Navigating Through Turbulence: Blueprint for the Next Generation of Weather-Climate Scientists
Abstract
The field of weather and climate science is at a pivotal moment, defined by the dual forces of unprecedented technological advancement. While a shifting research and employment landscape has created career uncertainty, leading to a significant migration of talent toward the private sector, it has simultaneously spurred an expansion of the ecosystem through the emergence of new computational tools and the growing role of industry innovators and stakeholders. This perspective paper argues that this new, expanded ecosystem presents extraordinary opportunities for students and early-career professionals. We outline the emerging scientific frontiers powered by high-resolution simulations and artificial intelligence, suggest a practical path for navigating a more fluid career landscape, and propose how education and training must evolve to equip the next generation for success.