Posted on 13 December 2016 by Guest Author

Executive Director of the Climate Science Legal Defense Fund  (CSLDF) Lauren Kurtz reminds us that we're living in "interesting times," describes how the CSLDF is here to help, encourages Skeptical Science readers to pitch in. You can help with a variety of worthy climate-related projects at the Skeptical Science crowd source funding page.

Over to Lauren:

The Climate Science Legal Defense Fund (CSLDF) was founded in September 2011 to defend climate scientists from harassing and invasive attacks via the legal system. Five years in, our work is more necessary than ever. The United States has elected a president who has mocked climate science, threatened to cut funding for research, and bullied those who disagree with him. His transition team also includes members of the very organizations we fight in court, like Myron Ebell and David Schnare. 

We’ve seen politicians try to silence climate scientists' voices in the past.  We fear that the incoming White House and Congress will be worse. Accordingly, CSLDF is expanding our efforts to offer climate scientists the best legal counsel so they can remain focused on their work: we’ve been increasing our pro bono network of attorneys available to help scientists, and creating educational materials and programs for scientists on how to respond to harassment. For those in San Francisco during the American Geophysical Union (AGU) Fall Meeting, please consider attending our talk on how open records laws have been used to attack climate scientists on Wednesday, December 14, stop by our booth in the exhibit hall (booth 1523) for free legal education materials, or email lawyer@climatesciencedefensefund.org to schedule a free consultation with a lawyer.

Many of you have been with us through years of scientists being dragged into courtrooms, targeted with harassment by political appointees, and vilified by Congressional committees for simply doing research.  Skeptical Science readers have been integral supporters of CSLDF, including generous donations made by many in the SkS community. SkS supporters were particularly critical for meeting the goals of our last fundraiser, a $50K match campaign. Thank you! 

We are very grateful for everything you've done for the scientific community. In light of the new challenges facing climate scientists, please consider helping CSLDF again by volunteering your time, contributing to our litigation fund, or spreading the word to others who might help.

For more information, please visit climatesciencedefensefund.org or SkS’ own “Getting involved with Climate Science via crowdfunding and crowdsourcing” page.