Sign in

Ruth Speare

@ruthspeare.bsky.social
695 followers 372 following 67 posts

Public health consultant working in South Yorkshire. Interested in socio-economic & commercial determinants of health, health equity, climate & health & social justice.

PostsRepliesMedia
Reposted by Ruth Speare
James Murray @james-bg.bsky.social · 15/10/2026
Very strangely the 10 trade unions calling on the government not to approve the Rosebank oil field are getting a lot less coverage today than the one trade union calling on the government to green light more fossil fuel projects. www.businessgreen.com/news/4537337...
businessgreen.com
'Outright arson': Trade unions urge government to reject Rosebank oil field
Group of 10 trade unions argues approving major new fossil fuel project in wake of record-breaking summer would be anything but 'pragmatic'
5217123 217
Reposted by Ruth Speare
Good Law Project @goodlawproject.org · 12/10/2026
Have you checked your Gmail privacy settings lately? Gmail’s Smart Features can analyse your emails to power AI, here’s how to review your settings and take back a little more control over your data 👀
1111370 113
Reposted by Ruth Speare
New Economics Foundation @neweconomics.bsky.social · 12/10/2026
Retrofitting social homes and privately rented homes should be a priority. We need to do this street by street, just like this country did when Britain adopted natural gas. But making cuts now will only make it harder for the government and businesses to deliver this in future.
3199 19
Reposted by Ruth Speare
New Economics Foundation @neweconomics.bsky.social · 12/10/2026
So far these schemes have mostly benefited people with higher incomes and home owners who can afford the initial outlay. To guarantee energy security for all, the government needs to reform its approach and make sure the benefits of heat pumps are available to all.
1133 13
Reposted by Ruth Speare
Prem Sikka @premnsikka.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
Shell’s refineries expected to make record profits. Profit margins of $42 a barrel, up from $24 a barrel. Cashing in on global conflicts. Bumper payouts for execs and shareholders. Misery for households and businesses. Millions plunged into poverty. Must levy 100% windfall tax.
theguardian.com
Shell expects refineries to almost double the profit from every barrel of fuel made
Record prices caused by global shortages amid shutdown of war-damaged refineries in Middle East and Russia
38782413 782
Ruth Speare @ruthspeare.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
BBC News - 'Every day there is killing': Gazans face Israeli strikes despite ceasefire as peace deal stalls www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
'Every day there is killing': Gazans face Israeli strikes despite ceasefire as peace deal stalls
Many Palestinians are still living in cramped tent cities, with the US plan to end the war largely stalled.
000 0
Reposted by Ruth Speare
Rachel Parris @rachelparris.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
Hey folks. In total honesty my tour is NOT selling well. I’ve sold 30 tickets in a 400 seater in Birmingham, and not much more elsewhere. If you like musical comedy, if you like standup, then please come see my show! And spread the word! The Rachel Parris Songbook tour starts in Nov! Link in bio! 🎶
861160951 1.2K
Reposted by Ruth Speare
Andrew Sissons @acjsissons.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
Whatever options HMT chooses, it must understand that the crisis could get very serious. That will inevitably require fiscal action in the short term, but it also requires a serious plan to get off gas. Without it, the UK economy will remain at the mercy of LNG tankers…
172 7
Reposted by Ruth Speare
Kevin J. Kircher @kevinjkircher.com · 06/10/2026
I knew gas cooking released pollutants that increase risks of cardiovascular diseases and cancers, but this was new to me: In a new study, 68% of gas-fired commercial kitchens exposed cooks to unsafe temperatures >90 °F, and 53% to temps >100 °F. All electric kitchens studied stayed at safe temps.
iopscience.iop.org
Combustion-derived air pollution and heat from gas-fired appliances in commercial kitchens can exceed health-based guidelines
Combustion-derived air pollution and heat from gas-fired appliances in commercial kitchens can exceed health-based guidelines, Kashtan, Yannai S, Lebel, Eric D, Lucha, Nicole, Finnegan, Colin, Huang, Gan, Sparks, Tamara L, Shankute, Abenezer, Saporito, Antonio F, Galarza, Christopher A, Jackson, Robert B, Shonkoff, Seth B C, Michanowicz, Drew R
69433 94
Reposted by Ruth Speare
Jo Michell @jomichell.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
The banks are raking it in (partly because of the direct subsidy from the tax payer resulting from interest on reserves).
The sector's case is weakened by its extraordinary profitability since the interest rate cycle turned in 2022. Higher interest rates improve banks' net interest margin (the difference between what they pay to depositors and charge borrowers). The benefits flow through to their UK ringfenced banks, businesses for which Barclays and NatWest reported high returns on equity of over 20 per cent last year.

Together with Lloyds, these three returned nearly £12bn to shareholders through dividends and share buybacks from their 2025 profits. Reducing capital returns to
101 1
Reposted by Ruth Speare
Mums for Lungs @mumsforlungs.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Interesting insights here from @cyclinguk.bsky.social. Good to see that one of their YouGov polls this year revealed that 70% of people support #SchoolStreets - but think that only 49% of others do. Also interesting to see common misperceptions around the popularity of cycle routes and speed limits.
cyclinguk.org
Cycle routes more popular than people think
There’s a common misperception that creating safe space for cycling in our communities is unpopular. Cycling UK’s Policy Manager, Jim Densham, explains the phenomenon and why we have published a new…
03922 39
Reposted by Ruth Speare
Abilu Tangwa. @abilutangwa.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
We don’t face a climate emergency. We face a greed emergency. Earth is not collapsing on its own. It’s being destroyed by people with names, titles, and boardrooms. #ClimateJustice #StopEcocide
415360 153
Reposted by Ruth Speare
Association of Directors of Public Health (ADPH) @adphuk.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
In response to the Government's consultation on revitalising high streets, we are calling for health to be made a key consideration throughout the planning process & for DsPH & their teams to play a central role in helping shape them.💡 👀 Read our full response ➡️ www.adph.org.uk/resources/ad...
011 1
Reposted by Ruth Speare
Twlldun @twlldun.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
Ok but you moved abroad for tax purposes six years ago so why are we listening to you again? www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Billionaire Manchester United owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe says he has lost confidence in UK
Ineos founder Sir Jim Ratcliffe tells the BBC he thinks the country is "on the slide" and calls for more investment in the North Sea.
43569104 569
Reposted by Ruth Speare
Anand Menon @anandmenon.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
God I hate this 'people who create wealth' nonsense. Let's see how much wealth we have in a society without teachers, nurses etc......
481140256 1.1K
Reposted by Ruth Speare
Best for Britain @bestforbritain.org · 17/09/2026
Burnham: "Punishing heatwaves left nurses collapsing on hospital wards and bus drivers working in 40C cabs." ⚠️ "Wildfires destroyed homes, leaving families with nothing. And more extreme weather is forecast in the months ahead. The climate crisis is not a distant threat."
theguardian.com
British people understand the climate crisis threat. Today I’m empowering them to tackle it | Andy Burnham
With nearly £30m of funding, I’m giving communities power over local energy. They know the gravity of global heating, an
1213647 136
Reposted by Ruth Speare
George Monbiot @georgemonbiot.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
A macho culture of performative selfishness might start on the roads, through racing, rolling coal, ever bigger SUVs ... But it doesn't end there. If we want to live in a decent country which values human life, we need to change this culture. My column. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
theguardian.com
Driving that’s too fast, too dangerous and utterly lawless: why do we tolerate this petro-masculinity? | George Monbiot
In towns and in the countryside, I see 4x4s and pick up trucks driven without care or consicence. It’s a Magafication of transport, says Guardian columnist George Monbiot
1151583493 1.6K
Reposted by Ruth Speare
Carbon Brief @carbonbrief.org · 16/09/2026
NEW – CCC: Heathrow expansion could push flights to ‘80% of UK emissions by 2050’ | By @joshgabbatiss.bsky.social Read here: buff.ly/SBtfvG3
Aviation is on track to reach 80% of UK CO2 emissions by 2050 with Heathrow expansion, says CCC. Residual CO2 emissions in 2050 under the CCC balanced net-zero pathway, with the impact of a proposed Heathrow expansion, MtCO2. Horizontal bar chart showing aviation far exceeding all other sectors. Source: Climate Change Committee - (alt text generated by Google Gemini)
34528 45
Reposted by Ruth Speare
Damian Carrington @dpcarrington.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
World’s top 20 private equity firms produce more greenhouse gases a year all but four countries, report finds - Firms manage $7.3tn in assets - Big investors in gas and coal-fired plants for datacenters #climatecrisis www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
theguardian.com
World’s top 20 private equity firms produce more greenhouse gases a year than most countries, report finds
Firms manage $7.3tn in assets and could afford to transition away from fossil fuels yet invest in natural gas and coal-fired plants to power datacenters
12818 28
Reposted by Ruth Speare
James Murray @james-bg.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
It would also improve air quality, create hundreds of thousands of rewarding jobs, replace creaking infrastructure, and make the UK a world leader in the clean technologies that will dominate the 21st century. The insane thing here is that there is even a debate.
1125 12
Reposted by Ruth Speare
The Guardian @theguardian.com · 16/06/2026
The era of trillionaires will be dire for democracy. Here is how we can fight back | Gabriel Zucman
theguardian.com
The era of trillionaires will be dire for democracy. Here is how we can fight back | Gabriel Zucman
There is a fundamental tension between extreme wealth and the very possibility of democracy. That’s because extreme wealth is always an extreme power
23327154 327
Ruth Speare @ruthspeare.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
The bigger question than should we stop large political donations is why do we allow individuals to obtain such obscene wealth & tolerate such extreme greed. BBC News - Reform receives second £36m donation in two days as crypto investor matches record www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Reform receives second £36m donation in two days as crypto investor matches record
Christopher Harborne says he has equalled a donation from Ben Delo - the single largest gift to a UK political party.
000 0
Reposted by Ruth Speare
George Monbiot @georgemonbiot.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Fair play to Ed Miliband, who has broken the political consensus, spoken sense in the Commons and acknowledged our shared humanity. Of course, the government could and should go much further, especially in condemning the continuing horrors in Gaza and stopping ALL arms sales, but this is a start.
8906116 906
Reposted by Ruth Speare
Will Jennings📉🗳️ @drjennings.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
Spot on analysis from @joemulhall.bsky.social about the need for a much more robust government response to growing vigilantism
theguardian.com
Dover and Portsmouth showed us a new kind of far right – and the authorities were caught out | Joe Mulhall
This is a new and dangerous development: a network of vigilantes who have mobilised as politicians and police have failed to act, says Joe Mulhall of Hope Not Hate
4458 45
Reposted by Ruth Speare
Saul Staniforth @saulstaniforth.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
Kevin Maguire: "If you're an elderly vicar or a grandmother.. with a sign protesting against genocide.. & you're supporting Palestine Action, you're arrested.. who's more threatening, an elderly vicar/grandmother with a sign or a load of masked men.. wreaking havoc?"
10499179 499
Reposted by Ruth Speare
Ketan Joshi @ketanjoshi.co · 04/09/2026
The amount of oil use avoided by EVs in China in the first half of 2026 is the same as the amount of oil USED BY THE ENTIRE UK www.carbonbrief.org/analysis-chi...
a chart showing projected avoided oil use
14511217 511
Reposted by Ruth Speare
Grant Ennis @grantennis.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
"The real war is the 'war on walking'"
042 4
Reposted by Ruth Speare
Clive Lewis MP @labourlewis.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
1/3 With food prices continuing to rise, it is more important than ever to take a strategic approach to food policy.
14512 45
Reposted by Ruth Speare
Eoghan Daltun 🌍 @irishrainforest.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
THE most impactful thing you can do as an individual, right now, to help stop the mass nature die-off humanity is driving? Reduce or stop consumption of beef and other animal-based foods.
618977 189
Reposted by Ruth Speare
Guy Shrubsole @guyshrubsole.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
This is what happens if you don’t back a £100k cap on donations: www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
theguardian.com
UK entrepreneur makes £500,000 political donation to Restore Britain
Simon Galbraith says Rupert Lowe’s party can ‘spark a British renaissance’ if it gets into power
514455 144
Reposted by Ruth Speare
Stephen Bush @stephenkb.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
Across the world, what is loud and clear about the state pension is that the idea that 'UBI means people don't work' is not true. Most pensioners, even those who don't need the money, do some kind of work, whether for love of their vocation, to provide routine, to meet people, etc:
ft.com
A real-world trial for work in the age of AI
There are important lessons about universal basic income to be drawn from the behaviour of pensioners
38111 81
Reposted by Ruth Speare
Damian Carrington @dpcarrington.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
Now, in response to alerts from the UN's #Methane Alert and Response System, Turkmenistan has started plugging the leaks There's much more to do, but it's an "incredible first step" The 2nd biggest mega-leaker, the US, is doing nothing @unep.org 3/3 www.theguardian.com/environment/...
theguardian.com
‘Breakthrough’ as Turkmenistan starts fixing ‘mindboggling’ methane mega-leaks
Secretive state begins repairs on ageing facilities after being revealed as worst country for leaks of potent greenhouse gas
413557 135
Reposted by Ruth Speare
Fionna O’Leary @fascinatorfun.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
Cameron’s austerity model built on a Harvard paper “Growth in a Time of Debt” that suggested the Keynesian model (that Gov should spend in times of recession to promote growth) was erroneous and that Governments should reduce debt. But there was a problem that took some time to uncover
1514577 145
Reposted by Ruth Speare
Zoe Avison @zoeavison.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
Very cool - switching from gas to electric induction cuts kitchen temperatures by 10 degrees, cuts hob cleaning times from 24mins to 21 seconds, cuts energy use by 2/3rds (a 9k saving in one pub) and yes - wok hei is still possible www.theguardian.com/environment/...
theguardian.com
The chefs turning down the heat by switching from gas to electric
As well as being quieter, cheaper to run and easier to clean, induction cookers can cut kitchen temperatures by up to 10C
816766 167
Reposted by Ruth Speare
Ketan Joshi @ketanjoshi.co · 25/08/2026
Another very useful reminder that technology matters, but policy design matters way way way more. We get nowhere until we tackle corporate greed.
29825 98
Reposted by Ruth Speare
Amy Westervelt @amywestervelt.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
Fascinating new briefing from @ketanjoshi.co for Norwegian NGO KlimaKultur attributes between 34,000 and 58,000 additional deaths to Equinor's fossil fuels in 2025 alone. drilled.media/news/equinor...
drilled.media
New Data Pins a Quarter of a Million Climate-Related Deaths Since 2018 on Equinor
New attribution science finds that fossil fuels sold by Equinor in 2025 alone will bring about between 34,000 and 58,000 additional human deaths compared to a world in which they were never burned.
59452 94
Reposted by Ruth Speare
Abilu Tangwa. @abilutangwa.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
We know exactly what works: • Rapid fossil fuel phase-out • Massive renewable expansion • Nature restoration • Fair climate finance Emissions are still rising, but the tools to reverse this exist. The only missing ingredient is political will. Demand better. Vote better. Act better.
620290 202
Reposted by Ruth Speare
UK Health Alliance on Climate Change @ukhealthclimate.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
Drought may begin in our fields, but its effects won’t stay there. For health professionals, the warning signs could increasingly appear in the health of the communities they serve — particularly those already most vulnerable. Find out more here: ukhealthalliance.org/news-item/uk...
001 1
Reposted by Ruth Speare
New Economics Foundation @neweconomics.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
Third, tax big polluters to fund the green transition. A Frequent Flyer Levy, as well as making windfall taxes on booming oil & gas profits permanent, could raise billions for adaptation & resilience measures to protect our public services, economy and communities.
1198 19
Reposted by Ruth Speare
Eoghan Daltun 🌍 @irishrainforest.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
We KNOW that rewilding massively reduces flooding and the effects of drought, not to mention reversing nature loss, boosting rural communities and the wider economy, and aiding against climate collapse. Why is the government still ignoring the obvious? www.theguardian.com/environment/...
theguardian.com
Rewilded land remains green amid drought-stricken English countryside, images show
National Trust’s Holnicote estate says restored wetlands and rivers offer proof of resilience to drought, wildfires and flooding
10416144 416
Reposted by Ruth Speare
Katharine Hayhoe @katharinehayhoe.com · 21/08/2026
We live in a culture obsessed with individual action. Because of that - and fossil fuel companies promoting carbon calculators - we’re convinced the most important thing we can do is to watch what we eat, how we travel, or what we use. Yes, those things do matter. But this is what matters MORE ⬇️
317676 176
Reposted by Ruth Speare
Katharine Hayhoe @katharinehayhoe.com · 21/08/2026
The most important climate action you can take isn’t obsessing over your individual carbon footprint. We need to change the system so the easiest, most affordable choice for everyone is also the best choice. How do we change a system? It starts with your voice!
static.klipy.com
Meryl Streep Say It Louder
Alt: Meryl Streep Say It Louder
9531156 531
Reposted by Ruth Speare
Fiona Harvey @fionaharvey.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
A handy guide to ten things Andy Burnham could do right now to safeguard climate, environment, people and vital national infrastructure www.theguardian.com/environment/...
theguardian.com
From grey water to cool spaces: 10 climate crisis policies Britain needs right now
Rejecting North Sea drilling licences and protecting nature are just some measures Andy Burnham must implement to ready country
14530 45
Reposted by Ruth Speare
George Monbiot @georgemonbiot.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
We do not build the reservoirs needed to store the rain that falls here. We do not build strategic food reserves needed to maintain provision in hard times. We failed to build effective stores of PPE, to protect us in pandemics. This country has long been governed by people who do not prepare.
28938471052 3.8K
Reposted by Ruth Speare
Sam Freedman @samfr.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
On climate change I explain why Burnham hasn't been talking much about it despite the fires/weather but also why I think he's missing a trick as the nature of the debate is changing...
2225966 259
Reposted by Ruth Speare
Leo Murray @crisortunity.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
Our media is broken. I know many journalists who baulk at terminology like ‘billionaire media’ but the proof of the pudding is in the eating
uk.themedialeader.com
Two-thirds of UK news articles about wildfires this summer haven't mentioned climate change
Analysis from the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit adds to concerns that national newspapers are failing to link this summer's extreme weather to climate change and the net-zero policies necessary to mitigate its drastic effects.
03716 37
Ruth Speare @ruthspeare.bsky.social · 15/08/2026
We need to show rightwing newspapers that actions have consequences. Add your name: goodlawproject.org/s/abb8a1
goodlawproject.org
Jason Arday: Demand a public inquiry now | Good Law Project
Commission an immediate public inquiry into how to ensure a responsible press given its contribution to Dr Arday’s tragic death.
000 0
Ruth Speare @ruthspeare.bsky.social · 15/08/2026
Doing lots of this too! Not on the grass but on my garden beds.
010 1
Reposted by Ruth Speare
Ian Dunt @iandunt.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
Dear God what a tragedy
1081566162 1.6K