Spain’s environment minister has warned prosecutors of an “alarming increase” in hate speech and coordinated online attacks aimed at meteorologists, climate scientists and science communicators.
In a letter sent this week, Sara Aagesen said recent studies reviewed by her ministry showed a sharp rise in hostile language on social media, particularly against professionals who share verified scientific information about weather and climate.
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One analysis found that nearly one in five abusive messages on the platform X included personal attacks, denigration or hate speech directed at meteorologists and researchers. Other research pointed to a growing intensity and frequency of attacks, often fuelled by conspiracy theories about climate control and weather manipulation.
Aagesen said the abuse was not just a personal issue for those targeted but a broader societal problem, warning that smear campaigns can distort public perceptions of meteorology and discourage scientists from communicating openly with the public.
Spain’s state meteorological agency, Aemet, has been a frequent target. Its spokesperson Rubén del Campo said seeing false claims and personal attacks circulate alongside his image was distressing and damaging to public understanding…