Dr. Jacquelyn GillVerified account

I have some strong thoughts about Doomer climate scientists using their platforms to spread hot takes that aren't grounded in actual research on science communication, conservation, behavior, or community organizing. I don't know how to do that in a way that's helpful.

It's not just scientists -- I've seen some journalists and other advocates who seem to be more interested in attacking the community as an expression of their climate anxiety. It's not just that I disagree with their approach or find it damaging -- it's that they're often wrong.

By "wrong," I don't mean that the climate isn't warming, that it won't be especially bad for the most vulnerable, and that there won't be losses. It makes me angry that Doomers have created a narrative where you either buy into their extreme pessimism or you're the enemy.

I think it's important to ask, "who gets to have climate anxiety?" Because as others have said, this is nothing new to communities of color or indigenous folks. This isn't to say that people should't be anxious -- it's normal. But Doomers aren't just anxious, they're evangelists.