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Ben Titford

@dr-b-titford.bsky.social
874 followers 1.8K following 243 posts

GP/ UK General Practice. Devon. Uncertainty..transience..evidence, chaos, knowledge and (Rawl’s) ignorance to make the world better…Cycling/ active transport/ the environment; People; Kindness, community- spelling mistake -s deliberate punctuation crime

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Ben Titford @dr-b-titford.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
Make our rivers clean again www.theguardian.com/environment/...
theguardian.com
‘It’s shocking really’: Devon community tracks River Dart sewage spills
Citizen environmentalists create online platform that flags spills in real time and highlights repeatedly polluted spots
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Ben Titford @dr-b-titford.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
This is fantastic on so many levels - a great use of tech, community action and targeted need www.theguardian.com/environment/...
theguardian.com
‘Like caring for a pet’: the open-source tree map inspiring Berliners to water their urban forest
Gieß den Kiez app shows trees in critical need of watering and can be adopted by other heat-stressed cities around the world
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Ben Titford @dr-b-titford.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
theguardian.com
May heatwaves, deaths, ruined harvests: study of Europe’s summer paints grim picture for the future
EU Copernicus report shows surface air temperatures from June to August were 2.5C above decadal average
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Ben Titford @dr-b-titford.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
theguardian.com
The zero-bills home: how one family is beating the energy price hikes
The Naylors’ four-bedroom home in Milton Keynes acts like a mini-power station after retrofitting solar panels, a battery and a heat pump
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Ben Titford @dr-b-titford.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
theguardian.com
Most of UK’s essential food supply grown in drought-risk areas, report warns
Keys crops such as cereals, potatoes, sugar and oils grown in areas with moderate to very high risk
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Ben Titford @dr-b-titford.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
theguardian.com
‘People are standing up and fighting back’: the north Devon revolt against a vast AI datacentre
Plans for one of Europe’s largest AI campuses in a Unesco-designated reserve have sparked a fierce local backlash
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Reposted by Ben Titford
Abdul El-Sayed @abdulelsayed.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
If a politician takes money from weapons manufacturers, don't be surprised when they back weapons contracts. If a politician takes money from Big Pharma, don't be surprised when they try to stop guaranteed healthcare. That's why I don't take ANY corporate money. None.
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Ben Titford @dr-b-titford.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
theguardian.com
UK shares findings of damning climate crisis national security report suppressed under Starmer
El Niño poses critical threat to nations’ defences, says Ed Miliband in presentation to global foreign ministers
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Ben Titford @dr-b-titford.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
theguardian.com
Access to nature inequalities ‘on par with Victorian Britain’s filthy air’
Research finds many in England lack proximity to green and blue spaces as Wildlife Trusts call on Labour to speed up manifesto promise
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Ben Titford @dr-b-titford.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
“It’s a political choice “ key quote from hopeful report… www.theguardian.com/environment/...
theguardian.com
Climate solutions most likely to reach ‘positive tipping points’ revealed by scientists
Global shift towards clean electricity could trigger ‘cascade’ of progress, helping reduce air pollution, cut waste and revive oceans
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Ben Titford @dr-b-titford.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
Excellent piece on the corrosion of democracy by @georgemonbiot.bsky.social www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
theguardian.com
Andy Burnham has already made a mistake that will cost him his premiership: he lost his nerve over political donations | George Monbiot
Being subservient to the interests of the wealthy now means that his hands are tied, and he will be unable to tackle Britain’s most pressing issues, says Guardian columnist George Monbiot
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Wolfgang Blau @wblau.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
For comparison: Germany’s greenhouse gas emissions in 2025 were 649 million tonnes of CO2 equivalents. The below is a massive figure. Individual climate actions are no substitute for policy change, but they do scale.
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Ben Titford @dr-b-titford.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
theguardian.com
Heatwaves show UK must do more to promote cycling and walking, campaigners say
Civil society groups argue climate crisis means transport sector needs to urgently reduce its carbon emissions
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Ben Titford @dr-b-titford.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
Why would anyone oppose this? www.theguardian.com/environment/...
theguardian.com
Ulez led to better lung size and function among London children, study finds
Researchers find capacity stunted by pollution restored after introduction of ultra-low emission zone
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Ben Titford @dr-b-titford.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
This is a great, kind article about learning and how the way we view the world can change… www.theguardian.com/environment/...
theguardian.com
‘The eww holds power’: why disgust shapes how we see nature, queerness and each other
We learn what to fear and reject from those around us. But if disgust can be learned, it can also be unlearned
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Ben Titford @dr-b-titford.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
I grew up there and It’s shocking to hear places i know so well in the news in rhia way … but everywhere and everyone is in the front line www.theguardian.com/environment/...
theguardian.com
‘It’s due to climate’: the people of Stourbridge on the town’s wildfires
Thursday has been described by residents as ‘horrendous’, ‘distressing’ and ‘one of the scariest days of my life’
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Ben Titford @dr-b-titford.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
www.theguardian.com/society/2026...
theguardian.com
‘We’re seeing lots of people who feel dizzy’: how heatwaves are taking a toll on people’s health and the NHS
Doctors and nurses describe rise in fall injuries and other heat-related problems on top of stifling working conditions
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Ben Titford @dr-b-titford.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
This is interesting and enlightening … pun intended www.theguardian.com/business/nil...
theguardian.com
Energy nationalism and interconnectors: the next power threat? | Nils Pratley
Solar eclipses are far easier to manage than Europe’s cross-border electricity politics
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Ben Titford @dr-b-titford.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
www.theguardian.com/world/2026/a...
theguardian.com
Europe is the world’s fastest warming continent. What is to blame?
The climate crisis is hitting Europe hard in 2026, warming twice as fast as any other continent – and the consequences are deadly
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Ben Titford @dr-b-titford.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
theguardian.com
10 urgent climate policies the UK should implement now
From rejecting drilling licences to preparing communities for heat, drought and wildfires, here’s how Burnham can ready the UK for a hotter, drier climate
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Reposted by Ben Titford
Real Gaz on a proper bike: gazza_d@toot.bike @gazza-d.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
"but net zero is too expensive" www.theguardian.com/business/202...
theguardian.com
UK heatwaves may have cost economy £4.4bn in lost output so far this year, analysis finds
Verdant thinktank says cost could top £25bn a year by 2030 and calls for maximum temperature for working and urban redesign to cool down cities
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Ben Titford @dr-b-titford.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
theguardian.com
UK heatwaves may have cost economy £4.4bn in lost output so far this year, analysis finds
Verdant thinktank says cost could top £25bn a year by 2030 and calls for maximum temperature for working and urban redesign to cool down cities
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Ben Titford @dr-b-titford.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
theguardian.com
Could England and Wales ever run out of water?
Last month in England was the driest July since records began almost two centuries ago. How concerned should we be?
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Ben Titford @dr-b-titford.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/live...
theguardian.com
Amber heat-health alerts issued for most of England as temperatures could reach 36C or higher this week – latest updates
The upgraded alerts will be in place from 9am on Tuesday until 9pm on Friday
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Ben Titford @dr-b-titford.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
theguardian.com
Why are ultra-processed food firms panicking and suing? Because they know time is running out | Felicity Lawrence
As the harm caused by their products becomes more evident, manufacturers are resorting to denial and lawsuits to keep regulation at bay, says former Guardian special correspondent Felicity Lawrence
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Ben Titford @dr-b-titford.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
www.theguardian.com/society/2026...
theguardian.com
NHS must prepare for annual summer heat pressures, says Yvette Cooper
Health secretary says global heating means UK hospitals and GPs will have to prepare for summer as well as winter peaks of demand
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Ben Titford @dr-b-titford.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
theguardian.com
The most dynamic countries are surging ahead with high-speed rail. Others, like Britain, are stuck in the station | Christian Wolmar
Around the world, these trains have boosted economies, development and prestige. The costs of missing out are high, says transport writer and author Christian Wolmar
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Ben Titford @dr-b-titford.bsky.social · 02/08/2026
This is such a great conversation regarding the risks and issues of AI …https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/cautionary-tales-with-tim-harford/id1484511465?i=1000775230082
podcasts.apple.com
LIVE: We Are Not Machines - with Sarah O'Connor
Podcast Episode · Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford · 3 July · 41min
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Ben Titford @dr-b-titford.bsky.social · 02/08/2026
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
theguardian.com
‘Climate change kills’: Pedro Sánchez speaks plain truth to Spain’s deniers
PM has long history of speaking out on realities of global heating but political opponents remain unnmoved
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Ben Titford @dr-b-titford.bsky.social · 01/08/2026
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
theguardian.com
ECB official warns climate crisis poses growing threat to ‘core financial stability’
Exclusive: As wildfires rage across Europe, Frank Elderson tells the Guardian nature loss poses a growing risk to the global economy
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Ben Titford @dr-b-titford.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
theguardian.com
Wildfires are raging – and the world has junked 45 climate pledges. Disaster looms, and little wonder | Bill McGuire
Five years ago, I wrote an open letter asking climate scientists to speak out. Now governments are in retreat, it is surely time to act, says climate professor Bill McGuire
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Ben Titford @dr-b-titford.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
‘This looks absolutely rubbish’ www.lrb.co.uk/the-paper/v4...
lrb.co.uk
Peter Geoghegan and Lucas Amin · ‘This looks absolutely rubbish’: Palantir and the NHS
A decade ago Palantir was largely unknown in the UK. It now holds public contracts worth hundreds of millions of pounds...
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Urban Truth Collective @urbantruth.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
Simple message, really. Thanks for the bluntness, @nondriver.bsky.social. #UrbanTruth
“3/4 of disabled people don’t drive. Stop using us as an excuse for car dependency.“ Via Anna Zivarts. The tagline at the bottom says “mobility freedom comes from mobility choices.“ Via the Urban Truth Collective in  collaboration with Anna Zivarts.
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Reposted by Ben Titford
World Medical Association @medwma.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
"Supporting doctors is essential not only for their well-being, but for the future sustainability of universal healthcare." Dr. Joana Savva-Bordalo on Portugal's NHS workforce crisis, in the June #WorldMedicalJournal 🇵🇹 📖 www.wma.net/wp-content/uploads/2026…
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Ben Titford @dr-b-titford.bsky.social · 11/07/2026
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
theguardian.com
The 13 biggest myths about heatwaves – and how to bust them
With some still unable to accept humanity’s role in climate chaos, we tackle common misconceptions and deceptions
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Reposted by Ben Titford
Clive Lewis MP @labourlewis.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
Billionaire capture of UK media is a key political issue. We do not have a fair or free democracy, whilst the 0.001% have our media captured. Let's take back control. Please sign #MediaSovereigntyAct petition to ensure Parliament debates it. mediasovereignty.org/petition/
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Prof. Ian Walker @ianwalker.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
I cycled to work the longer way today. At 5.5 miles, that's further than most UK car trips - yet it took me just 22 minutes We urgently need to unblock and enable the millions of short active trips that are being blocked every day because of our collective car dependency. Our health depends on it
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Reposted by Ben Titford
George Monbiot @georgemonbiot.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
Despite all the noise today I'd really like you to read this, as I think it's crucial. The government's in the process of p*ssing up to £264 billion into the ground, at the behest of the fossil fuel industry. Yes, £264 *billion*. It's utterly mad, and has to stop. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
theguardian.com
The great carbon capture con: behold the wasted billions Burnham could claw back | George Monbiot
There are far better ways to tackle climate breakdown, but successive governments have chosen to listen to the fossil fuel companies instead, says Guardian columnist George Monbiot
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Ben Titford @dr-b-titford.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
theguardian.com
The rise of blue-space therapy: how the sea is helping people deal with trauma, anxiety and addiction
‘Sea cures’ are not new but the idea that exposure to oceans, rivers and lakes can be medicine for the brain is gaining traction
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Ben Titford @dr-b-titford.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
Vote count binface
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Ben Titford @dr-b-titford.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
theguardian.com
Britons to buy 8m mini fans this year – but almost half will end up in landfill
Shoppers urged to seek quality products or alternatives as data shows demand surpassing least year’s total
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Mariana Mazzucato @mazzucatom.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
The Common Good Economy: a new compass ➡️ marianamazzucato.com/books/the-co...
marianamazzucato.com
The Common Good Economy
Economics - Innovation - Inclusive Growth - Public Purpose | Mariana Mazzucato
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Ben Titford @dr-b-titford.bsky.social · 27/06/2026
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
theguardian.com
‘Make people dream’: how to build an economy for the common good
Economist Prof Mariana Mazzucato says governments must ‘get back their mojo’ and believe they can change the world
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Ben Titford @dr-b-titford.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
This story is so great ! www.theguardian.com/environment/... See www.justgiving.com/campaign/wat... for his fundraising page
theguardian.com
‘I’m 90 for goodness sake’: rainforest activist to pedal 104 miles down Thames
Veteran campaigner Robin Hanbury-Tenison is raising money for a research station near his home in Cornwall
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Ben Titford @dr-b-titford.bsky.social · 14/06/2026
This is such a great story www.theguardian.com/world/2026/j...
theguardian.com
‘A point of resistance’: the Normandy village that said ‘non’ to Pete Hegseth
US defence secretary cancelled appearance at D-day event in Langrune-sur-Mer after protest by residents
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Ben Titford @dr-b-titford.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
theguardian.com
England’s poorest areas face deepest cuts to green space under planning law changes, report finds
Exclusive: New loopholes for developers will exacerbate extreme disparities across country, charity coalition warns
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Ben Titford @dr-b-titford.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
This offers a positive vision for the future of humanity and the planet www.theguardian.com/environment/...
theguardian.com
‘Happiness is not just about GDP’: ambitious plan or utopia?
Some will question its credibility. But the alternative future to the one imagined in the World Justice Report is far more bleak
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Ben Titford @dr-b-titford.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
theguardian.com
‘Happiness is not just about GDP’: ambitious plan or utopia?
Some will question its credibility. But the alternative future to the one imagined in the World Justice Report is far more bleak
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Ben Titford @dr-b-titford.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
theguardian.com
‘An equal and habitable world is possible’: academics set out sweeping vision for planetary survival
Global report provides an alternative to climate breakdown, political extremism and economic tensions
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Ben Titford @dr-b-titford.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
theguardian.com
The row at Hampstead Heath is about far more than a few thoughtless swimmers in a heatwave | Rhiannon Lucy Cosslett
As summers get hotter, investment and education are vital to ensure we all have access to the clean, safe water we need, says Guardian columnist Rhiannon Lucy Cosslett
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