Land and Climate Defenders Face Death Threats and Misinformation: Shedding Light on Online Abuse

Land and climate defenders face grave threats online, including harassment and intimidation. A recent report by Global Witness highlights that 90% of over 200 environmental activists surveyed reported experiencing abuse related to their work. Notably, 75% of those who had also faced offline harm believed that this digital harassment contributed to their physical safety concerns.

The timing of this report is critical. Earlier this year, Meta announced plans to reduce fact-checking on its platforms, which some fear will exacerbate online harassment. This shift, combined with similar changes by other platforms, raises alarms about the safety of those advocating for environmental justice.

Fatrisia Ain, an activist from Indonesia fighting for land rights, shared her experience of intimidation. She noted that her personal images were used to spread lies about her online, putting her safety at risk. Such targeted attacks can have a chilling effect on activism, particularly for women, who often face even greater vulnerabilities. Ain described how accusations against her were amplified due to her being an unmarried woman, an issue rooted deeply in societal norms in Indonesia.

Worryingly, nearly two-thirds of the defenders who reported abuse stated that it impacted their sense of safety. Even more concerning, in 2023 alone, Global Witness documented the killings of at least 196 land defenders worldwide. Ain herself experienced a physical attack last year, heightening her fears and forcing her to change her security measures.

Support from social media platforms has been lacking. Ain reported that Facebook didn’t take down harmful posts despite her requests, illustrating the inadequacy of current moderation practices. Only 12% of activists were satisfied with how their reports of abuse were handled, with defenders in Europe receiving more responsive support than others.

Ava Lee, a campaign lead at Global Witness, emphasized that the lack of effective digital security can dissuade advocates from participating in the climate movement, mirroring trends seen among women in politics. She pointed out that social media algorithms often prioritize division, making it harder for platforms to foster a safe online environment.

These trends aren’t just changing the landscape of activism; they reflect broader societal issues. As environmental conditions worsen globally, with climate-driven disasters on the rise, the voices advocating for change become even more crucial.

In a time when the climate crisis is at the forefront, the need for robust protection for those on the front lines has never been greater. The responsibility now lies with tech giants to prioritize safety over clicks, ensuring a healthier space for dialogue and advocacy. For further insights and research, you can explore Global Witness’s work here.

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