Climate change isn't lovable. But the people who research its effects certainly are. And this year has been especially rough on them.
It seems the more scientists and experts provide conclusive science to show that human-caused climate change is happening now, the more they are chastised and threatened for it.
Take Katherine Hayhoe, for example. This Texas-based climate scientist has been labeled a 'climate babe' by Rush Limbaugh and had a chapter she wrote on climate science dropped from Newt Gingrich's new book -- all in the same week. Earlier this year another prominent climate scientist, Kerry Emanuel, was inundated with hate mail after he did an interview on the climate beliefs of Republicans. And the online rage isn't limited to North America. Climate scientists at Australian universities received a flurry of death threats last summer, driving several of them into hiding.
This is one of the sad realities of the internet age: for every measured, well-researched scientific argument, there are 10 comments insulting the scientist.
Some may say it's time for us to fight back with equal vitriol. I say we fight back with love.
That's why this year TckTckTck and several of our partners in the climate movement are celebrating Valentine's Day with a tribute to the climate experts and scientists working to protect our families, finances and future. In their honour, we've created a climate-themed Valentine eCard. As with all things related to climate science, it is based on credible research methods, tested data and a thorough peer review process. Please send it to someone who warms your heart.
