Climate Risk Analyst Career Profile
Climate Risk Analyst Career Profile
Climate Risk Analysts help organisations identify, assess and report on climate-related risks and opportunities, including physical risks such as heat, flooding and bushfire, and transition risks linked to policy, markets and emissions reduction.
This is a growing environmental and sustainability role because organisations are increasingly expected to understand how climate change may affect assets, operations, communities, supply chains, investments and services.
What the role involves
Climate Risk Analysts gather data, review climate information, assess exposure and vulnerability, support risk workshops, prepare reports and help organisations integrate climate risk into planning and decision-making.
The work may involve mapping, scenario analysis, risk registers, climate disclosure, adaptation planning, stakeholder engagement and sustainability reporting.
Typical employers
Roles in Australia may be found with:
- consulting firms
- banks, insurers and investors
- infrastructure and property organisations
- local, state and federal government
- utilities and transport agencies
- sustainability and ESG teams
- large companies with climate disclosure obligations
- research and policy organisations
Key tasks
- collecting climate, asset, location and operational data
- supporting climate risk and opportunity assessments
- mapping exposure to heat, flood, bushfire, coastal or storm risks
- helping assess transition risks such as policy, market or technology change
- preparing charts, spreadsheets, maps, reports and briefing materials
- supporting climate disclosure and sustainability reporting
- maintaining risk registers and adaptation action plans
- reviewing climate scenarios, guidance and policy developments
- liaising with internal teams, consultants or stakeholders
Skills and qualities
This role suits people with a mix of practical, technical and communication skills. Useful qualities include:
- strong analytical and research skills
- interest in climate change, adaptation and risk management
- confidence with spreadsheets, data and report writing
- ability to interpret maps, climate information and technical reports
- attention to detail and clear documentation
- understanding of physical and transition climate risks
- communication skills for workshops and stakeholder engagement
- curiosity and willingness to work across disciplines
Qualifications and pathways
Pathways vary because this role sits across environment, risk, finance, planning, data and sustainability. Useful options may include:
- degree in environmental management, climate science, sustainability, geography, risk management, finance, planning or data analysis
- short courses in climate risk, climate adaptation, ESG, risk assessment, sustainability reporting or scenario analysis
- experience with data analysis, GIS, risk registers, reporting, infrastructure, sustainability or corporate governance
- postgraduate study may be useful for specialist or senior advisory roles
With experience, Climate Risk Analysts may progress into Climate Risk Consultant, Climate Adaptation Officer, ESG Analyst, Sustainability Reporting Specialist, Risk Manager or Resilience Advisor roles.
Salary and job outlook
Salaries vary by sector, technical depth, consulting experience, data skills, finance exposure and seniority. Climate-risk work is a developing field, so current job ads and employer salary guides should be checked.
Useful salary, labour-market and professional resources:
Where jobs are usually found in Australia
Climate risk roles are often found in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra and other capital cities, especially in consulting, finance, infrastructure, government and corporate sustainability teams. Some roles support assets and communities in regional areas.
Tips for getting started
- learn the difference between physical and transition climate risks
- build spreadsheet, GIS, risk register and report-writing skills
- follow Australian climate disclosure, adaptation and resilience developments
- highlight any experience with infrastructure, planning, finance, insurance or sustainability reporting
- prepare examples of data analysis, mapping, risk assessment or policy work
- consider short courses in climate risk, ESG or adaptation planning
Related environmental careers
- Climate Risk Consultant
- Climate Change Adaptation Officer
- ESG Analyst
- Sustainability Reporting Officer
- Natural Capital / Nature Positive Officer
- Water Sensitive Urban Design Officer
- Bushfire Resilience Officer / Natural Hazards Officer
- Sustainability Consultant
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