Computer Science

What is it?

The design, development, and application of computer systems and software. Computer science is a broad field that encompasses theoretical concepts like algorithms and theory, as well as practical skills in programming, software engineering, and systems design.

Median annual salary
$ 0
People employed U.S.
0
Job growth score (out of 100)
0

What would you do?

Design efficient algorithms
Build models that detect patterns, make predictions, or power AI systems
Simulate systems, like global climate change
Process massive datasets to uncover insights in business, science, or policy.
Write and debug code with the help of AI

Relationship to climate change

Computer science is necessary for simulating and solving climate change efficiently and enabling high-tech solutions.
To fight climate change, computer scientists…
Optimize systems
• Optimize how energy is used in cities
• Make technologies like batteries or electric cars work better
• Create AI models that predict and react to renewable energy supply and demand
• Develop tools that help policymakers make good decisions
Track climate change
• Analyze satellite data to pinpoint emission sources
• Manipulate databases to find emissions trends
• Code apps to help people measure their own carbon footprint
• Track deforestation and other land use change
Make predictions
• Simulate how oceans, forests, and atmosphere respond to human activity
• Build digital twins of ecosystems to test climate solutions virtually
• Predict how crops will react to weather changes
Capture carbon
• Monitor and predict the performance of carbon storage sites in real time
• Use AI to design new materials that absorb or store carbon better
• Analyze large-scale climate data to identify the best locations for carbon capture projects
Use computer science for these climate change solutions…
More solutions

Get Started

Computer science is a great fit if you’re interested in programming, technology, problem solving, logical thinking, and how computers and data can solve real-world problems. Explore more to get started:
Recommended classes
High school:

Trigonometry
Precalc
AP Calculus BC
Stats

AP Physics C
AP Chemistry

Intro to Computer Science
AP Comp Sci Principles
AP Comp Sci A
Engineering
Build a simple program that models local temperature changes over time
Use AI or data analysis to track and visualize pollution or carbon emissions
Create a website or app that helps people calculate and reduce their carbon footprint
Simulate renewable energy output from solar panels or wind turbines under different conditions
Analyze satellite or open climate datasets to spot trends in deforestation or ice melt
Interview climate scientists or engineers to learn how data and computing guide climate solutions
Computing our climate future
The Untapped Potential of Computing and Cognition in Tackling Climate Change
9 ways AI is helping tackle climate change
How supercomputers are improving climate modeling
Written by Aditya Viswanathan
Los Alamos High School (2027)

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