Meteorologists worldwide are encountering an increasing amount of pushback, some of which has escalated into outright abusive behavior, due to their coverage on climate change. This unfortunate reality has prompted Chris Gloninger, the chief weather forecaster at Iowa’s KCCI, to step down from his position. Gloninger, who has won a Regional Emmy for his environmental reporting, surprised his followers on Twitter with a sudden farewell announcement after 18 years in television.
According to the Des Moines Register, Gloninger cited a death threat related to his climate coverage and resulting in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as one of the reasons for his departure. He also mentioned family health issues as a contributing factor. Gloninger plans to transition into a career in climate consulting, as stated in his tweet. In his final 6pm newscast, he expressed that leaving his TV job would allow him and his wife to support their families during their time of need.
Gloninger had previously shared on Twitter about the death threat he received last year, which was followed by a barrage of harassing emails from the same individual. He described the experience as mentally exhausting and admitted that there were times when he was not okay. Gloninger hopes to move past this traumatic incident, but he also believes that it sheds light on the daily challenges journalists face in delivering the news, as he told the Washington Post.
The last day on air for Gloninger, who spent two years at KCCI, will be July 7. He will then embark on his new career path in climate consulting. It is disheartening to witness the abuse and threats that meteorologists endure for reporting on climate change, but it is essential to recognize their dedication and resilience in the face of adversity.
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