Anxious scientists brace for Trump’s climate denialism: ‘We have a target on our backs’

Summary

The American Geophysical Union (AGU) meeting revealed widespread anxiety among U.S. scientists over the potential return of Donald Trump, whose climate denialism and attacks on science funding have heightened fears of job cuts, censorship, and further politicization.

Trust in scientists has declined, with increasing partisan divides and threats against researchers. Scientists face a growing need to combat misinformation while balancing advocacy with impartiality.

Despite challenges, many vow to continue promoting evidence-based policies, seeing the fight for science as transcending political cycles.

This determination persists even as climate impacts worsen and public trust in science erodes.