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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.