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altate.bsky.social
Writer & Urban Planner working to make cities happier & healthier. Focused on solutions to the urban heat island effect. Speaking for the trees and spreading the joy. https://open.substack.com/pub/urbancooling
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Prolific Poster

“It’s true that we need ‘better cars,’ & electric cars are part of the solution. But a better energy source for the same # of cars, or even more & bigger cars, won’t get us where we need to be…Our primary goal must be fewer & smaller cars driven less.”— @brenttoderian.bsky.social in Paris Exhibition

Good to see this!

For the first time since the United Nations started its annual climate talks in 1995, the United States is not sending an official government delegation to one of the biannual global negotiation sessions.

The claims that McIver, Padilla, and Lander were committing assault should make you question every other time LEOs claim assault or resisting arrest, if you weren’t already.

In the spring of 2008, I feared America was on the verge of war with Iran — and, believing that it’s good style to get to know people before you bomb them, I made “Rick Steves’ Iran,” a one-hour special that could (and would) only debut on PBS. Sadly, this special has become pertinent again today.

The potential of Agrivoltaics is immense. I've had the privilege of touring Oregon State University's Agrivoltaics research site and talked with their staff about what they've learned. It won't be everywhere, but it will be a big piece of the renewable energy future.

Why Heat? As summer gets underway in the Northern Hemisphere, brace yourself for news of heat waves, heat deaths, and the urban heat island effect. Here is why this matters more than ever and why I am writing all about it over on Substack. #climatechange #urbanheatisland #heatislandeffect

This! Nearly half of ocean going freight is just giant ships transporting coal, oil, and gas. In an electric future - those giant ships and their emissions wind down. It's nice to know that's 40% of rail traffic in the US as well, because it will open the lines back up for passenger trains.

🚨 BREAKING: Judge blocks Trump passport policy targeting transgender people

We are still at the beginning of Summer in the Northern Hemisphere and already, records and being broken in many places. We need to act on climate and act on heat like our lives depend on it, because they do. #climatechange #urbanheatisland #heatmitigation

Energy transitions can happen quickly ⚡️ The build-out of wind and solar power in the Netherlands has led to a major drop in electricity generation from fossil fuels in the last five years ❌🔥 2019: 93 TWh (78% share) 2024: 57 TWh (46%) ⬇️

Yes. Global warming due to human behavior- especially fossil fuels is going to cause trillions of dollars in damage and countless deaths. So tragic. www.theguardian.com/world/2025/j...

Our streets are our greatest public-space asset, and for more than a generation we have used that space for one primary purpose—to move people in cars—and that has been to the detriment of other uses and outcomes. - Scott Curry In reference to Charlotte, but it's applicable to every American city.

haven't checked in with belle and sebastian in a few years, but of course they had an album out in 2020 named after a ladybird book. they would wouldn't they

NYC Comptroller Brad Lander was arrested by ICE after asking if they had a warrant. This is intimidation. This is disgraceful. This is un-American. He must be released immediately.

As a former Texan, one who thoroughly researched and opposed Fracking, I can tell you that this is a horrendously bad idea. What the hell, Texas? Millions of Texans rely on this water and right now are using it for summer recreation, from fishing and swimming, to boating and floating the river.

Just because Rand Paul is having broken clock moments doesn’t mean he is your friend, or he’s changed. He just happened to accidentally stumble on a truth the way Libertarians sometimes do.

Yesterday, millions of us reasserted the “We” in "We the people." We gained strength from our solidarity. We celebrated our numbers and our power. We will be steadfast. We will not cower to a dictator. We will win.

What we learned yesterday. The Times They Are a-Changin'

Boston showed up for No Kings Day!

“The President, Vice President and all civil Officers of the United States, shall be removed from Office on Impeachment for, and Conviction of, Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors.“ —the ever-quotable Constitution in Article II Section 4

Before the cops in LA started escalating things for no reason it was funny how my main takeaway was how much people were looking out for each other in really helpful ways. I’ve never seen so many people with carts giving away free water, sunscreen, snacks, and masks to total strangers.

www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2025/...

This is how it’s done! 👊🏿👊🏾👊🏽👊🏼👊🏻

97% of extremist-related murders in the U.S. in 2024 were linked to right-wing extremists. It’s not a political movement anymore - it’s a hobby for failed men with too much testosterone and not enough brain cells.

Whoa! Hats off to ABC News reporter Matt Gutman for keeping his cool yesterday. This LAPD officer needs to be relieved of duty if he can’t handle an alleged “touch” without snapping.

Best image of the day:

imagine if any city in the US was doing this.

60% of Democratic primary voters say they're more likely to vote for someone endorsed by Bernie Sanders

We should make June 14th No Kings Day permanently.

After analyzing over 300 climate adaptation investments across 12 countries, the World Resources Institute found that, for every $1 USD equivalent spent on resilience, it yields more than $10 in benefits. They calculated an annual average return of 27% .....

To Sir With Love #AmazingGrace #ObamaAppreciationDay #Obama #NoKingsDay

BREAKING: At 11 MILLION attending, No Kings Day numbers are approaching the critical key 3.5%... A political scientist's "3.5% rule" states that no government has ever held power after 3.5% of its population takes to the streets. Let's go!!!

Couple things I learned today: - Seniors are extremely fired up about this - "Fuck ICE" is a normie position now - People are MASSIVELY pissed off about Sen. Padilla being wrestled to the ground in LA - We all we got, we all we need

“If ICE is going to wear a mask in their uniform, then I can.”

Really, “criminals” are lining up to pick strawberries in 100F heat for $13,000 a year…

there are a lot of good people in this country we will win

Way to go Waco!!!!

What a contrast: On the one hand, one grandiose spectacle in the nation's capital, a panorama of propaganda put on by an aspiring autocrat. On the other hand, thousands of assemblies of free citizens across the nation, authentic celebrations of the proposition that here the people rule.

Obama is the best of ‘em!

This is beyond a 'theory' now. substack.com/inbox/post/1...

They launched a coup, suffered no consequences for it, won back power, and have used the power to pardon everyone involved while remaking the country through violence and intimidation. It’s just ridiculous to talk about the political violence of yelling at ICE agents within that context.