Climatologists and meteorologists in the Midwest are encountering hostility and threats as they try to communicate the impacts of climate change to the public.
Reporting on climate change is a crucial task for meteorologists and climatologists, but it often comes with a heavy burden. In the Midwest, weather experts are facing threats, harassment, and burnout as they attempt to connect the dots between weather patterns and climate change. While the majority of Americans are open to learning about climate change, a vocal minority is making it difficult for these experts to do their jobs effectively. This article explores the experiences of weather experts in the Midwest, their encounters with resistance, and the toll it takes on their mental health and well-being.
Threats and Harassment: The Dark Side of Climate Change Reporting
Chris Gloninger, a chief meteorologist at a TV station in Des Moines, Iowa, experienced the dark side of climate change reporting firsthand. After moving from Boston to Iowa, Gloninger faced pushback from viewers who accused him of politicizing the weather. However, the negative feedback escalated into a steady stream of harassing emails, one of which threatened him with physical harm. The threats took a toll on Gloninger’s mental health, prompting him to eventually leave his position and move back to Massachusetts.
Burnout and Exhaustion: When Climate Communication Becomes a Burden
Martha Durr, the former state climatologist of Nebraska, also faced exhaustion from the constant resistance she encountered while trying to communicate climate change impacts. Durr found herself acting as a therapist rather than a scientist, trying to help people navigate their emotions around climate change. However, she reached a breaking point when faced with combative audience members who dismissed her information as unhelpful. After nearly eight years in the role, Durr decided she no longer had the energy to continue without seeing progress.
The Importance of Trusted Sources: Surveys Show Public Appreciation
While weather experts in the Midwest face hostility, surveys suggest that the majority of Americans appreciate climate change reporting from trusted sources. Ed Maibach from the Center for Climate Change Communication at George Mason University highlights that 90% of Americans are open to learning about climate change. This includes conservative communities, where hearing about climate change from meteorologists and climatologists is valued. The notion that climate change education is impossible in “red states” is debunked by the positive reception experienced by meteorologists like Jim Gandy in South Carolina.
Navigating Pushback: Strategies for Effective Climate Communication
Meteorologists and climatologists in the Midwest and Great Plains have developed strategies to navigate pushback while communicating climate change. Melissa Widhalm, formerly of Indiana, emphasized the importance of humanizing the impacts of climate change and connecting them to people’s everyday lives. Devan Masciulli, a meteorologist in Illinois, focuses on the science and tries to ignore the negative comments on social media. Trent Ford, an Illinois climatologist, adjusts his framing when speaking to different groups, emphasizing relevant information and workable climate solutions.
Conclusion: The challenges faced by weather experts in the Midwest highlight the importance of effective climate change communication. While a vocal minority may resist climate reporting, the majority of Americans are open to learning about climate change from trusted sources. Weather experts in the Midwest continue to navigate pushback, threats, and burnout as they strive to educate the public about the impacts of climate change. Their dedication to their work and the resilience they demonstrate in the face of adversity is a testament to the importance of climate communication in addressing the challenges of our changing world.
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