Identifying Appropriate Synonyms in Context

Reading Passage: The debate over climate change often hinges on two opposing viewpoints: that of the climate change skeptics, who argue against the overwhelming scientific consensus, and that of climate scientists, who present data illustrating the detrimental effects of human activity on the environment. Critics of the skeptics assert that their claims are not only scientifically unfounded but also motivated by financial interests, which they argue compromise the objectivity necessary for genuine discourse. Nonetheless, some believe that skepticism serves a valuable role in scientific inquiry by questioning prevailing narratives and prompting further research. Proponents of this view argue that challenging established ideas can lead to better, more rigorous science. Question: Which of the following statements could best replace the word “critics” in the passage, while maintaining its original meaning?