September Update: A look back at our busy summer, and a thank you
A very eventful summer is coming to an end, and soon our Summer Match campaign will too. A big thank you to those who have already supported our ongoing mission of protecting climate science and scientists at this critical time.
If you haven’t made a contribution yet – there are still a few more days to have your donation doubled thanks to our generous supporters! Make a donation before our Summer Match ends this Saturday, September 30.
We have been incredibly busy this summer putting your contributions to work.
We helped a record number of scientists who, among other things, have been subpoenaed by oil and gas companies; faced repercussions for whistleblowing faulty scientific reports; and been aggressively investigated by right wing politicians seeking to silence their work on misinformation.
We continue to work towards protecting government researchers and restoring trust in science and the scientific process. We, along with other watchdog groups, submitted comments and participated in listening sessions held by multiple federal agencies seeking input on proposed policies to address issues like censorship and political interference.
We also released the latest in our series of pocket guides for scientists: Creating an LLC and Other Legal Strategies for Consulting or Expert Witness Work. Scientists serving as expert witnesses in climate litigation or engaging in other consulting work face potential legal risks, which they can mitigate using the best practices laid out in this new guide. All of our educational and legal counseling resources are freely available to climate scientists and researchers who need them.
This work is only possible thanks to your generous contributions.
Thank you again to all of our supporters. We look forward to continuing the fight with you.
CSLDF News
The IPCC’s latest report is downright grim—Yet climate scientists are still being silenced
September 1, 2023 | American Bar Association | Rachael Lyle-Thompson, CSLDF Senior Project Attorney
Recently, invasive open records requests, defamation lawsuits, and other misuses of the legal system threaten climate scientists’ ability to freely conduct research and openly share it with the public.
September 5, 2023 | Government Executive | Eric Katz
The first agency within the Biden administration to rewrite its policy to protect career federal scientists from political influence as required by the White House has taken some positive steps, but is still falling short of ensuring its workers do not face reprisal and bad actors are held accountable.
Announcing Our Newest Pocket Guide for Scientists
September 13, 2023 | CSLDF Blog
As climate litigation heats up, scientists are increasingly serving as expert witnesses or engaging in other scientific consulting work. While there are potential legal risks with engaging in this work, they can be mitigated. Our new guide provides best practices and recommendations.
CSLDF Participates in NSF Listening Sessions to Improve Federal Science Protections
September 26, 2023 | Rachael Lyle-Thompson, CSLDF Senior Project Attorney
On September 20, CSLDF participated in a virtual public listening session held by the U.S. National Science Foundation. The sessions sought input from organizations and members of the public about how to better protect federal science and scientists.
Upcoming Events
GSA Connects 2023 | October 15 – 18, 2023
Join CSLDF Staff Attorney Chris Marchesano on Monday, October 16 at 10:00 AM for Best Practices for Scientific Advocacy. We’ll discuss ways that geologists and other scientists can apply their expertise in advocacy efforts, both as scientists and as private citizens.
Specific topics include best practices for campaigning for science-forward candidates, engaging in public policy and lawmaking, participating as an expert witness, and more. CSLDF will also discuss how scientists can safely participate in these activities while minimizing the risk of negative repercussions in their professional lives.
CSLDF attorneys will also be available for free, confidential meetings with scientists from all disciplines who have legal questions or concerns related to their work. These meetings will take place on Monday, October 16 from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM ET. Zoom / phone consultations are also available.
CSLDF is now on Threads! Follow us at @ClimSciDefense.
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