In a concerning trend, Spanish meteorologists and climate scientists are increasingly subjected to a surge of hostile and hateful rhetoric on social media, according to a new report from the country’s Environment Minister.
Sara Aagesen, who also serves as one of Spain’s deputy prime ministers, has written to prosecutors to warn of an “alarming increase” in the abuse and personal attacks directed at those working to communicate accurate scientific information about the climate.
One study examined by the ministry found that 17.6% of the hostile messages posted on the social media platform X included “hate speech, personal attacks and denigration” aimed at professionals in these fields. The research revealed a worrying “intensification, frequency and violence” of these attacks, which Aagesen said were impacting both meteorologists and other science communicators.
Rubén del Campo, a spokesperson for Spain’s national meteorological office Aemet, spoke of the distress caused by seeing “messages attacking you and using your photo – often for made-up stuff you’ve never said.” He warned that this “chilling effect” could discourage scientists from engaging with the public or openly sharing their research.
The minister stressed the “socially important role” these professionals play in the fight against climate misinformation, and said the ministry was prepared to assist prosecutors in addressing the problem. Aagesen noted that the spread of conspiracy theories about climate control and weather manipulation was directly undermining public understanding of the climate crisis.
A separate 2024 study found that climate change denialism was especially prevalent on X, with denial identified in 49.1% of posts and climate-related hate speech in 17.6% of content.
Experts have warned that these hostile online campaigns not only affect perceptions of meteorology, but can also restrict public access to accurate, science-based information about the worsening impacts of global warming. As Spain’s meteorologists continue to weather this storm of abuse, calls are growing for stronger action to protect those on the frontlines of the climate crisis.