Rising online, offline hatred against climate activists sparks concerns

In a troubling trend, climate and environmental activists are facing increasing hostility both online and offline, posing a serious threat to their safety and freedom of expression.

A recent report by Climate Action Against Disinformation (CAAD) highlights the surge in violent language and security threats directed at activists on social media platforms, raising alarms about potential risks and the adverse impact on the public's right to information on climate change.

The global report, covering the period from January 1, 2022, to November 30, 2023, highlights the use of terms like ‘eco-terrorist’ in over 34,000 social media posts, among more than 220,000 examined. This alarming language not only threatens the activists’ safety but also jeopardizes the public’s right to access climate-related information and undermines the freedom of expression of activists and scientists.

Climate Action Against Disinformation analyzed social media posts from January 1, 2022, to November 30, 2023. They found 430,000 posts with neutral terms like ‘climate protest’ and ‘green activist.’ Another 220,000 posts used negative terms like ‘climate cult,’ and over 90,000 used terms like ‘eco terrorist.’ The study noted that while the number of posts hasn’t increased much, the replies to them have doubled.

Most of the high-traffic posts about climate protests come from a few accounts with many followers. Some comments support violence or harsh punishment for protesters, but these usually get little attention. A video of a Tribal Ranger breaking through a protest roadblock got 1.2 million views and many likes, but most comments didn’t support violence.

The term ‘climate cult’ is often used by right-wing politicians in the US to dismiss climate action. Posts from influential accounts with this term have been widely shared. For example, a post criticizing a protest at The National Gallery in London called the protesters ‘lunatics’ from the ‘climate cult.’

Key findings from the report

1. Objectionable Statements and Security Threats: Over 220,000 social media posts were investigated, with more than 34,000 containing highly objectionable terms such as 'eco-terrorist.' This labeling of climate activists as threats to security puts their safety at risk.
2. Increase in Dehumanizing Language: Although the number of objectionable posts did not see a significant increase, the replies containing dehumanizing language toward activists more than doubled, indicating a concerning normalization of online violence.
3. Online Violence Normalization: The paradox arises where citizens advocating for climate action, crucial for a better future, face punishment in the form of offensive posts on social media. This normalization of violence on digital platforms poses risks to activists and raises doubts about the safety of those involved in climate advocacy.
4. Spread of Venom: The report dispels the belief that violent rhetoric is confined to certain platforms, revealing its prevalence on mainstream social media accounts with high traction. This widespread issue demands immediate attention.
5. Disrespect on Various Platforms: Facebook and Instagram saw over 68,000 posts from 35,000 unique accounts containing abusive language, shared 1.86 million times. TikTok, with its strict rules, witnessed an increase in violence conveyed through coded language and derogatory satire.

Activists as a “Security Threat”

The right-wing media often use extreme names like "extremists," "lunatics," or "zealots" to call climate activists, and some even suggest labeling environmental groups as terrorist organizations. Groups like the Atlas Network, which supports many think tanks worldwide, use this tactic.

This issue goes beyond just talk. Political figures and law enforcement are starting to treat these negative views as normal. For example, US Congressman Mike Johnson shared a video criticizing environmentalism, and UK Home Secretary Suella Braverman called activists “militant eco-zealots,” pushing for tougher police action. In the US, 18 states have made laws against protests, influenced by the fossil fuel industry.

A news segment on GB News in August 2023 called a Greenpeace protest “mafia-style intimidation” and a security risk. The host said that if the public wasn’t so decent, they might react violently to such protests.

Almost 2,000 environmental defenders have been killed in the last decade, and this matters. Online attacks on activists are intensifying, and people are blaming them for issues such as high energy bills. This situation is creating a divide and could potentially incite violence.

Human rights experts and UN officials are worried about this trend. They say calling activists terrorists or other bad names can make people see them negatively and hurt their cause. The UN’s High Commissioner for Human Rights has asked governments to protect the right to protest and warned about crackdowns around the world.

Why do people become climate protesters?

Studies have uncovered various motivations driving individuals to participate in social movements, such as conveying a political stance, expressing concerns, fostering societal change, or affirming group identity. This diversity was evident at the March to End Fossil Fuels in New York City, where participants from different generations united for climate action.

The march showcased a mix of youth and veteran activists, the latter drawn back into activism by the climate crisis, reminiscent of their Vietnam war protest days. The Sunrise Movement’s young advocates were vocal, echoing resilience with chants like “they try to stop us, but we keep coming back.”

The question remains: what drives people to protest for climate change? Emotional responses to the climate crisis, such as sadness and anger, are significant motivators, as confirmed by a survey at the New York City march. The survey revealed that a majority of participants felt these emotions, often linked to personal experiences with extreme weather events.

Normalization of violence against climate activists

Responding to these findings, CAAD emphasizes responsible online discourse and calls on digital platforms to take effective measures to curb the normalization of violence against climate activists promptly. These alarming trends not only jeopardize the safety of activists but also infringe upon their fundamental human rights, including the right to freedom of expression.

The report comes at a time when the United Nations recognized the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment as a human right. With COP 28 allowing a record number of fossil fuel advocates, the normalization of violence against climate activists could further stifle their freedom of expression.

CAAD urges digital platforms to publish data on the misuse of their products and collaborate with civil society to develop concrete plans to combat climate misinformation, hate speech, and other content threatening public safety. As online and offline threats escalate, safeguarding the rights of climate activists remains crucial for fostering a sustainable and informed global community.

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