Spain Addresses the Surge in Hate Speech Against Climate Scientists
Spain has identified the “fight against disinformation” as a top priority following an increase in hate speech directed at climate scientists. Environment Minister Sara Aagesen highlighted that several studies have revealed a concerning rise in the intensity, frequency, and violence of attacks targeting meteorologists, communicators, and journalists who specialise in climate-related topics.
One particular study found that 17.6 per cent of hostile messages on X (formerly Twitter) contained “hate speech, personal attacks and denigration” aimed at scientists who share “correct and verified information.” Aagesen has since written to the Prosecutor’s Office to address this growing trend, which experts warn could undermine public understanding of the climate crisis. She has pledged to assist them in any way they deem appropriate.
Climate Scientists Face a Barrage of Abuse
Online abuse towards climate scientists is not a new issue. A 2025 study published in Social Inclusion examined half a million messages posted on X between 31 December 2021 and 19 April 2023 that mentioned AEMET, Spain’s state meteorological agency. Using hate speech detection algorithms and text mining techniques, the study found that a quarter of the messages sampled showed “some degrees of hostility” towards AEMET, its staff, and its scientific work.
The research noted that a significant amount of hate speech was expressed through derogatory comments and insults aimed at meteorologists, indicating a broader trend of anti-intellectualism and scepticism of scientific expertise. Researchers warned that the spread of conspiracy theories, especially those related to geoengineering and chemtrails, was directly linked to abuse towards climate scientists.
“In the field of health, science and climate change, these disinformation campaigns on social networks go hand in hand with the generation of hate speech aimed at attacking the social actors involved,” the study states. “This discredits their discourse, undermines the credibility of their research and influences the adoption of measures that entail economic or social change.”
Climate Scientists Have Had Enough
In 2022, climate scientists across Europe were invited to participate in an online survey hosted by YouGov. Out of 468 responses, 183 reported experiencing online harassment or abuse that affected their health, work, or communication style. According to Global Witness, most recipients of abuse had their credibility (81 per cent) or work (91 per cent) attacked. For female scientists, personal characteristics were also common targets.
Their sex or gender was targeted “a great deal” or a “fair amount” for 34 per cent of affected women and only 3 per cent of affected men. This widespread abuse is significantly impacting the well-being of climate scientists, with more than a fifth reporting experiences of depression. Eight per cent said they had also received death threats.
“I’ve seen my fair share of online harassment,” says Dr Shouro Dasgupta, an environmental economist at the Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change. “Any time I do media, there is some harassment on X and on Facebook. And it often comes from, of course, the usual suspects – the climate deniers, the army of bots, unpleasant people in general.”
Dr Dasgupta has experienced racist abuse through private messages, which she says is why many climate experts have their social media profiles locked. The increasing levels of online abuse are not only affecting the mental health of scientists but also hindering their ability to communicate effectively and contribute to public discourse on critical climate issues.
