Burgess COMMENTARY

Peter Burgess

We ♡ Climate Scientists

Sylvie Stein, Forecast the Facts

Dear Peter,

This Valentine’s Day, climate scientists need some love.

Really, they do. Because not only do they work in a complex field and undertake the daunting task of getting the public up to speed on climate change, but they also face intimidation and attacks from climate deniers.

Many scientists gladly take on this difficult work without recognition — but Valentine’s Day offers us an opportunity to change that. By signing your name to this climate love letter and spreading the word to your friends and family, we can show scientists just how much we appreciate them.

This year, we’re putting the spotlight on a handful of scientists who have gone above and beyond to educate the public on climate change. We’re also highlighting scientists who face extra challenges in their field, such as women and scientists of color. Here’s a few of them:

Naomi Oreskes, a Harvard professor who co-authored a book called “Merchants of Doubt” to expose fossil fuel-funded climate deniers.

Marshall Shepherd currently serves as the president of the American Meteorological Society and has been outspoken about the disproportionate impacts of climate change on African Americans.

Veronica Johnson is a renowned broadcast meteorologist with NBC who does an excellent job of tying the weather to underlying climate impacts.

Peter Gleick, a leading expert on water and climate issues, is dedicated to spreading crucial climate information via traditional and social media.

Neil deGrasse Tyson has gone the extra mile to make complex climate science accessible to the wider public as the host of Star Talk radio and Cosmos.

We'll send all your comments straight to these scientists with a special Valentine's Day card. Plus, after you sign your name, you’ll be prompted to send love directly to them on Facebook and Twitter.

Factually yours,

Sylvie, Emily, Ryan, Brant, and the rest of the Forecast the Facts team