Report: Russian Influence Network Targets Norway’s Environmental Debate

The American Sunlight Project (ASP) and Norway's leading environmental organization, Bellona, have documented a significant expansion of the EcoBoost network, consisting of 697 automated X accounts run by a Russian entity that engage in deceptive information practices targeting the environmental and tech sectors. EcoBoost mass-spams replies to international governing bodies, NGOs, and educational institutions, manufacturing false grassroots support for pro-environmental causes. The network masquerades its malign intent with AI-generated profile images and seemingly-personalized content on a range of issues—including climate policy, natural disasters, and cryptocurrencies. Initially uncovered by ASP in February, this update documents an additional 61 accounts within the network and an overview of its recent activity.

ASP and Bellona estimate that EcoBoost has posted 602,668 pieces of content as of 31 July 2025, with key fluctuations in activity centered around telecommunications outages in Russia. Ahead of Norwegian elections this September, Norway is the Scandinavian country discussed most frequently by the network. ASP and Bellona detail how coordinated campaigns like EcoBoost are eroding the environmental movement’s credibility, as well as society’s broader efforts to address the climate crisis. EcoBoost showcases a critical finding that has appeared time and again in ASP's research: The most effective campaigns don’t invent new controversies—they exploit existing ones. If people can no longer trust the facts, how can they trust the solutions being proposed?

Read the report.