Advocating for Climate Action and Protecting the Environment

As a family physician, Dr. Melissa Lem knew she couldn't stay silent on the health dangers of climate change. But when she spoke out against the use of fossil fuels, the backlash was more vitriolic and personal than she ever expected. She's not alone. From death threats to sexual intimidation and sinister phone calls, Dr. Melissa Lem, Tzeporah Berman, and Judy Wilson have paid a high cost for their climate advocacy work. It’s a trend that has alarmed human rights organizations like Amnesty International, who say that women—especially racialized and sexually diverse women—are disproportionately targeted. On this week’s Storylines, producer Molly Segal meets three climate advocates who set out to speak up for the planet, and are now needing to speak up for themselves.