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Nick Dowson

@nickmdowson.bsky.social
126 followers 272 following 24 posts

Co-Editor @ New Internationalist magazine | Investigations, public services, the climate crisis, the politics of technology Bylines at publications including the Guardian, the Ferret, the Moscow Times, Bristol Cable. Likes a good book.

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UK Without Incineration Network @ukwin.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
39 environmental groups have written to the new Circular Economy Minister, urging the Government to take stronger action to move away from incineration and towards recycling. Ask your MP to join this call: ukwin.eaction.org.uk/incineration
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New Internationalist @newint.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
The new space race promises a future among the stars, but as billionaires pursue dreams of Mars, profit and power, are they creating a future for humanity, or sacrificing the only planet we have? Astronomer Lucian Walkowicz (@notnotrocketscience.com) writes for New Internationalist.
newint.org
Space: the billionaires’ playground
As tycoons like Elon Musk attempt to seize space for profit, the Earth is being trashed, writes astronomer Lucian Walkowicz.
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New Internationalist @newint.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
Get the facts on the New #SpaceRace from our latest issue. Subscribe for instant digital access, or purchase a single print issue from our very own Ethical Shop. newint.org/issues/2026/...
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Nick Dowson @nickmdowson.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
Oh go on then, here's a flick through of some of the @newint.bsky.social pages
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Nick Dowson @nickmdowson.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
Please check it out at a.nin.tl/spacerace and if that leaves you intrigued, you can get a copy with a discounted subscription, using the code SPACE20 for 20% off
a.nin.tl
The New Space Race
Find out more about the New Internationalist magazine's issue focused on the growing role of billionaire's and the military in space.
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Rod McMillan 🍉 🇸🇩 🇺🇦 📚 @morewretchthansage.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
Been reading my copy - fascinating, but worrying 🚀
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Nick Dowson @nickmdowson.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
In other words: space is increasingly central to business, war and geopolitics – and the tech billionaires are trying to divide up the pie there, too.
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Nick Dowson @nickmdowson.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
Myself and a stellar crew of contributors – @notnotrocketscience.com , @peterjhowson.bsky.social and William J Astore – unpacked what’s going on in space for the latest issue of the New Internationalist magazine: The New Space Race, For All Billionaire-kind.
A cover of the New Internationalist magazine features a missile launching out of an atmosphere filled with red-hued clouds with the cover lines: the New Space Race: For All Billionaire-kind
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Nick Dowson @nickmdowson.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
That flies against many decades of space law and the idea of space as a place for peace. More recently we’ve seen commercial operators acquiescing to the US government’s blackout on satellite imagery of Iran and the Middle East. #war #peace
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Nick Dowson @nickmdowson.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
That project too could surpass the trillion dollar mark according to independent estimates, and includes proposals to put ‘space-based interceptors’ around our planet – weapons in space that might also be usable as bombs.
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Nick Dowson @nickmdowson.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
2026 also began with another space-linked story… Trump harping on about taking over Greenland, with one of the justifications given being that the US ‘needs’ Greenland for its Golden Dome missile shield project. #POTUS #NATO
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Nick Dowson @nickmdowson.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
Share prices have since predictably slid, meaning that millions are not just unwittingly owners of the sometime Nazi chatbot Grok but also likely victims of another transfer of wealth to Musk.
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Nick Dowson @nickmdowson.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
Rules were specially changed to fast-track the company into the NASDAQ index, triggering automatic buying by a range of funds including pensions.
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Nick Dowson @nickmdowson.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
Shares confer not just a sliver of ownership of SpaceX’s profitable launch and satellite internet business – sectors where it dominates – but also its heavily-loss making social media and AI subsidiary, xAI.
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The Syllabus @the-syllabus.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
This essay traces how US policy lets private firms profit from publicly funded space development, how legal loopholes and token lunar contracts normalize property claims, and how satellite expansion strains orbital environments. By @nickmdowson.bsky.social in @newint.bsky.social
buff.ly
Who owns outer space?
A new space race between billionaires and global superpowers is set to worsen inequality, extend conflict, and harm the environment. But there is another way, argues Nick Dowson.
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Nick Dowson @nickmdowson.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
That sentence carried a lot of zeroes – as did SpaceX’s Initial Public Offering in June, a spectacle of financial engineering, that saw it join stock markets for the first time.
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Nick Dowson @nickmdowson.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
The AI hype is even making its way into space. Earlier this year the world’s ‘favourite’ billionaire – trillionaire? – Elon Musk announced proposals for his SpaceX to put a million data centres in orbit. #space #musk #AI #politics #inequality
A cover of the New Internationalist magazine features a missile launching out of an atmosphere filled with red-hued clouds with the cover lines: the New Space Race: For All Billionaire-kind
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Nick Dowson @nickmdowson.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
The AI hype is even making its way into space. Earlier this year the world’s ‘favourite’ billionaire – trillionaire? – Elon Musk announced proposals for his SpaceX to put a million data centres in orbit. #space #musk #AI #politics #inequality
A cover of the New Internationalist magazine features a missile launching out of an atmosphere filled with red-hued clouds with the cover lines: the New Space Race: For All Billionaire-kind
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NY Times Pitchbot @nytpitchbot.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
American soldiers to receive gender-affirming care www.washingtonpost.com/health/2026/...
washingtonpost.com
Hegseth touts a high-testosterone military, as doctors question his claims
The defense secretary said the Pentagon will test the testosterone levels of troops 30 and over. It was unclear if the plan would affect women or military fitness rules.
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Nick Dowson @nickmdowson.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
👩🏽‍🚀 At the event we'll hear from astronomer and activist @notnotrocketscience.com , researchers @peterjhowson.bsky.social and @rekapatriciagal.bsky.social and from the Rio Grande, Texas, Juan Mancias and Christopher Basaldu of the Carrizo/Comecrudo nation.
a.nin.tl
Get ready for launch!
As billionaire tech titans turn space into their playground, the rest of us are getting left in the dust. Meanwhile, Earth’s skies fill with debris and the stratosphere is scorched by rockets. The lat...
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Nick Dowson @nickmdowson.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
🚀 I'm proud to see this issue come out - and will be hosting a launch event here in Newcastle to celebrate it on Monday, 5-6pm! 🧃We'll have not only an amazing panel, but also a Q&A and refreshments 🎟️If you're in the area, please see more details and register for a free ticket at a.nin.tl/launch
a.nin.tl
Get ready for launch!
As billionaire tech titans turn space into their playground, the rest of us are getting left in the dust. Meanwhile, Earth’s skies fill with debris and the stratosphere is scorched by rockets. The lat...
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Nick Dowson @nickmdowson.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
🚀 I'm proud to see this issue come out - and will be hosting a launch event here in Newcastle to celebrate it on Monday, 5-6pm! 🧃We'll have not only an amazing panel, but also a Q&A and refreshments 🎟️If you're in the area, please see more details and register for a free ticket at a.nin.tl/launch
a.nin.tl
Get ready for launch!
As billionaire tech titans turn space into their playground, the rest of us are getting left in the dust. Meanwhile, Earth’s skies fill with debris and the stratosphere is scorched by rockets. The lat...
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New Internationalist @newint.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
As a new space race looks set to worsen global inequality and extend conflict, we have a choice: see space as a place for all humankind, or leave it to the rich and powerful to exploit. From our new magazine, Nick Dowson asks: Who owns the skies? read more at newint.org/corporations...
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New Internationalist @newint.bsky.social · 29/05/2026
'New Internationalist refuses to treat the Global South as a backdrop. That editorial courage is not something one finds easily.' After 50+years of global justice journalism, our magazine is at serious risk of shutting down. Please support us at newint.org/give #MoreThanAMagazine #SaveNI
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NUJ London Freelance @nujlfb.bsky.social · 31/03/2026
#Lebanon: "We join with the IFJ and unions across the globe in condemning without reservation the repeated targeting by Israel of media workers." #pressfreedom
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NUJ condemns the killing of three journalists in Lebanon
The NUJ has joined the IFJ in condemning the targeted killing of three Lebanese journalists in an Israeli drone strike on a media car in Jezzine, southern…
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Nick Dowson @nickmdowson.bsky.social · 07/12/2025
Spot on @johnharris1969.bsky.social www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
theguardian.com
The right’s callous overdiagnosis bandwagon is rolling. Wes Streeting should not be on it | John Harris
Thankfully, we now know more about conditions such as autism and ADHD. The health secretary must not be part of this attempt to turn back the clock, says Guardian columnist John Harris
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We Own It @weownit.org.uk · 20/11/2025
NHS private finance diverts money away from healthcare, towards the pockets of private shareholders. Cat Eccles MP’s motion can force the government to drop their NHS private finance plans from the Autumn Budget. ✉️Take 2 mins now to email your MP to sign the motion and protect patients.
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sadvil 😎 @sadvil.bsky.social · 21/11/2025
TRUMP [after spending 5 minutes with Zohran]: surplus value, it’s a very wonderful thing, very wonderful, and they’re stealing it. Can you believe that? We’re going to be looking very strongly at the bourgeoisie, what they’re up to
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New Internationalist @newint.bsky.social · 24/10/2025
NOVEMBER NEWS CLUB! On 13 Nov, contributor Lily Lynch joins us for an exclusive discussion on the UN's role in ending the war in Ukraine. FREE tickets for NI subscribers, £5 for others. Tickets include FREE access to our recent issue on The UN at 80 #UNDay www.tickettailor.com/events/newin...
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Nick Dowson @nickmdowson.bsky.social · 09/07/2025
My magazine @newint.bsky.social is looking for a creative, driven marketing manager to strengthen our progressive magazine and subscriber base. If you know anyone who might be interested, please pass this on! newint.org/about/jobs #marketing #jobs
newint.org
Jobs
New Internationalist jobs page - We advertise all job roles, student campaigner positions and internships at New Internationalist on this page.
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Co-operative Party @coopparty.party.coop · 09/07/2025
A new Community Right to Buy empowers local communities to protect services and take ownership of the places that matter. Strengthening community ties, tackling relevant local issues through shared funding and action - this is how we fight division and empower communities to shape their future.
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Cat Hobbs @cathobbs.bsky.social · 03/07/2025
Keir Starmer wants us to clap for a Labour government paying the private sector to deliver operations? How about *rebuilding our NHS capacity*, as promised, so we don't have to rely on the private sector? END AUSTERITY as Lord Darzi said was necessary END wasteful PRIVATISATION
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Nick Dowson @nickmdowson.bsky.social · 01/07/2025
So, why are we spending £15bn on gas networks when we're trying to transition to renewables? 🤔
theguardian.com
Great Britain’s energy networks to get £24bn upgrade but bills to rise
Ofgem approves investment amid push by government to expand UK’s renewables sector
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Nick Dowson @nickmdowson.bsky.social · 01/07/2025
So, why are we spending £15bn on gas networks when we're trying to transition to renewables? 🤔
theguardian.com
Great Britain’s energy networks to get £24bn upgrade but bills to rise
Ofgem approves investment amid push by government to expand UK’s renewables sector
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New Internationalist @newint.bsky.social · 13/05/2025
Co-editor Amy Hall is at the Royal Courts of Justice this week to cover the case against the British government over arms sales to Israel, brought forward by Al Haq and @glanlaw.bsky.social Sign up to Currents for dispatches from the hearing 👉 a.nin.tl/3x
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Oliver @oliver48.bsky.social · 03/05/2025
"Keir Starmer is lying when he keeps pretending that we all benefit from private profiteering, when privatisation profiteers are making £billions at our expense, not to our benefit" 'No Starmer, we don't all profit' open.substack.com/pub/anothera...
open.substack.com
No Starmer, we don't all profit
Keir Starmer is lying when he keeps pretending that we all benefit from private profiteering, when privatisation profiteers are making £billions at our expense, not to our benefit
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Pookleblinky @pookleblinky.bsky.social · 25/04/2025
The reason why older generations burnt the shit out of their meat and boiled the shit out of their vegetables, was your kid died if you didn't. Medium rare steaks and roasted Brussels sprouts are a side effect of an intact food safety infrastructure
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Bring Back British Rail @bringbackbritishrail.org · 11/04/2025
Help us to make #GreatBritishRailways great! 🚆 𝗗𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗳𝘂𝗹𝗹 𝗽𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝗼𝘄𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 before the deadline on Tuesday 15 April 2025, 23:59 👇 Take action here: bringbackbritishrail.org/gbr
Help us to make Great British Railways great!
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Prem Sikka @premnsikka.bsky.social · 30/03/2025
UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting accepted £53,000 from private health recruiter pre-NHS job cuts Despite Streeting claiming that recruiters were ripping-off the NHS. Donors invest, return is govt contracts. Must criminalise receipt/payment of political donations. archive.ph/KMpLk
thenational.scot
Wes Streeting takes £53k from private healthcare recruiter before NHS job cuts
WES Streeting accepted over £50,000 from a firm involved in private healthcare recruitment just weeks before axing thousands of NHS jobs ...
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Nick Dowson @nickmdowson.bsky.social · 19/03/2025
Please give what you can!
newint.org
Rewire the World with New Internationalist
We are raising funds for an issue of New Internationalist that exposes the global far right and tackles the politics of hate and division.
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Nick Dowson @nickmdowson.bsky.social · 19/03/2025
The fightback is going to be the key struggle of the next few years – and it will need radical media like ours who are willing to expose not just these dangerous grifters but also the economic injustices fuelling the anger they feed off.
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Nick Dowson @nickmdowson.bsky.social · 19/03/2025
Trump is implementing a modern fascism in the US and is emboldening his doppelgangers around the globe. Control of the media is a key part of that.
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Nick Dowson @nickmdowson.bsky.social · 19/03/2025
My magazine @newint is crowdfunding for an issue exposing the global far right and tackling the politics of hate head on. It's going well but we still need your help!
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Nick Dowson @nickmdowson.bsky.social · 19/03/2025
My magazine @newint is crowdfunding for an issue exposing the global far right and tackling the politics of hate head on. It's going well but we still need your help!
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New Internationalist @newint.bsky.social · 10/03/2025
We need a healthy media ecosystem to tackle polarization and disinformation – that’s why we’re raising £50,000 so that New Internationalist can keep platforming the stories that the mainstream sidesteps. Which independent global outlets are working towards building a better media? Tag them below!
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New Internationalist @newint.bsky.social · 19/03/2025
'Now more than ever it's important to support independent voices' – Stephanie Boyd, New Internationalist contributor Rewire the World. Fund journalism that sparks change. Donate today at a.nin.tl/2R www.youtube.com/shorts/PtcUS...
youtube.com
Stephanie Boyd on supporting independent voices
YouTube video by New Internationalist
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New Internationalist @newint.bsky.social · 18/03/2025
'There’s enough money out there for a climate transition that would benefit everyone, but it’s in the wrong pockets... of people that are not only filthy rich, but are also the biggest climate polluters.' @350europe.bsky.social newint.org/climate/2025...
newint.org
In the face of fascism, climate activists tell a better story
Climate activists are taking a direct stand against the far right, writes Danny Chivers.
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The Tennessee Holler @thetnholler.bsky.social · 18/03/2025
NEBRASKA CROWD: “TAX THE RICH! TAX THE RICH!” @USRepMikeFlood: “So your proposal to solve (the debt) is tax the rich?” NEBRASKA CROWD: *CHEERS WILDLY* (not sure this went quite as he planned 😬)
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Nick Dowson @nickmdowson.bsky.social · 12/03/2025
Does Starmer really think anyone wants a David Cameron mark II?
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