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Climate Scientists

Life, Physical & Social Scienceshighaugment
BLS 2024-34: +6%
Median Wage: $85,510
Employment: 10K

Overall Exposure

53+15

2025 vs 2023

Theoretical Exposure

70

What AI could do

Observed Exposure

33

What AI actually does

Automation Risk Score

34

Displacement risk

3-Year Outlook (2025 → 2028)

Projected changes in AI automation metrics over the next 3 years based on estimated data.

Overall Exposure

53→68
+15

2025 → 2028 (estimated)

Theoretical Exposure

70→85
+15

2025 → 2028 (estimated)

Observed Exposure

33→48
+15

2025 → 2028 (estimated)

Automation Risk

34→47
+13

2025 → 2028 (estimated)

Exposure Metrics (2023 - 2028)

Detailed Metrics Table

YearOverallTheoreticalObservedRiskData Type
202338551822actual
202445622528actual
202553703334actual
202659763939estimated
202764814443estimated
202868854847estimated

Task Breakdown

Run and calibrate climate simulation models
70%β 1
Analyze satellite and observational data for climate trends
65%β 1
Publish research findings and contribute to IPCC reports
40%β 0.5
Advise policymakers on climate adaptation and mitigation strategies
20%β 0
Collect and quality-control field measurement data
48%β 0.5

About This Occupation

If you work as a Climate Scientist, AI is reshaping your profession. With an automation risk of 34/100 and overall exposure at 53%, this role faces high transformation. The highest-impact area is run and calibrate climate simulation models at 70% automation. This is classified as an 'augment' role. BLS projects +6% growth through 2034. Machine learning is revolutionizing weather pattern analysis and enabling higher-resolution climate projections than ever before.

Frequently Asked Questions

With an automation risk score of 34%, Climate Scientists has a low risk of AI replacement. Most tasks in this role require skills that are difficult for AI to replicate, such as complex decision-making, physical dexterity, or deep interpersonal interaction. AI is more likely to serve as a supportive tool.

The AI automation risk score for Climate Scientists is 34% (2025 data). Overall AI exposure is 53%, with 70% theoretical exposure and 33% observed exposure. The risk trend from 2023 to 2025 is +12 points.

The tasks with the highest automation potential for Climate Scientists are: Run and calibrate climate simulation models (70%), Analyze satellite and observational data for climate trends (65%), Collect and quality-control field measurement data (48%). These rates reflect how much of each task current AI systems can handle, based on research data from Anthropic and academic sources.

The BLS projects +6% employment change for Climate Scientists from 2024 to 2034. Combined with an overall AI exposure of 53%, this occupation is experiencing both traditional labor market shifts and AI-driven transformation. Workers should monitor both employment trends and AI capability growth.

Since AI primarily augments capabilities in this role, professionals in Climate Scientists should embrace AI as a productivity multiplier. Focus on learning to use AI tools effectively, developing higher-order analytical and creative skills, and positioning yourself as someone who can leverage AI to deliver greater value.