on the aspects you can change, and on helping others.

I share a profound reflection on the challenges we face in Africa, and particularly in Mauritania. Climate change is one of these major challenges, but it is not the only one. We also have to deal with issues such as poverty, inequality, limited access to education and healthcare, as well as the preservation of our unique cultures and traditions. So many talented people cannot fully contribute due to a lack of resources and networks. This is a collective challenge that we must tackle together. My atypical journey, shaped by experience and training, has opened doors for me. I expect support from my contacts, whether it be advice, guidance, or training. Together, let's give a voice to those left behind in the fight against these challenges.

Educate yourself on what climate models can and can’t do. Then realize that you can make a difference by helping to develop ways to adapt to the changes. Climate change will affect almost all aspects of our world so whatever your expertise you can apply what you learned. That will help to stay positive.

As mudanças climáticas são um tema delicado, pois afetam diversos aspectos da humanidade, como crenças, comportamentos, economia, cultura, entre outros. A abordagem cuidadosa é uma trilha a ser seguida para construir um futuro inteligente, comunitário e sustentável.