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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.
The people I think of as Doomers are generally white, affluent men. And I think it's no accident that there's been a rise in this phenomenon at the same time as we're seeing the diversification of voices in the climate conversation, and an emphasis on climate justice.
I will always advocate for harm reduction -- action on climate will always be worth it, no matter how bad things get. And I also personally believe we have to emphasize understanding resilience just as much as vulnerability, because that's going to be our blue print for survival.
If you're despairing, please, know: most of us scientists haven't given up. I urge you to surround yourself with those who inspire and energize you, and advocate for the most vulnerable. Look for the helpers. Be one. It's okay to mute or unfollow those who aren't healthy for you.
(I'm already getting yelled at by people who think I don't care enough about our planet. That's fine, this thread wasn't for you! Consider using that energy to organize, plan direct actions or mutual aid, GOTV, build resilience, or things that will actually make a difference.)
(I don't think it's helpful to have nuanced discussions via Twitter, but there's an uptick in "is there hope?" emails in my in-box, so I wanted to address this. I also think that if folks are getting a different message from what you intend, it's time to do some self-reflection.)
Last postscript: when I use the term “doomer,” I mean something very specific. This Wikipedia page is pretty good, and has some useful links: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doomer
