In recent years, the conversation about the chemtrails and the role of AEMET (State Meteorological Agency) in Spain has made its way into social media, internet forums, and discussions among friends. This phenomenon has generated countless doubts, rumors, and even hoaxes that, despite official denials, keep alive the controversy over whether or not Spanish skies are being altered by chemicals dropped from airplanes.
Although science and numerous official bodies have provided clear explanations, conspiracy theories persist. If you've ever wondered what's true in all this, get your coffee ready because you're about to delve into an exhaustive look at the information, the hoaxes, the official position of the AEMET (Spanish Agency for International Development), and the scientific evidence surrounding chemtrails in Spain.
What are chemtrails and why are they controversial?
The term chemtrails comes from the English "chemical trails", translated as "chemical trails". According to theories circulating on the internet, it would be a supposed fumigation from airplanes, in which the following would be dispersed: chemical compounds such as lead dioxide, silver iodide or diatomite for purposes as diverse as modifying the climate, controlling temperature, promoting economic interests (for example, tourism), or even influencing the health of the population.
In reality, scientific evidence does not support the existence of chemtrails.. Most of the contrails seen after an airplane passes by are simply condensation trails, known in English as contrailsThese form when water vapor from engines condenses upon contact with cold air in the upper atmosphere, giving rise to elongated clouds of ice crystals.
Belief in chemtrails began to gain traction in the late 90s in the United States., following publications and debates in digital forums. Since then, the theory has spread internationally, finding echo in Spain, where it has even reached official bodies such as the AEMET (Mexico City State Agency).
Contrails vs. Chemtrails: The Science Behind Aircraft Contrails
Before getting into the matter of accusations and denials, it is essential differentiate between contrails and chemtrails. Why? Because the confusion between both concepts is at the root of many hoaxes. contrails They've been studied since World War I and are simple ice clouds formed when hot, humid exhaust gases from aircraft engines cool rapidly upon contact with cold, high-altitude air. This causes the water vapor to condense and freeze almost instantly, making the typical white trails visible in the sky.
The duration and visibility of these trails depend on several factors: ambient temperature, atmospheric humidity and the altitude at which the aircraft is flyingOn dry or windy days, contrails disappear in seconds, while in humid, stable atmospheres they can persist for hours, even being mistaken for cirrus clouds.
Several scientific studies, including one from the University of California published in 2016, have asked experts in atmospheric chemistry and geochemistry about the existence of a hidden program for large-scale chemical dispersal into the atmosphere. The results have been overwhelming: There is no evidence to support the chemtrail theory.Of 77 specialists consulted, 76 stated that they had found no evidence of any such secret operation.
The official position of the AEMET: What does the weather in Spain say?
La State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has repeatedly denied accusations that air spraying is being carried out in Spain to manipulate the weather. The agency's own spokesperson, Rubén del Campo, has stated in official media and information verification sources such as Verificat and Europa Press that there is neither scientific evidence or statements from workers from AEMET that support the existence of chemtrail programs.
One of the most persistent hoaxes claims that Four AEMET workers reportedly confessed to the existence of chemical fumigationsThis information went so viral that it ended up in the form of a parliamentary question submitted to the European Parliament in 2015 by then-MEP Ramon Tremosa. The official response from the European Commission was clear: I had not received any reports from Spanish meteorologists In this regard, and after investigating with national authorities, he found no evidence of military geoengineering operations or climate manipulation in Spain.
The origin and evolution of the hoax: four AEMET employees and the European question
Much of the controversy surrounding chemtrails in Spain stems from a viral message on social media and Telegram groups in 2015, which claimed without evidence that four AEMET employees had officially reported chemical spraying intended to prevent rain and benefit tourism. The alleged confession was later republished. literally in a parliamentary question registered in Brussels, which contributed to amplifying the hoax.
The MEP who signed the question, Ramon Tremosa, later stated that he conducted the consultation. after receiving pressure from agricultural and livestock groups concerned about hoaxes, but without any evidence in hand. The European Commission responded emphatically: no evidence was found that would support formal complaints from Spanish meteorologists, nor the existence of geoengineering or climate manipulation actions in the country.
The official responses and denials from Newtral, DPA, and Europa Press always emphasize the same message: The attribution of these statements to AEMET employees is completely false and there is not a single official document to support it.
When hoaxes reach the media and science
The spread of these theories is not exclusive to Spain and, in fact, has been the subject of analysis in international scientific publications such as the journal Nature. According to a study published in 2017, 60% of the debate about geoengineering on social media revolves around conspiracy theories such as chemtrails.This highlights how misinformation can dominate the public space and hinder genuine scientific debate about climate change.
Greenpeace has also spoken out on the matter, pointing out that there is no solid evidence to justify investigating the chemtrail theory as a real problem. Likewise, both NASA and the EPA (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) have explained in detail the physical phenomenon of contrails and the absence of a secret chemical dispersal program from aircraft.
In Spain, various media outlets such as Newtral, Info-Veritas, and Europa Press have contacted both the AEMET and European organizations and specialized journalists directly to verify the information. All agree: It is completely false that AEMET has acknowledged the existence of chemtrails or that chemical manipulations from aircraft have been reported..
Why is this theory still alive in Spain?
The chemtrail phenomenon demonstrates the enormous power of hoaxes and misinformationDespite the denials, the idea persists for several reasons:
- Widespread distrust in institutionsRumors find fertile ground in times of uncertainty or crisis, when many citizens doubt official information.
- Visual impact of the stelaeSeeing multiple lines crossing the sky can be unsettling for those unfamiliar with the physical phenomenon, increasing their susceptibility to believing in conspiracies.
- Confirmation biasPeople who are convinced of the existence of chemtrails tend to seek news or testimonies that confirm their beliefs, ignoring evidence to the contrary.
- Virality on social networksHoaxes spread quickly, especially when they incorporate supposed official statements, shocking images, or documents taken out of context.
A clear example was the distorted interpretation of the Order SND/351/2020 of the Ministry of Health during the pandemic. Some used this text, which authorizes the Armed Forces to carry out aerial disinfections, to reinforce the chemtrail theory. However, official documentation clarifies that these activities were limited to the ground spraying of biocides for the disinfection of facilities, no to the aerial dispersion of chemical substances from airplanes over national territory.
Science and meteorology as tools against misinformation
Given the persistence of rumours, the scientific community has dedicated efforts to clarify the difference between facts and unfounded theoriesThe articles published by AEMET make it clear that condensation trails are part of the normal functioning of air traffic and that the Contrails can influence the formation of cirrus clouds, affecting (albeit minimally) the energy balance of the atmosphere and, therefore, the climate.
However, the real concern should be directed, according to AEMET and other scientific institutions, towards the influence of aviation on climate change through greenhouse gas emissions, and not through hypothetical secret fumigation programs that lack any factual basis.
The AEMET itself recommends consulting official sources and scientific texts to clear up any doubts. If you're curious, you can review the agency's article on artificial weather modification, which addresses frequently asked questions such as: How do contrails actually form? Can they be predicted? What weather conditions favor them?
Reaction of institutions and verification of viral messages
As a strategy to combat disinformation, media outlets and international organizations have enabled channels to verify hoaxes. For example, Verificat allows citizens to submit suspicious messages for analysis, and the AEMET itself regularly responds to press and citizen inquiries to clarify misconceptions.
In the case of the hoax about the four AEMET workers, all means of verification agree on the total absence of evidence and official documentsIn fact, not even in personal conversations are there statements that support the version that went viral on social media.
It is clear that the key to discerning between facts and rumors is to go to reliable sources, such as the one itself. AEMET, the European Commission, scientific bodies and independent verification bodies.
Frequently asked questions, studies and relevant sources
As a final note, it's worth remembering that concern about chemtrails has mobilized agricultural groups and even opened cases with the Council for Transparency and Good Governance. In all cases, the official response has debunked the conspiracy narrative.
Among the sources consulted and recommended are:
- Order SND/351/2020 on disinfection; resolutions of the Transparency Council
- AEMET article on artificial weather modification
- Scientific studies published in Nature y Environmental Research Letters
- Official responses from the European Parliament and the European Commission
- Reports and public clarifications from Greenpeace and NASA
The vast majority of the scientific community agrees that There is no factual basis or evidence of a chemtrail program., while public concern often stems from a combination of common atmospheric phenomena, viral misinformation, and distrust in institutions.
Although the narrative about chemtrails continues to circulate from time to time, data, meteorology, and rigorous analysis demonstrate that the trails in the Spanish sky are due to well-known and studied physical phenomena. AEMET (Meteorological Institute of Madrid) and scientific organizations continue to warn about the importance of verifying information before accepting any theory that, although spectacular, lacks any basis in reality.