The Digital Threats Faced by Climate Activists
A groundbreaking survey has revealed that Facebook is the primary platform where climate activists and land defenders experience online abuse globally. Conducted in partnership with a polling company, this first-of-its-kind global survey provides insight into the challenges faced by those working to protect the environment.
Widespread Online Harassment
The survey involved over 200 land and environmental defenders from six continents, highlighting the significant impact of online abuse on the climate movement. Key findings include:
- 92% of respondents reported experiencing some form of online abuse or harassment.
- 63% felt threatened for their safety, while 45% experienced a loss of productivity due to the stress of online attacks.
- 75% of those who suffered offline harm believe it was linked to online abuse.
Warom, a defender from the Congo Basin, shared his experience: “Online harassment has had a significant effect on us. It has discouraged us at times and has made us feel unsafe.”
Platforms as the Source of Abuse
Meta-owned platforms, including Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram, were cited as the most common sources of online abuse. Specific numbers include:
- Facebook: 62% of respondents experienced abuse here.
- X (formerly Twitter): 37% of respondents reported abuse.
- WhatsApp: 36% of respondents faced abuse.
- Instagram: 26% of respondents encountered online harassment.
These results may reflect the popularity of Meta’s platforms, with Facebook alone having over 3 billion monthly active users. Despite this, only 12% of defenders who reported abuse were satisfied with the response they received from these platforms.
Gendered Attacks and Criminalisation
The survey also uncovered troubling trends, such as gendered abuse and criminalisation. Key points include:
- Almost 25% of defenders who faced online abuse were targeted based on their sex.
- Almost 20% were attacked based on their gender identity.
- 35% of respondents received offline threats of criminalisation, while 30% were actually criminalised for their activism.
Fatrisia, a defender from Indonesia, described her experience: “Unidentified attackers have taken photos from my personal Instagram account and posted them on Facebook group pages… They said I am rumoured to be having an affair with a fellow activist.”
Social Media Business Models and Polarisation
Defenders also highlighted how social media business models contribute to the problem. Many believe that:
- Algorithms drive polarisation and amplify harmful content.
- Moderation resources are insufficient, allowing trolls and bots to thrive.
- Monetisation techniques can encourage harmful behavior.
Calls for Better Protections
Global Witness, the organisation behind the survey, is urging social media companies to improve safety measures. Ava Lee, Campaign Strategy Lead at Global Witness, stated:
“The climate crisis is taking its toll on everyone on the front lines of the fight for justice. And right now, social media companies are making it harder for people to do this essential work by allowing hate and harassment to push people away from the movement.”
A Growing Concern
The survey findings align with previous research, such as a 2023 study of climate scientists, which found similar patterns of online harassment. These issues underscore the urgent need for better digital protections.
Responses from Tech Companies
Global Witness reached out to major platforms like Google, Meta, TikTok, and X. While some provided resources and guidelines, others did not respond. Meta directed inquiries to their Safety Center, offering tools like “Hidden Words” and “Limits” to help users filter offensive content.
Looking Ahead
The new findings will be featured in Global Witness’s annual defenders report for 2025, which includes statistics on the killings and disappearances of land and environmental defenders worldwide. In 2023, at least 196 defenders were killed for protecting their land, communities, or the environment.
This survey marks a critical step in understanding the digital threats faced by climate activists and highlights the urgent need for action from tech companies to ensure safer online spaces.