Climate strategist

What does a climate strategist do? – Tasks and work environment

A climate strategist works on developing, implementing, and following up on strategies to reduce climate impact within organizations or municipalities. Tasks often include analyzing climate data, evaluating environmental policies, and creating action plans to achieve climate goals. The role involves close collaboration with other specialists, decision-makers, and sometimes the public to ensure climate measures are integrated into the overall strategy of the organization. The work environment is usually office-based, with meetings, workshops, and sometimes site visits, depending on the employer and project nature.

Salary development over time

The salary for a climate strategist has shown steady and positive growth in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 43,200 SEK per month, which increased to 44 700 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has increased further to 46 500 SEK, representing a total increase of approximately 7.6% over three years. This salary development reflects an increased focus on sustainability issues and the need for qualified strategic competencies in climate and environment. The demand for climate strategists has grown as both the public sector and industry transition towards climate neutrality, likely contributing to the positive salary trend.

Climate strategist salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 46 500 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 30,200 SEK/month (female, public sector, low education level)
• Highest salary: 60,200 SEK/month (male, municipal sector, research education)
• Hourly wage: 280 SEK
• Women: 45 300 SEK/month
• Men: 48 800 SEK/month
• Women earn: 93% of what men do

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a climate strategist usually involves higher education in environmental science, urban planning, or engineering. Employers often seek candidates with relevant academic degrees and experience in strategic work related to sustainable development. Specializations in climate issues, certifications, and project management are advantageous, as well as strong analytical skills and experience working with complex questions.

• Formal degree: Bachelor's or master's in environmental science, urban planning, or similar (3–5 years)
• Certifications: For example, training in environmental management (ISO 14001) or sustainability reporting
• Internship/Trainee: Merit from internships in the public sector or consulting industry
• Prerequisites: Good knowledge of environmental legislation and strategic analysis
• Tips for choosing: Seek programs focused on climate policy, sustainable urban development, or environmental economics

Common benefits and compensations

Climate strategists often have access to benefits such as flexible working hours, remote work options, wellness allowances, and training support. Other common compensations include occupational pension, extra vacation days, and sometimes access to professional development or participation in international networks and conferences.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a climate strategist is generally assessed to be balanced, with moderate opportunities according to the Employment Service's forecasts. Challenges in the profession include staying updated on rapidly changing regulations and creating impact for climate strategies within organizations with different priorities. The role also requires the ability to manage complex interests and work long-term on change processes. The number of job openings in the field is currently high, but the climate strategist remains a relatively specialized profession, which can lead to varying competition depending on region and employer.

Tips for those who want to become a climate strategist

To succeed as a climate strategist, it is good to combine analytical skills with a genuine commitment to sustainability issues. Building a strong knowledge base in environmental science and climate policy facilitates both studies and professional practice. Developing communication skills is also valuable, as the role often involves convincing and engaging others. Practical experience, such as through internships or project participation, provides a clear advantage in the job market. Collaboration skills and perseverance are important qualities, especially when driving long-term change processes. Networking with others in the field can open doors to new opportunities and increase understanding of industry challenges. Finally, early engagement in current environmental issues helps build understanding of the daily work of a climate strategist.

Key facts about the climate strategist

• Education level: Bachelor's or master's (3–5 years)
• Work environment: Office-based, often within the public sector or consulting firms
• Demand: Moderate, with 758 job openings in the field
• Typical work form: Full-time, often project-based
• Special skills: Climate policy, environmental analysis, strategic communication

Career paths and future prospects

After a few years in the profession, a climate strategist can advance to senior roles such as head of sustainability, environmental strategist, or project leader for larger climate initiatives. Other possible career paths include expert roles in consulting or specialization in areas like climate adaptation of urban planning. The Employment Service assesses that the future outlook for planners and investigators, including climate strategists, is moderate and that demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years. The recruitment situation is characterized by balance, meaning there is neither a shortage nor an oversupply of qualified candidates nationally. The increased societal focus on climate issues, however, suggests that expertise in the area will continue to be in demand.

Frequently asked questions about the climate strategist

• What does a climate strategist earn?
  - The average salary for a climate strategist is 46 500 SEK per month.
• Are there gender differences in salary?
  - Yes, women earn on average 45 300 SEK while men earn 48 800 SEK, meaning women earn 93% of men's salaries.
• What education is required to become a climate strategist?
  - Usually, at least a bachelor's degree in environmental science, urban planning, or similar area.
• What are the outlooks for climate strategists?
  - The Employment Service assesses that opportunities are moderate and that demand will be unchanged over the next five years.
• What is the highest and lowest salary for a climate strategist?
  - The highest salary is 60,200 SEK and the lowest is 30,200 SEK.
• What are the duties of a climate strategist?
  - Developing and monitoring climate strategies, analyzing climate data, and working on sustainability issues at a strategic level.
• What benefits are common for climate strategists?
  - Flexible working hours, wellness allowances, remote work, and extra vacation days.