A climate policy analyst turns messy science, economics and law into clear recommendations that decision-makers can act on. Most people in this job hold a master's degree (61%), usually in public policy, environmental science or economics, but you can build the core skills for free and prove them with a portfolio. This roadmap has three stages. First you learn how climate science and the policy process work. Then you learn to analyze data and write policy briefs, which is what gets you hired. Finally you specialize in modeling, cost-benefit analysis and legislative strategy. Each stage ends wi
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Every stage from beginner to expert, with lessons, practice drills, projects, interview questions and free resources. Free with a Rolearch account.
Stage 1 of 3 · about 12 weeks
Understand the climate problem, how US climate policy is made, and how to read research and data without being intimidated.
Climate science and emissions basics
Every recommendation rests on the science. If you cannot explain greenhouse gas accounting, global warming potential, or the difference between mitigation and adaptation, you cannot judge whether a policy does anything.
How US climate and energy policy works
Analysts work inside institutions. You need to know who has authority, such as Congress, agencies, states and courts, and which tools they use: regulation, taxes, subsidies, standards and markets.
Reading research and policy documents quickly
Reading comprehension is your top O*NET skill. You will skim dozens of reports and studies a week and must extract the claim, the evidence and the limits.
Spreadsheet skills for policy numbers
Excel is the daily tool for sanity-checking claims such as cost per ton of CO2 avoided, percentage changes and growth rates.
Clear policy writing
Your work product is writing. Decision-makers read the first paragraph and little else, so you must lead with the point.
Then 2 more stages (about 48 weeks in all) with lessons, drills, projects, 6 interview questions with strong answers and free resources.