Climate Change Specialist

Imagine you’re working in British Columbia. You’re on a speedboat heading out into the ocean to check that all the satellite receivers within a 100 km radius are functioning properly. These devices measure the sea-surface height throughout the year. As a climate change specialist, the height of the sea surface interests you because your newest project is currently trying to establish whether the warming of the northern glaciers is raising the water levels near Vancouver.

Understanding the rising sea level is important because it will shape the province’s future coastline. Working in a team with oceanographers and marine biologists, you’re writing a report about the impact of the warming atmosphere on marine life and urban development in the Vancouver area. A major aspect of your report focuses on different ways in which Canadians can reduce their environmental impact. The gas in the cars we drive and the electricity in 20% of British Columbia’s homes are produced by burning fossil fuels. Greenhouse gas emissions are created by the burning of fossil fuels. These gases get trapped in the atmosphere and heat the earth. In your report, you’ll demonstrate the connection between our energy usage and rising sea levels near Vancouver.

You’ll be highlighting the importance of energy efficiency and the use of wind and solar energy to provide electricity to Canadian communities. The report is the first part of a presentation that will be delivered to the Minister of the Environment. As a climate change specialist, you work with a wide variety of professionals. You also make recommendations to governments and businesses about how to adapt to climate change and its environmental consequences.