tech
January 15, 2026
Spain’s meteorologists subjected to ‘alarming’ rise in hate speech, minister warns
Environment minister says attacks on social media affect perceptions of meteorology and denigrate researchers’ work
TL;DR
- Spain's environment minister has written to prosecutors about an "alarming increase" in hate speech against climate science communicators and meteorologists.
- A study found that 17.6% of hostile messages on social media network X contained hate speech, personal attacks, and denigration.
- The attacks are increasing in intensity, frequency, and violence, affecting both meteorologists and other scientific communication professionals.
- The minister is alerting prosecutors due to the important role these professionals play in fighting climate disinformation.
- Hate speech directed at Spain's state meteorological office, Aemet, affects public perception and scientific work.
- Social pressure and smear campaigns can discourage scientists from public interaction and open communication of research.
- Climate emergency denialism is prevalent on X, with denialism identified in 49.1% of posts and climate-related hate speech in 17.6% of posts in a 2024 study.
- Aemet spokesperson Rubén del Campo described feeling bad when receiving personal attacks and fabricated messages.
- The ministry has offered to assist prosecutors in addressing the issue.
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