Climate scientists are facing an increase in public-records requests related to fossil-fuel studies.

What it means

This Nature news article reports that climate scientists are facing a surge in public-records requests (like FOIA) demanding documents related to their research on fossil fuels and climate change. A Nature investigation identified more than 30 such requests, targeting researchers at universities, which are often broad and burdensome, and are seen by some as a coordinated effort to harass or discredit scientists whose work links fossil fuel emissions to climate impacts.

Accuracy & sourcesGrounded

The claim is solid, based on an investigation by Nature, a reputable scientific journal, which identified over 30 specific public-records requests. The reporting is close to primary sources (the requests and scientists), and a separate POLITICO investigation from September 2026 corroborates a larger pattern of over 100 requests, reinforcing the trend.

How new

The Nature article was published on October 19, 2026, making this genuinely new reporting.

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