What Does an Environmental Meteorologist Do?

An environmental meteorologist studies weather patterns as well as the effects of atmospheric conditions and weather systems on human habitats and the environment in general. Environmental meteorologists are employed in large numbers by government agencies and research firms, many of whom are interested in finding evidence of climate change. People who work in this field usually have a bachelor’s degree in meteorology, Earth sciences, or a related field.

Weather patterns may change as a result of climate change, making events like hurricanes, floods, droughts, and ice storms more common. An environmental meteorologist is usually tasked with looking for evidence of change in historical weather data. Some of these experts look at temperature graphs to see if average temperatures have risen or fallen over time, while others look at data on average rainfall, humidity, and wind speed. Because general trends are not always visible over shorter periods of time, many of these studies focus on decades or centuries.

Some people believe that certain types of emissions, such as those caused by aerosols or gasoline-powered vehicles, release chemicals into the atmosphere that contribute to climate change. Government agencies in many countries hire scientists to investigate the effects of man-made pollution; an environmental meteorologist might be asked to track weather changes in relation to industrialization in general or the use of specific chemicals in specific areas. The reports produced by chemists and other individuals who study chemical processes and the impact that substances can have on the environment are frequently compared to the studies produced by these scientists.

While some researchers in this field are tasked with establishing links between pollution and climate change, others work to refute such theories. Meteorologists are employed by major energy companies to determine whether climate change is caused by factors beyond human control, such as solar flares or sun spot activity. These individuals frequently produce reports that cover thousands of years of weather activity in order to demonstrate that weather extremes existed before industrialization.

An environmental meteorologist, like most scientists, is primarily concerned with developing and testing theories, and many people working in this field are responsible for producing weather forecasts, regardless of the causes of weather fluctuations. These experts examine satellite data and recent atmospheric information to make forecasts for upcoming weather events. Residents in coastal areas can benefit from such reports because they receive advance warnings about major storm systems, and others use them to plan outdoor activities.