Spain's climate scientists subjected to alarming' rise in hate speech, minister warns

"Spain's environment minister has written to prosecutors to warn of an alarming increase in hate speech and social media attacks directed against climate science communicators, meteorologists and researchers. In a letter sent to hate crimes prosecutors on Wednesday, Sara Aagesen said a number of recent reports examined by the ministry had detected a significant increase in the hostile language that climate experts are subjected to on digital platforms."

"The minister said one study had found that 17.6% of those hostile messages posted on the social media network X included hate speech, personal attacks and denigration directed at professionals who work to share correct and verified scientific information. Aagesen, who is also one of Spain's three deputy prime ministers, said the research revealed a surge in the intensity, frequency and violence of the attacks, which affect both meteorologists and other scientific communication professionals."

"One study into the hate speech directed at Spain's state meteorological office, Aemet, found that such attacks affected public perceptions of meteorology and had a direct impact on scientific work. Social pressure and smear campaigns can discourage scientists from interacting with the public or even communicating their research openly, said the researchers. This chilling effect can limit the advance of scientific knowledge and restrict public access to accurate and highquality information."

Spain's environment minister alerted prosecutors to an alarming rise in hate speech and social media attacks targeting climate communicators, meteorologists and researchers. Ministry reports identified a marked increase in hostile language on digital platforms, including one study finding that 17.6% of hostile messages on X contained hate speech, personal attacks and denigration aimed at professionals sharing verified scientific information. The research reported surges in intensity, frequency and violence of attacks. Hate campaigns against Aemet influenced public perceptions and impeded scientific work by discouraging public engagement, fostering conspiracy theories and undermining recognition of climate-driven extreme weather.

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