NPR

A meteorologist got threats for his climate coverage. His new job is about solutions

Chris Gloninger, a TV news meteorologist in Iowa, got harrassing emails and a death threat over his coverage of climate change. Now he's leaving the industry to tackle climate change head-on.
Chris Gloninger, pictured in June 2022. Next month he makes a career pivot from TV meteorologist to climate consultant.
Updated June 27, 2023 at 11:03 AM ET

This story contains offensive language.

TV meteorologist Chris Gloninger didn't just want to warn people about the latest record-breaking storm — he wanted to talk about the changing climate behind it.

Scientists have been able to draw ever-clearer connections between climate change and extreme weather events, and Gloninger believes weather forecasts should explain that to viewers.

"I truly believe it is the existential crisis of our lifetime," he says. "And that's why I think it's so important to do it."

Gloninger — the chief meteorologist for CBS affiliate KCCI-TV in Des Moines, Iowa — has brought that mindset to seven television stations across five states during his 18-year career, earning him both praise and pushback.

And now, he's pivoting.

Gloninger that he is

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