Spain’s environment minister, Sara Aagesen, has alerted prosecutors about a worrying rise in hate speech and attacks targeting climate scientists and meteorologists on social media. A recent ministry report showed that 17.6% of hostile messages on X included hate speech and personal attacks. Aagesen stated, “a surge in the intensity, frequency and violence of the attacks” affects professionals sharing verified climate science. One study found that these online abuses harm public trust in meteorology and discourage scientists from sharing their work openly. "Social pressure and smear campaigns can discourage scientists from interacting with the public or even communicating their research openly," researchers said. They warned that conspiracy theories spread on social media undermine the fight against climate change by promoting denial of global warming. Another 2024 study revealed nearly half of X posts contained climate emergency denial, with 17.6% featuring climate-related hate speech. Rubén del Campo, spokesperson for Spain’s state meteorological office Aemet, told El País, “when you see messages attacking you and using your photo – often for made-up stuff you’ve never said – you feel bad.” Aagesen offered the ministry’s full support to prosecutors, emphasizing the vital role of climate experts in fighting disinformation. Attempts to get a comment from X were made but not detailed.