Translate 
Abstract
Swedish researchers face an antagonistic climate of denial, scepticism, and distrust. Despite Sweden's reputation as a climate forerunner, our interviews with 30 researchers show problems for conducting climate research in the country. Researchers use diverse communication and public engagement strategies, but often risk increasing exposure to problematic criticism and damage to their reputations. Interviewees considered themselves largely trusted, but reported attacks towards themselves and their research results. Anticipated misuse and unfounded criticism of research showed to be a decision factor for publishing. Threats and harassment have led to researchers self-censoring, avoiding media, or disengaging from public engagement. The societal implementation of research is disrupted by claims against researchers' trustworthiness. This article suggests that researchers should be provided training, funding, and time to manage public engagement. Research institutions should take seriously the risks to their staff. Researchers should consider how different communication choices may affect their perceived trustworthiness to key audiences.
Highlights
The concept ‘‘post-truth’’ describes the polarisation, populism, proliferation of disinformation and rejection of
While most interviewees considered themselves largely trusted by the public and that they could engage with policymakers with relative ease, this high trust was not constant
Some suggested that while women and junior academics may be more vulnerable to attacks, with further qualifications and more public engagements academics increased their risk of exposure
Summary
We rely upon interviews with 30 researchers working at Swedish research institutions in various scientific disciplines in relation to climate change and its socio-environmental implications. The interviewees in this study were systematically selected through first collating climate-related grants from two of the largest climate and sustainability research funding organisations in Sweden, after which the holders of the largest grants relating to climate change, mitigation, or adaptation were invited to interview. Interviews were conducted between October 2023 and January 2024, semi-structured to garner understanding about how researchers perceive climate denial, to discuss their personal experiences, and to understand how they try to handle these issues (Appendix S2). The study was granted ethical approval (Swedish Ethical Review Authority, Dnr: 2023-03855-01). Interactions categorised and inductively mapped in response to the research questions
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Paper version not known (
Free)
Published Version
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
