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Andy Whitmore

@more-whit.bsky.social
554 followers 427 following 1.6K posts

International man of mystery .. oh no, sorry - campaigning on indigenous peoples and extractive industries (& not enough on music, UK politics & nonsense)

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Andy Whitmore @more-whit.bsky.social · 6h
"Indigenous Peoples recognize sites in the ocean as especially culturally and spiritually important. These spaces aren’t human-made, but they hold stories, traditions, and significance that cannot be replaced ... these sites deserve protection" earthworks.org/blog/indigen...
earthworks.org
Indigenous Peoples’ Knowledge Is Left Behind in the Rush to Mine the Seafloor
The International Seabed Authority is writing policies to govern mining in the deep sea. Those policies cut right to some of the biggest questions that determine our future.
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Andy Whitmore @more-whit.bsky.social · 6h
What is even more insane is the only countries that had public executions last year were Iran and Afghanistan ... these are the countries the US is aspiring to emulate! www.amnesty.org/en/latest/ne...
amnesty.org
Death penalty in 2025 - Facts and figures
Global figures Global executions Violating international law Global death sentences  Abolishing the death penalty Regional analysis Americas Asia-Pacific Europe and Central Asia Middle East and North ...
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Andy Whitmore @more-whit.bsky.social · 6h
What is even more insane is the only countries that had public executions last year were Iran and Afghanistan ... these are the countries the US is aspiring to emulate! www.amnesty.org/en/latest/ne...
amnesty.org
Death penalty in 2025 - Facts and figures
Global figures Global executions Violating international law Global death sentences  Abolishing the death penalty Regional analysis Americas Asia-Pacific Europe and Central Asia Middle East and North ...
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Andy Whitmore @more-whit.bsky.social · 6h
You know your options are constrained when the actors that government are trying to help with stockpiling minerals are raising concerns about competition! To quote Monty Python's Life of Brian "There's no pleasing some people" www.ft.com/content/dbd6...
ft.com
US critical minerals stockpile risks driving up prices, defence groups warn
Industry urges Washington to ‘proceed with caution’ as competition for scarce materials intensifies
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Andy Whitmore @more-whit.bsky.social · 6h
A sound and detailed analysis of the issues involving the copper supply-chain, and why processing is the real bottleneck for those concerned with 'on-shoring' copper, especially in the US, emphasising how difficult it will be to overturn Chinese dominance in processing. www.csis.org/analysis/res...
csis.org
Restoring the Economics of Copper Processing
Copper processing economics are under pressure. Treatment and refining charges have turned negative as Chinese smelting capacity continues to outpace global mine supply, squeezing independent smelters...
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Andy Whitmore @more-whit.bsky.social · 6h
🤦
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Andy Whitmore @more-whit.bsky.social · 7h
I mean you would have thought it does contravene US laws www.reuters.com/business/ene...
reuters.com
US Republicans, Democrats want Trump to reverse course on Russia diesel
Senator Thom Tillis said Trump's deal with Russia will put American ​lives at risk.
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Andy Whitmore @more-whit.bsky.social · 9h
I just signed to stop Italy from capping "foreign" children at 30% per class. Kids could be moved away from their friends because of their passport. Parliament can still delete it. Add your name action.wemove.eu/sign/2026-10...
action.wemove.eu
Europe’s classrooms belong to all children
Share the petition and you'll help multiply the impact of this campaign: Europe’s classrooms belong to all children
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Andy Whitmore @more-whit.bsky.social · 21h
Once again we see critical minerals justification over-riding local concerns (& legal decisions), and in this case those concerns are surely justified. www.theguardian.com/environment/...
theguardian.com
This is one of Norway’s most pristine fjords. So why is it being used as a dumping site for mine waste?
The Norwegian government has given a permit to a mining company to release waste into Førde fjord despite a 17-year battle by campaigners and a supreme court ruling against it
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Reposted by Andy Whitmore
Adam Bienkov @adambienkov.bsky.social · 10/10/2026
The contrast between the utterly sycophantic coverage this week of Kemi Badenoch, whose party has a truly atrocious electoral record under her leadership, and the utterly dismissive coverage of the Greens, tells you everything you need to know about media bias in the UK
adambienkov.co.uk
Why the Holborn and St Pancras By-Election Was a Good Result for the Green Party
The dismissive coverage of Zack Polanski’s party obscures a far bigger truth about the rise of the left in British politics
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Andy Whitmore @more-whit.bsky.social · 10/10/2026
Save the ICC! Block Trump’s sanctions now! actions.eko.org/a/save-the-i...
actions.eko.org
Save the ICC! Block Trump’s sanctions now!
Trump is treating the ICC like a terrorist organization—for daring to arrest Netanyahu. He wants it destroyed. And his sanctions may soon make it impossible for the court to pay its staff or keep its
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Andy Whitmore @more-whit.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
"The problem is that even with massive investments, the amount of rare-earth elements that can be extracted is extremely small ... There remains a significant gap between the amount of resources lying on the seafloor and the ability to extract them economically" earthjournalism.net/stories/japa...
earthjournalism.net
Japan Advances Deep-Sea Mining as Moratorium Support Grows
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Andy Whitmore @more-whit.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
A sound summary of the arguments around the finances of deep-sea mining, and whether it adds up - especially for the governments involved j4t.org/toolkit/stor...
j4t.org
J4T
Journalists for Transparency
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Reposted by Andy Whitmore
Praxis, for migrants and refugees @praxisprojects.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
We've had nearly 700 people sign in just the past 24 hours! Please sign and share with your networks so we can reach 10,000 and put this petition in front of the Prime Minister!
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Andy Whitmore @more-whit.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
This is likely to be the first of many law suits against attempts by the Trump administration to speed up deep-sea mining. The more they push, the more short-cuts they take, the more opportunities for legal action to protect the oceans. oceanographicmagazine.com/news/conserv...
oceanographicmagazine.com
Conservationists take Trump office to court over deep-sea mining - Oceanographic
Conservation groups sue NOAA over its certification of The Metals Company USA's deep-sea mining application, citing lack of transparency.
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Andy Whitmore @more-whit.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
"When asked whether growth was more important than net zero, Reeves replied: “Well, if it’s the No 1 mission, it’s obviously the most important thing.” That’s another way of saying money is more important than human life." www.monbiot.com/2026/10/08/i...
monbiot.com
It Won’t Fly
Air travel is on track to account for almost all our emissions by 2050. So why aren’t we working to reduce demand?
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Andy Whitmore @more-whit.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
Covered in industry press too ... maritime-executive.com/article/stud...
maritime-executive.com
Study Suggests Deep Sea Mining Could Be a Loss-Making Proposition
Any deep-ocean seabed operation is an expensive proposition, as research vessel operators and offshore drilling companies are well aware. Deep-sea min...
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Andy Whitmore @more-whit.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
I am grateful for the coverage of the potential problems that deep-sea mining has with processing, but it is a shame it doesn't explore the technical problems, or say more on issues if companies seek to process outside the US news.bloomberglaw.com/environment-...
news.bloomberglaw.com
Critical Minerals Refining Gap to Test Deep-Sea Mining Ambitions
As federal authorities work to issue permits for mining in and beyond US waters, industry officials are making plans to build infrastructure the country lacks to process what’s recovered from the ocea...
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Andy Whitmore @more-whit.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
Yet another report which considers the economic case for deep-sea mining (based on industry figures) & finds: “Deep-sea mining doesn’t stand up as an attractive investment. The returns are too low for the ... risks involved” oceanographicmagazine.com/news/deep-se...
oceanographicmagazine.com
Deep-sea mining fails the money test, independent report finds - Oceanographic
A stress-test of The Metals Company's own figures finds deep-sea mining destroys value in most scenarios and could cost governments revenue.
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Andy Whitmore @more-whit.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
What a hero ... www.theguardian.com/global-devel...
theguardian.com
‘Water yes, mining no!’: the 87-year-old farmer who became a nature hero in Colombia
Porfirio Garcés is one of the ‘Jerico 11’, who face kidnapping charges after opposing a copper mine. Now, with a far-right president prioritising extraction, their fight has become more urgent
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Reposted by Andy Whitmore
Jessica Green @greenprofgreen.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
Starbucks’ rollback of its climate commitments is just the latest example of why voluntary climate standards like net zero are only useful when coupled w/ credible threats of regulation or (gasp!) *actual* rules on climate action. Mini 🧵
ft.com
Starbucks retreats from green goals amid drive for $2bn in cost cuts
Early corporate champion of climate action scales back or reviews targets to halve emissions, waste and water use
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Andy Whitmore @more-whit.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
Every person who takes action adds strength to the call to stop deep sea mining before it starts. I’ve had my say; now it's your turn. act.gp/3TWnlHV
act.gp
The Deep Ocean is Not For Sale - Greenpeace International
Every person who takes action adds strength to the call to stop deep sea mining before it starts. I’ve had my say; now it's your turn.
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Andy Whitmore @more-whit.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
"A headline circularity target will achieve little without policies that address absolute resource demand and deliver measurable emissions cuts. But COP31 offers an opportunity to make circularity a central element of climate policy" www.climatechangenews.com/2026/09/29/c...
climatechangenews.com
COP31 must aim higher to cut emissions from the use of materials
November's climate summit is an opportunity to connect material circularity with stronger carbon-cutting pathways but Türkiye's proposed goals need to be a lot more ambitious
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Andy Whitmore @more-whit.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
"Guam's cultural ties to the ocean are not limited by arbitrary boundaries and extend beyond the three miles from the shore" Well said! www.postguam.com/news/local/g...
postguam.com
Guam objects to federal finding that mining lease sale won't affect island
Guam’s Bureau of Statistics and Plans, through the Guam Coastal Management Program, has formally objected to a federal finding that a proposed seabed mining lease sale off the Commonwealth of
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Andy Whitmore @more-whit.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
Just signed this petition demanding real climate action to phase out coal at #COP31, join me: act.350.org/sign/cop31/?...
act.350.org
Tell the COP31 Presidencies: Phase Out Fossil Fuels and Deliver a Just Transition
In November, Türkiye and Australia will host this year's UN Climate Talks (COP31). For two weeks, they'll steer the negotiations that decide how fast and how fairly the world moves off coal, oil and g...
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Reposted by Andy Whitmore
Deep Sea Mining Campaign @dsmcampaign.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
Every person who takes action adds strength to the call to stop deep sea mining before it starts. we are having our say; now it's your turn. act.gp/3TWnlHV
act.gp
The Deep Ocean is Not For Sale - Greenpeace International
Every person who takes action adds strength to the call to stop deep sea mining before it starts. I’ve had my say; now it's your turn.
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Andy Whitmore @more-whit.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: Stop fuelling leopard trophy hunting. actions.eko.org/a/the-u-s-fi...
actions.eko.org
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: Stop fuelling leopard trophy hunting.
Leopards are Africa’s most mysterious big cats, known as “ghosts of the forests” as they are silent, stealthy and solitary animals.But they are being driven close to extinction by the booming trophy h
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Andy Whitmore @more-whit.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
🤦 ... Mind you I'm surprised he didn't have a bigger problem with the word intelligence...
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Andy Whitmore @more-whit.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
Big Oil makes €3,000 every second. While Europe burns, Shell, BP, and Total rake in billions. ACT NOW to #MakePollutersPay. action.wemove.eu/sign/2026-08...
action.wemove.eu
Make Polluters Pay for Climate Disasters
Share the petition and you'll help multiply the impact of this campaign: Make Polluters Pay for Climate Disasters
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Andy Whitmore @more-whit.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
Wow, can't believe I just heard Crass played on national daytime radio. Thanks Beth Ditto!
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Andy Whitmore @more-whit.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
Germany: Protect the North Sea and its harbour porpoises! actions.eko.org/a/germany-pr...
actions.eko.org
Germany: Protect the North Sea and its harbour porpoises!
Harbour porpoises are among the smallest marine mammals, once abundant in the North Sea, and recognizable by their cute little squeaks they make when surfacing. They are shy and rely heavily on echolo
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Reposted by Andy Whitmore
Mark Watson @watsoncomedian.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
It's weird to live in a time where the Pope keeps making better statements on current affairs than any secular world leader seems able or willing to.
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Andy Whitmore @more-whit.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Good to see these calls from Tonga - I hope it extends to an enlightened position on deep-sea mining talanoaotonga.to/tonga-calls-...
talanoaotonga.to
Tonga calls for new UN ocean department as protection ambition reaches 50% | Tonga News – Talanoa o Tonga
Read the latest Tonga news: Tonga is calling for stronger global coordination on ocean governance, with Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua proposing the establishment of a dedicated Reporting on politics, ...
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Andy Whitmore @more-whit.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Great to see this call to support ocean defenders! www.nature.com/articles/s44...
nature.com
A call to action to support and safeguard ocean defenders - npj Ocean Sustainability
npj Ocean Sustainability - A call to action to support and safeguard ocean defenders
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Andy Whitmore @more-whit.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
🚨 I am sure this is only the beginning ... the more the US administration wants to fast-track deep-sea mining (particularly with TMC), the more opportunities there will be for legal action to hold the authorities to account. www.courthousenews.com/conservation...
courthousenews.com
Conservation groups sue NOAA over Pacific deep-sea mining application
Conservation groups argue NOAA rushed to advance a mining company's bid to explore the ocean floor without letting the public see the materials behind the decision.
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Andy Whitmore @more-whit.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Great to see this cross-Pacific reporting on deep-sea mining - multiple articles provide the opportunity for a proper 'deep dive' (yes I know, but I did at least put it in inverted commas 😐) earthjournalism.net/special-repo...
earthjournalism.net
Mining the Unknowns
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Andy Whitmore @more-whit.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
This seems to sum up where the current debate on critical minerals ends up - taxpayers money being funnelled towards huge multinationals, guaranteeing income for the suppliers and lower prices for the recipients. Apparently not all welfare is bad ... www.reuters.com/legal/transa...
reuters.com
Glencore to create US strategic critical minerals reserve with EXIM Bank
Glencore on Wednesday said it ​received a $500 million ‌commitment from Export-Import Bank of the United ​States to ​create a strategic critical ⁠minerals reserve to ​strengthen supply chains ​in the ...
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Reposted by Andy Whitmore
Zero Hour: the campaign for climate and nature @zero-hour.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
🔴 We heard the Government is going to take action at Labour Conference 2026. But haven't we heard this before? 🌍 We need more than words. The Government must respond to the climate and nature crisis with the urgency it demands. 🌿 Join us to take action 👉 zerohour.uk
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Andy Whitmore @more-whit.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
“The US’s expanding need for raw materials to underpin its military will lead to further harms associated with mining, both illegal and legal unless safeguards and due diligence are put in place and followed” news.mongabay.com/short-articl...
news.mongabay.com
US contractors reportedly purchase tin from company accused of illegal Amazon mining
U.S. defense contractors purchased tin from White Solder, a Brazilian company accused of sourcing from illegal mines in Indigenous territory.
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Andy Whitmore @more-whit.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
The update of these safeguards is well overdue, so it is a crucial opportunity to map the meaningful advances around many of the themes
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Reposted by Andy Whitmore
Recourse @re-course.org · 30/09/2026
The IFC and MIGA are updating the environmental and social safeguards intended to prevent their investments and development projects from harming people or the planet. With the framework’s first draft expected soon, civil society is calling for stronger protections. 🧵
Square graphic card by Recourse. Colours teal, navy and white. Text reads "The IFC and MIGA are reviewing their safeguards. The IFC/MIGA Sustainability Framework is meant to protect people and the environment from harms linked to development finance. A new civil society briefing explains why this review matters." Recourse logo
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Andy Whitmore @more-whit.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
This is worrying how critical minerals arguments are still being linked to climate change - there is no way that Sigma Lithium should be ringing the Nasdaq bell, associated with NY Climate week in “recognition of their environmental and social leadership.” earthworks.org/blog/sigmas-...
earthworks.org
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Andy Whitmore @more-whit.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
"Mr. Trump himself had once blacklisted Venezuelan gold, declaring that it destroyed the environment, poisoned people and financed gangsters and corrupt military officials. But after Mr. Trump toppled the Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro, his view changed" 😐 www.nytimes.com/2026/09/28/w...
nytimes.com
Trump Brought Venezuelan Gold to the U.S., but Refiners Won’t Touch It
The administration is brokering deals in a notoriously corrupt industry, including one with a company that the United States deems a security threat.
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Reposted by Andy Whitmore
Defend Our Juries @defendourjuries.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
A message for Andy Burnham from Rob Del Naja (Massive Attack), Huda Ammori (Co-Founder, Palestine Action), and Michael Mansfield KC. Deproscribe Palestine Action. www.wedonotcomply.org
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Andy Whitmore @more-whit.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
If it was good enough to take down Al Capone, then I reckon it's good enough for L'il Tommy - secure.hopenothate.org.uk/page/199860/...
secure.hopenothate.org.uk
CALL FOR AN HMRC INVESTIGATION INTO STEPHEN LENNON
A year-long Channel 4 Dispatches investigation has raised serious questions about Stephen Lennon’s finances. Add your name and call on the Government to refer them to HMRC for investigation.
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Andy Whitmore @more-whit.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
Thanks to @greenpeace.org.nz for highlighting the use of this vessel, for the British deep-sea mining company UK Seabed Resources, ultimately owned by a company describing itself as American www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/3610...
stuff.co.nz
Police remove activists from research vessel after Shane Jones’ ‘green pixies’ jibe
Greenpeace say the research vessel has just finished deep sea mineral exploration work for an American firm.
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Andy Whitmore @more-whit.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
Worth noting this - I had heard this story before of the man you have doubtless never heard of who probably saved the entire world (& got punished for it!)
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Andy Whitmore @more-whit.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
To pay off City's fines he could be lent out on a rotating basis to every league team. Can't wait for AFC Wimbledon's turn!
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Andy Whitmore @more-whit.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Not a bad initial summary of why critical minerals are taking centre-stage in geo-politics and wealth creation. "Consider critical minerals, along with artificial intelligence and Big Data projects, as this century’s 'new oil.'" (Well the century so far ...) www.oxfamamerica.org/explore/issu...
oxfamamerica.org
How do big-tech billionaires stand to profit from critical minerals in the Global South?
The global race for what’s below pits the business interests of the super-rich against the rights and livelihoods of local communities across the globe.
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Andy Whitmore @more-whit.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
This says a great deal about the dominant narrative framework that the story is not focussed on how great sodium batteries will be to reduce the need for mining, but on how the West is still losing a 'race' against China. The race is against time and our finite resources www.ft.com/content/0e48...
ft.com
Western companies lag China in sodium battery race
Cells using abundantly available materials could help break the grip on rare earths needed for EVs and energy storage
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