# Coping with an antagonistic climate: Researchers' perspectives

## TL;DR

Swedish climate researchers face hostility and distrust, affecting their work and public engagement.

## Contribution

The study reveals how researchers adapt to antagonistic climates and the institutional support they need.

## Key findings

- Researchers use communication strategies but face criticism and reputational risks.
- Threats and harassment lead to self-censorship and reduced public engagement.
- Institutions must support researchers to manage public engagement risks.

## 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.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13280-025-02203-y.