Geoscience, Earth science, even geography and sociology, are what these guys above seem to have left out. Sure the sciences are important, but remember, physical science makes models of what life science has not yet ascertained as the way it is. Nature does not conform to known cycles or systems , rather it defies knowledge as being incomplete by the miraculous extent of the infinity of the reality within anything. The wise climatologist knows he does not know the whole picture nor ever will. If a tireless, exhaustive effort were made to exact a way of nature, was undertaken, the flux of nature will render the findings obsolete before they are published. You may find numerical routines, old approximations of the unknown truths, to be new maths for the using.

As Baccheus said “A lot will depend on what options are available to you…” and also on what, if anything, you want to specialise in.

If for example, you are drawn toward the modelling and programming side of things then maths and computer studies are essential. If you want to be more involved in research then physics is essential and maths very highly recommended.

If you want to enter a specific field then additional qualifications will be needed. Some climate scientists focus on the effect the climate has on the oceans, animals, human health etc; in such cases qualifications in biology, botany, chemistry etc would be invaluable.

The study of climate change involves a lot of maths and physics so it’s important that you enjoy both subjects and are good at them. A degree is a must, if you want to progress and get involved in research you’ll need a masters and preferably a doctorate etc.

Mark makes a valid point concerning geography and the earth sciences, these can be very useful – again, depending just what areas you want to be involved with.

At this stage I’d recommend maths, physics, chemistry, biology, geography and computer studies as pre-requisites and then add on anything else you consider useful.

From your question it looks like you’re in Canada, I know nothing of the educational system there so can’t be any more specific.

30 years as a climate scientist. When I fist studied, it wasn’t possible to obtain a degree in climate science so my first degree was in physical geography with climatology as an ‘extra’. Nowadays there’s a lot more options, check out potential universities and speak with a careers advisor at your school for advice specific to your requirements.

A lot will depend on what options are available to you, i.e. whether a private university will be an option and which state you live in. You can start by pursuing the majors at the schools you can consider. In California, we have assist.org.

If you are interested in both economics and physical science, you might consider something like the interdisciplinary undergraduate program at The Nicholas School of the the Environment at Duke: BA in Environmental Sciences and Policy.

http://www.nicholas.duke.edu/programs/un...

"But what science should I go into to study all of that?"

Whatever science you study, just make sure you understand what differential equations are, and why the play a central role in climate science and all physical science.

Environmental science and meteorology...and if you mean the AGW bandwagon, strong grounding in propaganda, brainwashing, and marketing. The science does NOT support the AGW hypothesis.

Please consider these facts (as just an introduction):

1. CO2 is not by any means a noxious gas, as is, e.g., Carbon Monoxide. As a matter of fact Carbon dioxide is absolutely essential for photosynthetic plants, upon which we depend for oxygen production and food.

2. CO2 is associated with only very marginal 'greenhouse" effects. Other gases, such as sulfur dioxide, e.g., from volcanoes and rotting organic material, are stronger candidates for this.

3. The biggest "driver" of climate change is Solar Activity, not CO2,

4. The placement of temperature reading stations around the world tends to be near cities, not out in the "wastes," so their readings could be expected to be skewed higher than the actual earth temperatures.

5. Temperature readings from satellites do not dovetail with surface stations...there are many inconsistencies.

6. The official weather people "cherry--pick" data, so as to support their case. A prime example is the "hockey-stick" graph feature, incorporated in their materials. When this abnormal element is removed, the "dramatic" evidence of GW disappears.

The more science the better, but make sure you have a solid and broad grounding in the basics (physics, chemistry, biology). Math at least through algebra, preferably through introductory calculus, is also important, and to understand the history of climate research, policy, and the anti-science denial movement, you'll also need some political science and economics (and history too of course). As you realize, there is lots of time ahead: to explore a range of particular aspects that you might eventually specialize in or focus on.

I'd also recommend starting with these three books, for a good overview of climate science and climate change issues:

http://www.amazon.com/Rough-Guide-Climat...

http://www.amazon.com/dp/067403189X

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merchants_o...

Here are some further relevant links:

U.S. National Academy of Sciences, 2010:

http://books.nap.edu/openbook.php?record...

“Climate change is occurring, is caused largely by human activities, and poses significant risks for a broad range of human and natural systems.”

http://www8.nationalacademies.org/onpine...

“Choices made now about carbon dioxide emissions reductions will affect climate change impacts experienced not just over the next few decades but also in coming centuries and millennia…Because CO2 in the atmosphere is long lived, it can effectively lock the Earth and future generations into a range of impacts, some of which could become very severe.”

“The Academy membership is composed of approximately 2,100 members and 380 foreign associates, of whom nearly 200 have won Nobel Prizes. Members and foreign associates of the Academy are elected in recognition of their distinguished and continuing achievements in original research; election to the Academy is considered one of the highest honors that can be accorded a scientist or engineer.”

http://www.aip.org/history/climate/timel...