Scientists face death threats over climate
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AAP
The chief of one of Australia's peak science bodies says she has received a death threat relating to the climate change debate.
More than 200 scientists are taking part in the annual Science Meets Parliament in Canberra.
They are asking MPs and senators to make sure the climate change debate - which has included angry rallies around the country and the creation of websites questioning the science of global warming - does not harm the vital contribution research is making to the nation's future.
The Federation of Australian Science and Technological Societies (FASTS) says misleading claims about climate science are spilling over into attacks on the credibility of scientific research in general.
FASTS chief executive Anna Maria Arabia says it's getting personal.
"We've certainly seen some reports of death threats faced by scientists over the course of time," she told reporters at Parliament House on Monday.
"I personally received one this morning - it wasn't a pleasant experience."
Anything that was used to diminish the democratic debate was "deplorable", Ms Arabia said.
"We need to be able to have an open and frank debate based on the facts and the best information we have available.
"No scientist, no individual, should have to receive a death threat simply for doing what they do."READ MORE
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