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What does a climate consultant do?
With the impacts of climate change becoming an everyday reality, businesses are starting to think more seriously about how to prepare for it—and how to be part of the solution. That’s where climate consultants come in. These experts help organizations understand the risks, spot new opportunities, and make smarter decisions for a more sustainable future. It’s no surprise that climate consulting has emerged as one of the fastest-expanding sectors in the industry.
Who do Climate Consultants work with?
Climate consultants work with a wide range of clients to help them tackle environmental challenges. Their work supports:
Types of Climate Consultants
Not all climate consultants do the same thing. Here are some of the key areas they focus on:
1. Climate Resilience
These consultants help businesses, governments, and communities prepare for the impacts of climate change like stronger storms, rising sea levels, and supply chain disruptions. Their job is to build resilience into everything from infrastructure to logistics and operations
2. Climate Risk
This type of consulting is all about identifying what could go wrong due to climate change. For example, how might a flood or heatwave affect your production schedule or shipping routes? Risk consultants help spot those vulnerabilities before they become costly problems.
3. Climate Adaptation
Sometimes organizations need to make changes to better fit the realities of a warming planet. Climate adaptation consultants may recommend moving facilities away from high-risk areas, adjusting product materials, or preparing for long-term environmental changes such as coastal flooding.
4. Sustainability Strategy & Reporting
These consultants help organizations go beyond buzzwords by developing real, measurable sustainability plans. That might include creating sustainability reports, aligning with global standards like the GRI, or launching initiatives such as tree planting or carbon offsetting.
5. Renewable Energy Transition
Transition consultants support the shift away from fossil fuels by helping organizations move to clean energy sources like wind or solar. They’ll help you plan, invest, and switch in a smart, cost-effective way.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Climate Consultant?
Prices can vary a lot depending on the situation. Here’s what affects the cost:
1. Experience and seniority:
Rates depend on a consultant’s background. Entry-level professionals tend to charge on the lower end, while those with over a decade of experience may command more.
2. Project complexity and scope
A basic energy audit will cost less than a full-scale sustainability overhaul.
3. Duration and Commitment
One-off consultations might come with a higher day rate, but longer projects often get discounted rates.
4. Special Credentials or tools
If a consultant is certified to verify carbon footprints or uses advanced climate software, that usually adds to the cost.
Some Typical Pricing Models
1. Daily or Hourly: On average, a climate consultant in the USA will charge $50.00 per hour, but experienced consultants may charge upwards of $200 per month.
2. Fixed Project Fees: For more defined projects, fees might range from $3,000 to over $10,000 depending on the scope.
Why it matters
Over the past few decades, the cost of damage from extreme weather events has gone up a lot. Back in 1980, climate-related disasters cost the world around $12 billion. By 2020, that number had jumped to nearly $120 billion. Climate consultants help businesses and governments prepare for these risks and reduce their impact. By spotting problems early and planning smart solutions, they can help save money in the long run—making climate consulting a smart investment. Companies that integrate sustainability into their core strategy can reduce both physical and transition risks while gaining competitive advantages, such as lowering costs and reducing carbon emissions, preserving natural resources, and tapping into emerging green growth markets.
Other options: Meet Aclymate
While hiring a climate consultant is a great choice, there are also alternatives. Aclymate’s Climate 360 program gives you many of the same benefits, including personalized advice, carbon accounting tools, sustainability certifications, and net-zero planning all in one streamlined service. Unlike a one-time consultation, Aclymate offers continuous support and better long-term value.
Conclusion:
Climate change isn’t slowing down and businesses can’t afford to wait. Whether you go with a traditional climate consultant or use an all-in-one solution like Aclymate, taking climate action now can protect your operations and create new opportunities. Ready to get started? Learn how Aclymate can help you take the next step.