Climate Scientist Michael Mann Awarded $1 Million in Defamation Suit Victory

Climate scientist Michael Mann was awarded $1 million in a defamation lawsuit against two conservative writers who likened his work to a convicted child molester's acts. The jury found that the writers made false statements with malicious intent, awarding Mann $1 in compensatory damages from each writer and $1 million in punitive damages from one of them. Mann argued that the comments affected his career and reputation, while the writers claimed they were merely stating opinions. The case highlights the divisive nature of climate change discourse in the United States, with Mann planning to appeal a 2021 decision that held other parties not liable for defamation.