Klimatistas

Klimatistas is a term that emerged in Spanish-speaking countries, particularly Argentina, to refer to individuals who are perceived as being overly concerned with climate change or who advocate strongly for climate action. The word itself is a portmanteau of "clima" (climate) and "activista" (activist), with the "-ista" suffix often implying a strong adherence or belief.

The term is frequently used in a dismissive or pejorative manner by those who question the severity of climate change, disagree with proposed solutions, or feel that climate activism detracts from other pressing issues. It can be employed to caricature or belittle those who express concern about environmental issues, suggesting they are naive, alarmist, or driven by ideology rather than scientific consensus.

Conversely, proponents of climate action might view the term as a way to shut down important discussions or to delegitimize legitimate concerns about the planet's future. They may argue that the strong advocacy implied by the term is necessary given the scale of the climate crisis. The usage of "klimatista" is therefore often indicative of a broader societal debate and polarization surrounding climate change. It reflects a cultural and political division in how the issue is perceived and addressed.