iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Reposted by Raed Mansour

Lyle Lewis @race2extinct.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

We fear a more powerful intelligence taking our resources, reshaping our world, and eliminating us when we become inconvenient. Wildlife has been living with that intelligence for a very long time. New Substack Essay: The Real Fear: AI Is Like Humans

lylel.substack.com

The Real Fear: AI Is Like Humans

Are humans frozen in the headlights?

53714

Reposted by Raed Mansour

Chicago Sun-Times @chicago.suntimes.com · 16/09/2026

Chicagoans have filed hundreds of complaints about the lack of air conditioning in buildings across the city.

chicago.suntimes.com

Historic South Side building is the first to violate Chicago’s cooling ordinance this year

0143

Reposted by Raed Mansour

Robert Reich @rbreich.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

A data center in New Jersey spilled 5,000 gallons of diesel fuel into a local creek, putting the area’s entire river system at risk. Is it any wonder nearly 70 percent of Americans don’t want a data center in their community?

402129045610

Raed Mansour @raedmansour.com · 14/09/2026

Study finds structural inequality predicts storm deaths & injuries. Disaster preparedness shouldn't begin with forecasts, it begins by investing in communities facing greatest structural disadvantages. Climate vulnerability is socially produced and therefore socially reversible according to authors.

nature.com

Racialized economic concentration predicts storm-related injuries and deaths in the United States, 2005–2022 - Nature Communications

Extreme storms increasingly threaten public health across the United States. This study found that counties with greater racialized economic disadvantage experienced markedly higher rates of storm-rel...

031

Reposted by Raed Mansour

Guardian US @us.theguardian.com · 14/09/2026

Big manufacturers planning to produce more of the forever chemicals to meet demand from datacenters

theguardian.com

‘Tidal wave’ of Pfas being launched to satisfy AI industry, campaigners warn

23420

Reposted by Raed Mansour

Zack Labe @zacklabe.com · 13/09/2026

Another year full of climate extremes... Did you know the last 100 days have all set new daily records for global sea surface temperatures? Learn more about our rapidly warming oceans in our webinar this week, & bring your questions! 📣 Register in advance: climatecentral-org.zoom.us/webinar/regi...

251041532

Reposted by Raed Mansour

Chicago Piping Plovers @chicagopiping.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

As we tick down to Plover Appreciation Day this Wednesday, September 16, our fundraising meter is ticking up and we are, as always, grateful. We are so close to reaching 50% of our fundraising goal! 1/2

Two people standing on a pier looking through binoculars monitoring endangered piping plovers and a fundraising meter.

1137

Reposted by Raed Mansour

Lee West @whodat35.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

The hottest summer in American history is no longer 1936; it is now officially 2026. #ClimateChange

America Just Had Its Hottest Summer on Record

Chart shows Contiguous U.S. June-August temperature, difference from the 1901-2000 average
+3°
+2
1936, the Dust Bowl summer, held the record for 90 years
2026
74.4°F

541711767

Reposted by Raed Mansour

AGU GeoHealth Journal @geohealthjournal.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

In their new study, Garcia et al. find that planting and maintaining trees, particularly in hotter neighborhoods, could lower mortality and make communities more resilient to rising temperatures. 🌳 🔗 Learn more: doi.org/10.1029/2025... #AGUPubs #ExtremeHeat #Chicago #PublicHealth

New in GeoHealth
Increasing Urban Tree Canopy Associated With Reduced Mortality: A Longitudinal Analysis of Chicago Neighborhoods
By Garcia et al. 2026

011

Raed Mansour @raedmansour.com · 11/09/2026

What's up with lawn culture, dumping pesticides onto a public parkway's dead grass and placing a private sign on it? These toxins harm our parkway trees, neighbors, pets, urban wildlife, and beneficial pollinators. Lawns are ecologically dead. Stop poisoning the public right-of-way. #KillYourLawn

"Caution Pesticide Application Keep Off Thank You" yard sign with image of walking dog with a red prohibition symbol over it in the public parkway with a partially dead lawn and three trees along a sidewalk and street in the Albany Park neighborhood in Chicago.

0102

Reposted by Raed Mansour

UBC Oceans @ubcoceans.bsky.social · 10/10/2025

Three species of Arctic #seals now face extinction due to global warming, while half the planet’s birds are in decline due to habitat loss. The hooded seal is listed as endangered; the bearded #seal and harp seal are near-threatened. @science.ubc.ca www.cnn.com/2025/10/10/s... via @cnn.com

cnn.com

Arctic seals face extinction and birds in decline globally, according to new Red List | CNN

More than a quarter of all animals, plants and fungi assessed are at risk of extinction, according to the latest IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

01610

Raed Mansour @raedmansour.com · 10/09/2026

Huge bird migration going on over Wisconsin & Midwest right now: 🐦‍⬛Wisconsin 93.1 million birds 🐦‍⬛Illinois 35.6 million birds 🐦‍⬛Minnesota 35.2 million birds 🐦‍⬛Michigan 30.8 million bird Turn #LightsOut to save migrating birds!

Live BirdCast bird migration map for the morning of September 10, 2026 estimation of over 526M birds migrating nationally, but concentrating mainly across Lake Michigan moving north to south.

BirdCast screenshot of live data feed over Wisconsin showing over 93M birds having crossed, with 98M having crossed at 11:40p last night.

1176

Reposted by Raed Mansour

Chicago DOE @chicagodoe.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

Chicago has been ranked the most climate-resilient city in the world!🎉Thanks to infrastructure investment, Chicago is now more equipped to withstand climate change's impacts. But there's still more work to do. We're committed to working with community & partners to ensure every neighborhood is safe.

An image of an article headline, byline, dateline, and photo from the New York Times. The headline reads:
Is Your City Prepared for Climate Disaster?
Below that it says:
A new report ranks the world's largest cities on how well they have adapted to face climate risk.
By Joyce Cohen
Sept. 3, 2026

Below is a photo of tourists sitting under patio umbrellas at Chicago's Cloud Gate sculpture (also known as "The Bean").
The photo caption reads:
Chicago, which has a temperate latitude and low hurricane risk, has invested heavily in adaptation efforts. It was ranked the most resilient city.
The photo attribution reads: Vincent Alban/Reuters

An image of a table from a New York Times article. The title and description of the table reads:
Handling Climate Risk
A recent study ranked large cities on their resilience to climate risk. Better scores resulted from a combination of low exposure to risks and high levels of adaptation to them, while worse scores came from high exposure to risks and poor adaptation.

The left column lists the Most Resilient cities by rank:
1. Chicago
2. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
3. Melbourne, Australia
4. Barcelona, Spain
5. Ankara, Turkey
6. Buenos Aires
7. Paris
8. Istanbul
9. Bogotá, Colombia
10. Nairobi, Kenya

The right column lists the Least Resilient cities by rank:
1. Ahmedabad, India
2. Hyderabad, Pakistan
3. Multan, Pakistan
4. Dhaka, Bangladesh
5. Lahore, Pakistan
6. Kolkata, India
7. Faisalabad, Pakistan
8. Karachi, Pakistan
9. Chittagong, Bangladesh
10. Taipei, Taiwan

Below the table, it says:
Source: AlphaGeo, The New York Times

021

Reposted by Raed Mansour

Chicago Piping Plovers @chicagopiping.bsky.social · 06/09/2026

Happy World Shorebirds Day! This global initiative is dedicated to shorebirds, migration, and the habitats these birds depend upon. It encourages a stronger connection between people and shorebirds - not only through conservation but observation. Source: www.worldshorebirdsday.org/world-shoreb...

worldshorebirdsday.org

World Shorebirds Day

World Shorebirds Day is a global initiative dedicated to shorebirds, migration, citizen science, and the protection of the habitats these birds depend upon across the planet.

16317

Reposted by Raed Mansour

Wolf Conservation Center 🐺 @nywolforg.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

On #NationalWildlifeDay, let’s take a moment to remember what we’re fighting for: a future where all wild animals are able to roam, choose their families, and live without fear of persecution. 🔗Learn more about ways to continue the fight for wildlife: nywolf.org/save-the-wolves

10393128

Reposted by Raed Mansour

Chicago Department of Public Health @cdph.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

Chicago, the next few days are projected to have high temperatures in the 90s. Certain populations are more vulnerable to heat. Check out other heat preparedness tips and resources from CDPH at chi.gov/4opsdQQ

032

Raed Mansour @raedmansour.com · 02/09/2026

Great reporting on the latest @buffett.northwestern.edu Defusing Disasters study on heat-related diagnoses in Chicago ER visits. It shows that extreme heat’s health toll extends far beyond heat stroke, with a surprisingly wide range of conditions showing up in emergency and urgent care.

041

Reposted by Raed Mansour

lights out for migrating birds @lightsoutforbirds.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

to help injured birds in Chicago contact birdmonitors.net

~ 12
1 zz
Liked by pegkeiner and others
wingingitchicago Lots of birds had run-ins with Chicago skyscrapers this morning. We rescued 23 & collected 66 dead. - We're really trying to push through some bird friendly legislation right now, so please reach out to your alder person if you live in the city!
Pic IDs:
1) Blackburnian Warbler
2) Cedar Waxwing
3) Magnolia Warbler
4) American Redstart
5) Chestnut-sided Warbler (still alive!)
6) Swainson's Thrush
7) Black-Throated Green Warbler

132

Raed Mansour @raedmansour.com · 01/09/2026

Our bad decisions have come home to roost.

010

Reposted by Raed Mansour

Chicago Alerts @chicagoalerts.com · 01/09/2026

🔥 Heat Advisory! 🔥 Expect heat index values of 100-110 across multiple counties in Chicago from noon to 9 PM today. Stay hydrated, cool, and check on loved ones. Alter outdoor plans if possible. Stay safe, folks!

071

Reposted by Raed Mansour

Chicago Sun-Times @chicago.suntimes.com · 31/08/2026

Chicago itself will likely be spared the hottest heat index of nearly 105 degrees, which is expected to hit the south suburbs on Tuesday and Wednesday.

chicago.suntimes.com

Temperatures could feel hotter than 100 degrees this week, forecasters say

193

Reposted by Raed Mansour

Climate.us @climate.us · 31/08/2026

Climate literacy isn’t about memorizing facts. It’s about understanding risks, asking better questions, preparing for change, and participating in decisions that affect your community. Climate knowledge belongs to everyone. www.climate.us

28541

Raed Mansour @raedmansour.com · 27/08/2026

Science behind this is good, but warnings still go unheeded. While everyone bickers about causes & who’s to blame, frontline communities will continue to bear the brunt of climate change. Little will happen until it affects corporations, rich, and shrinking middle class. By then, it’ll be too late.

000

Reposted by Raed Mansour

Chicago Sun-Times @chicago.suntimes.com · 27/08/2026

Here's how the twisters form, and how climate change might be influencing them.

chicago.suntimes.com

More than 200 tornadoes have hit Illinois this year. How come?

0123

Reposted by Raed Mansour

Moms Clean Air Force @momscleanairforce.org · 26/08/2026

Science sets the record straight! 🌲🔬 Landmark fossil research in @guardian proves that high CO2 spikes cause forests to collapse rather than "green" the planet. Protecting our trees means cutting fossil fuel emissions now! #StandWithScience #CleanAirNow www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...

theguardian.com

Fossils show huge carbon emissions harm forests, not ‘green the planet’

Study of 56m-year-old leaves counters claims from Trump administration members of ‘benefits’ of fossil fuel pollution

041

Raed Mansour @raedmansour.com · 26/08/2026

Drove thru CA's Humboldt forest, saw Montgomery Pass wild horses running free, as well as Sinbad herd in UT's San Rafael Swell 📸👇. Wild Free-Roaming Horses Act protects them from being killed on public lands—loophole allows commercial slaughter pipelines. Take action➡️ returntofreedom.org/take-action

Photo I took of two wild horses grazing, a pinto and and a black horse that is covered in dry mud, driving east along southern Utah's San Rafael Swell off Interstate 70 by the Lone Tree Road exit, standing in the federally designated Sinbad Wild Horse Herd Management Area.

Photo I took of 5 wild horses grazing, a pinto foal and adult, a dark bay foal and adult, and a black horse that is covered in dry mud, with a beautiful skyline horizon and green wire fence in the foreground while driving east along southern Utah's San Rafael Swell off of Interstate 70 by the Lone Tree Road exit, standing in the federally designated Sinbad Wild Horse Herd Management Area.

Photo I took of 4 wild horses, 2 grazing pinto and black horses and 2 pinto and dark bay foals running around with a green wire fence in the foreground while driving east along southern Utah's San Rafael Swell off of Interstate 70 by the Lone Tree Road exit, standing in the federally designated Sinbad Wild Horse Herd Management Area.

Photo I took of 5 wild horses grazing, a pinto foal and adult, a dark bay foal and adult, and a black horse that is covered in dry mud, with a green wire fence in the foreground while driving east along southern Utah's San Rafael Swell off of Interstate 70 by the Lone Tree Road exit, standing in the federally designated Sinbad Wild Horse Herd Management Area.

011

Raed Mansour @raedmansour.com · 26/08/2026

I’m not as happy as I used to be when seeing my photo of the CDC in the media because I took it while visiting a friend who was chief of staff to the director back in 2016 doing great work, and now it’s a reminder that it’s a shell of what it used to be. Read: www.smdailyjournal.com/news/nationa...

Article featuring a photo of the main entrance of the CDC I took while visiting the in August 2016 with the title, The CDC has zombie programs. Congress funds them, but few people are left to do the work.”

000

Reposted by Raed Mansour

Mark Norris @proftsuga.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

More trees are good for your health, but more big, old trees are even better. Yes, we should plant more trees but let's take good care of the ones that we already have too. Free gift article from The NYTimes www.nytimes.com/2026/08/20/c...

nytimes.com

Climate: Saving Old Trees Might Save Lives (Gift Article)

We know that trees are good for cities. A new study finds that mature trees are especially good.

167

Raed Mansour @raedmansour.com · 24/08/2026

30 min of very good @pbsnews.org scientific discussion likely to upset hunters, outdoor cat supporters, lawn maintainers, bug-killer users, habitat-destroying developers, lights-on-at-nighters, skyscraper lovers, climate deniers, anthropocentric, isolationist governments, and I’m here for it. #birds

static.klipy.com

Three Birds Perched on Barbed Wire

Alt: Three Birds Perched on Barbed Wire.

031

Reposted by Raed Mansour

Climate.us @climate.us · 24/08/2026

38 years and counting. That's how long the world's mountain glaciers have now lost ice, without a single year of net gain. This graph tracks the annual gain or loss of ice mass in the WGMS "reference glacier" network (grey bars) alongside the cumulative loss over the same period (red line). [1/3] 🌎️🧪

213055

Reposted by Raed Mansour

Climate.us @climate.us · 19/08/2026

NOAA's latest climate report shows that Jan-Jul 2026 was the 2nd-warmest and 3rd-driest in the 132-year national record. Every state except for AK experienced above-average temps. At the end of July, nearly half the CONUS was in drought. For more climate summary highlights, see: buff.ly/wdKO2fl

19438

Raed Mansour @raedmansour.com · 18/08/2026

I just don’t understand how anyone can think that animals with a spine and central nervous system can’t feel pain. Getting kicked in the head hurts, it’s cruel, and much more than not being “very kind.” They are sentient beings—they feel pain, hunger, pleasure, fear. Thinking otherwise is ignorant.

021

Reposted by Raed Mansour

Climate.us @climate.us · 17/08/2026

Fossil fuel emissions hit a record high in 2025: 10B+ metric tons of carbon, 3x the 1960s rate. All 3 major greenhouse gases also hit record levels—CO2 +53%, methane +166%, N2O +26% vs. pre-industrial. From the new BAMS State of the Climate report. Read more highlights: buff.ly/Y18qfMf 🌍️ 🧪

29542

Reposted by Raed Mansour

Robert Hirschfeld @rfhirschfeld.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

Pesticides are drifting onto Illinois schools and parks. The ag industry demands not only the right to chemically trespass onto schools & parks, but also the right to do so without even warning anyone. New reporting from @chicagotribune.com, featuring Prairie Rivers Network monitoring. 🧵

chicagotribune.com

As study shows pesticides drifting onto Illinois schools and parks, residents push for better tracking

With statewide monitoring limited, Prairie Rivers Network researchers tested 10 locations in 2025, finding pesticides over 200 times and identifying 18 different kinds of pesticides at the sites.

167

Raed Mansour @raedmansour.com · 17/08/2026

Foodborne illness used to be one of CDC’s 5 winnable battles. We had several Chicago studies on using predictive analytics, Twitter & Google to report food poisoning complaints or find possible violations using open data for preventative restaurant inspections. The award winning program was ditched.

000

Raed Mansour @raedmansour.com · 17/08/2026

Great report by @adrianaperez.bsky.social about our 🌳 study on death and canopy. My quote: "But tree equity shouldn’t end when the tree goes into the ground,” he said. “You can apply the same equity principles of tree planting into care, maintenance, preservation, replanting, long-term survival."

083

Raed Mansour @raedmansour.com · 14/08/2026

You can’t tough out excertional heat illness (EHI). According to National Federation of State High School Associations, EHI is the leading cause of preventable death & disability in HS athletics. Football carries the highest risk of heat illness with a rate 11x higher than all other sports combined.

000

Reposted by Raed Mansour

Jason Hickel @jasonhickel.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

Never forget that the clowns who are currently saying “we can’t stop climate change, just accept it” are the same people who spent the last decade doing everything possible to prevent us from stopping climate change.

7355130

Raed Mansour @raedmansour.com · 12/08/2026

“The Park District said it chose to extend the closing dates of 20 pools in many neighborhoods with higher vulnerability to extreme heat, based on Chicago’s updated Heat Vulnerability Index.” Very happy to see our HVI being used by the City to drive decision-making!

020

Raed Mansour @raedmansour.com · 12/08/2026

Check out our paper: Integrating machine learning-based variable selection into HVI design. Main takeaway: HVIs should be locally tailored because the variables that drive vulnerability & the methods that identify them vary across places. Great work by Shuyue Qu and the Defusing Disasters team!

doi.org

Integrating machine learning-based variable selection into Heat Vulnerability Index design

Integrating machine learning-based variable selection into Heat Vulnerability Index design, Qu, Shuyue, Sillmann, Jana, Barrett, Benjamin W, Graffy, Peter M, Poschlod, Benjamin, Brunner, Lukas, Mansou...

020

Raed Mansour @raedmansour.com · 09/08/2026

What are we really missing in this life for us to continually destroy our shared environment? Species don’t exist in isolation, they evolve with other species within shared ecosystems—that includes us too. Protecting a species on paper while allowing its habitat to disappear isn’t conservation.

021

Reposted by Raed Mansour

Daniel Horton @danethan.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

Very pleased to share a new @buffett.northwestern.edu study on the protective effects of Chicago’s tree canopy: Increasing Urban Tree Canopy Associated With Reduced Mortality: A Longitudinal Analysis of Chicago Neighborhoods. Link: doi.org/10.1029/2025... & PR: news.northwestern.edu/stories/2026...

news.northwestern.edu

As urban tree shade shrinks, mortality rises

New study finds that protecting mature trees could help save lives

054