Anna Leuschner (Leibniz Universität Hannover)
As shown by science studies, strategic climate change denial has caused scientists to display significant conservatism in conducting and presenting their research. This will be illustrated by two examples: the history of the five 'reasons for concern', and the use of the concepts 'climate change' and 'global warming'. On that basis, I argue that climate scientists face a dilemma. If they choose to be conservative their findings are marginalized. If they choose to be rather engaging they are discredited as hysterical alarmists. Discussing this dilemma, I will conclude that climate scientists should choose clarity and engagement in public communication contexts.
