A veteran broadcast meteorologist, Chris Gloninger, resigned from his position at KCCI in Des Moines, Iowa, citing harassment and threats stemming from his coverage of climate change. Gloninger, who holds degrees in meteorology and climate science, says he faced an increasing barrage of aggressive emails and social media messages, with some people questioning his integrity and accusing him of being an alarmist.
The threats escalated to the point where Gloninger, a father of two young children, felt the need to notify law enforcement and KCCI increased security measures. He found the situation unsustainable, fearing for his family’s safety and well-being, despite KCCI’s support.
Gloninger’s experience highlights a growing trend of meteorologists facing backlash for reporting on climate change, particularly in politically polarized areas. He expresses concern that qualified weathercasters may avoid addressing climate change to avoid becoming targets, leaving the public uninformed.
He’s now pursuing a career in climate communication focusing on empowering communities to develop climate action plans. He believes that local solutions are crucial and aims to bridge the gap between scientific understanding and community action. Gloninger’s situation underscores the challenges faced by those communicating climate science and emphasizes the need for respectful dialogue and constructive engagement on the issue.
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