Sign in

Susan Board, PhD

@suseboard.bsky.social
1.9K followers 1.2K following 341 posts

Open University associate lecturer (the environment, global devt, international relations). Not afraid of science: global heating is accelerating; Covid is airborne. Cyclist. Yogi. Not at the same time. 💚

PostsRepliesMedia
Reposted by Susan Board, PhD
Simon Evans @drsimevans.carbonbrief.org · 7h
Some people say UK should stop building clean energy and should extend its reliance on gas power instead Choosing my words carefully, I would say that it's an interesting time to be making that argument www.carbonbrief.org/analysis-win...
carbonbrief.org
Analysis: Wind and solar save UK from gas imports worth £5.9bn during Hormuz crisis - Carbon Brief
The UK has avoided gas imports worth £5.9bn since the start of the Hormuz crisis as a result of record electricity generation from wind and solar.
45717
Reposted by Susan Board, PhD
Peter Geoghegan @petergeoghegan.bsky.social · 8h
Here's the full story that the Tony Blair Institute doesn't want to answer questions about, on Democracy for Sale
democracyforsale.substack.com
Tony’s minor tantrum: how Blair’s institute responded to fresh “cash for access” questions
We asked TBI about allegations of £500,000 corporate memberships and a logo that vanished at Labour conference. They said they’re not talking to us anymore
5265117
Reposted by Susan Board, PhD
Peter Geoghegan @petergeoghegan.bsky.social · 8h
🔴 We asked Tony Blair's think tank about charging businesses £500k for political access at party conferences and why one of its sponsor's logos disappeared after our reporting last week on TBI's alleged cash for access scheme This is what they said
61714266
Reposted by Susan Board, PhD
Prof Ian Hall @ianhall.bsky.social · 8h
23,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 joules. That’s the amount of heat the oceans absorbed in 2025. A number so huge it’s almost meaningless…until you realise it’s roughly 40× humanity’s annual energy use. The ocean is buying us time. We’re running out of it. www.theguardian.com/environment/...
theguardian.com
World’s oceans absorbed record heat equal to 40 times annual global energy use
The injection of thermal energy comes amid an increasing rise in sea levels and continuing acidification
9334206
Reposted by Susan Board, PhD
Adam Morton @adammorton.bsky.social · 17h
Antarctic winter sea ice falls to third-lowest level on record as scientists warn of ‘now problem’ www.theguardian.com/world/2026/s...
theguardian.com
Antarctic winter sea ice falls to third-lowest level on record as scientists warn of ‘now problem’
Coverage levels fall a million square kilometres short of the long-term average, with global heating likely driving losses
1209
Reposted by Susan Board, PhD
Mark Chadbourn @chadbourn.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
“These cases are always treated in isolation by the media, a shocking incident, like a murder, borne of specific motivations. But they’re not like murders at all and they shouldn’t be seen as individual crimes — they’re symptomatic of a sickness in society that afflicts all countries everywhere.”
chadbourn.substack.com
The Man Problem
The Cornell Rape Case is a feature not a bug
1226081
Reposted by Susan Board, PhD
The Booker Prizes @thebookerprizes.com · 26/09/2026
Mary Beard, Chair of the Booker Prize 2026 judging panel, on why she dislikes the phrase ‘I really love reading’. This clip is provided courtesy of the Southbank Centre, and you can watch the full Booker Prize 2026 shortlist event on their YouTube channel: youtube.pulse.ly/axkmrdaxr9
8254115
Reposted by Susan Board, PhD
Greens Against Covid @greensagainstcovid.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
We'd love to see conference made safe for all, but conditions could be ideal for the spread of Covid and Flu, etc. However, some precautions can really reduce that risk. #ventilation #ffp3mask @greenparty.org.uk #greenpartyconference
Top left: Green party logo with virus crossed out. Green text: GREENS AGAINST COVID. Key text: Heading off to conference soon?Subtext: promoted by covid and long covid campaign working group (green party), c/o PO box 78066 London SE16 9GQTop left: Green party logo with virus crossed out. Green text: GREENS AGAINST COVID. Key text: Be aware that covid and flu levels are rising rapidly (graph shows covid levels rising)Subtext: promoted by covid and long covid campaign working group (green party), c/o PO box 78066 London SE16 9GQTop left: Green party logo with virus crossed out. Green text: GREENS AGAINST COVID. Key text: buds estimates covid prevalence at around 1/306 as of 20/9/26 (graphic from BuDS shows covid wave rapidly rising, Influenza on the rise; risk level remains moderately high at 1 in 306) Subtext: promoted by covid and long covid campaign working group (green party), c/o PO box 78066 London SE16 9GQTop left: Green party logo with virus crossed out. Green text: GREENS AGAINST COVID. Key text: Remember, covid influenza, rsv, rhinovirus and measles are all transmitted at distance through the air anc can hang in the air like smokeSubtext: promoted by covid and long covid campaign working group (green party), c/o PO box 78066 London SE16 9GQ
13016
Reposted by Susan Board, PhD
Jill Belch @jillbelch.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
Not sure we can wriggle our way out of this one…. #ClimateCrisis
04416
Reposted by Susan Board, PhD
Rupert Read @rupertread.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
NEW: Excellent Guardian explainer (from Fiona Harvey) on the meaning of the intelligence services’ suppressed National Security Assessment on ECOSYSTEM COLLAPSE. Building of food resilience is a primary priority. Do read and share! Crucial… www.theguardian.com/environment/...
theguardian.com
12212
Reposted by Susan Board, PhD
Patrick Barkham @patrickbarkham.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Gorgeous visit to the sunny Lincolnshire coast yesterday to see the latest golf course given back to nature. Credit to @nationaltrust.org.uk for being brave. This is nature as human regen too – fantastic new green infrastructure for Mablethorpe and Sutton-on-Sea. www.theguardian.com/environment/...
theguardian.com
Skylarks and sandwich terns among new birdies on reserve created from ‘boring old golf course’
National Trust has transformed Sandilands in Lincolnshire into a nature reserve with wetlands and wading pools
715951
Reposted by Susan Board, PhD
Phillips OBrien @phillipspobrien.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Lord, President Xi just insulted Trump and the USA, right to Trump's face-in the White House. Xi referred, yet again, to the "Thucydides trap". This is an reference to the US being in decline and China replacing it. And Trump sits their making moo eyes like a lovestruck teenager
47643220
Reposted by Susan Board, PhD
Prof Ian Hall @ianhall.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Climate change isn’t just about heatwaves and emissions targets. When climate and nature loss affect food, migration, economies and geopolitical stability, they become national security issues too. That conversation is long overdue. 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
56237
Reposted by Susan Board, PhD
Oceana UK @oceanauk.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
💔 Puffin numbers at one of the UK’s largest colonies have plummeted by 30% in just 2 years amid marine heatwaves & intense storms 🪶 The climate crisis is already pushing marine life to the brink #NoNewOil #ClimateJustice bit.ly/4dbp3Mb
01111
Reposted by Susan Board, PhD
The Green Party of England & Wales @greenparty.org.uk · 23/09/2026
“We’re the only party looking seriously at how we can build a sustainable, thriving economy that doesn’t leave the planet broken for our children and grandchildren.” Rachel Millward on why electing Greens means choosing a future where people and planet can thrive.
6371126
Reposted by Susan Board, PhD
Simon Kuestenmacher @simongerman600.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Buckle up if you live in a brown or dark blue area on this map. Source: buff.ly/NPKPBPo
12411
Reposted by Susan Board, PhD
Damian Carrington @dpcarrington.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Huge #ElNiño projected to cause 450,000 heat deaths in next six months - New report predicts a heavy toll from Nigeria to the US – and comes on top of existing impacts of the #climatecrisis Story by me www.theguardian.com/environment/...
theguardian.com
Huge El Niño projected to cause 450,000 deaths in next six months
New report predicts a heavy toll from Nigeria to the US – and comes on top of existing impacts of the climate crisis
24428
Reposted by Susan Board, PhD
Carbon Brief @carbonbrief.org · 22/09/2026
NEW – Explainer: How sea level rise poses an ‘existential threat’ to humans, heritage and nature ✍️ Written by @giulianaviglione.bsky.social Read here: buff.ly/jG1SPm9
buff.ly
Explainer: How sea level rise poses an ‘existential threat’ to humans, heritage and nature - Carbon Brief
For millions of people around the world, rising sea levels are already reshaping economies, livelihoods and cultures.
02315
Reposted by Susan Board, PhD
Carbon Brief @carbonbrief.org · 21/09/2026
NEW – Analysis: ‘Super El Niño’ reaches ‘remarkable’ all-time record ✍️ Written by @zekehausfather.com Read here: buff.ly/4a9XUAK
Daily Niño 3.4 sea surface temperature anomalies, 1982-2026, each relative to a centred 30-year climatology (ONI convention). Chart by Carbon Brief.
314678
Reposted by Susan Board, PhD
Prof Bill McGuire @profbillmcguire.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
“What is happening in the equatorial Pacific is jaw-dropping and could well mark one of the biggest global weather upheavals in a millennium,” said Prof Bill McGuire in the Guardian on Tuesday The hyper El Nino continues to obliterate records www.theguardian.com/environment/...
theguardian.com
‘Jaw-dropping’: Super El Niño bursts through temperature record months ahead of peak
The ‘Godzilla-level’ phenomenon is supercharging the climate crisis and will heavily impact communities across the world
311279
Reposted by Susan Board, PhD
The Guardian @theguardian.com · 21/09/2026
‘Planetary boundaries’ necessary for flourishing of life have been massively breached, scientists warn
theguardian.com
‘Planetary boundaries’ necessary for flourishing of life have been massively breached, scientists warn
New report shows key indicators of Earth’s health are ‘outside the safe operating space’ as climate disaster looms The planetary life support systems relied upon by humans have deteriorated to their worst levels ever recorded amid ongoing pollution and habitat destruction, according to a key yet grim annual update by scientists. Of the nine “planetary boundaries” that help determine whether life can flourish on Earth, seven are being breached at their highest ever levels of transgression, according to the latest planetary health check, a process that was established in 2009. Continue reading...
915688
Reposted by Susan Board, PhD
Damian Carrington @dpcarrington.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
🚨 🚨 🚨 ‘Jaw-dropping’: Super El Niño bursts through temperature record months ahead of peak 🚨 🚨 🚨 - The ‘Godzilla-level’ phenomenon is supercharging the climate crisis and will heavily impact communities across the world #climatecrisis Story by me www.theguardian.com/environment/...
theguardian.com
‘Jaw-dropping’: Super El Niño bursts through temperature record months ahead of peak
The ‘Godzilla-level’ phenomenon is supercharging the climate crisis and will heavily impact communities across the world
13727
Reposted by Susan Board, PhD
George Tsakraklides @tsakraklides.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
“Fascism and genocide have always hidden in plain sight behind the most disgustingly sweet bubble gum pop, and that’s why Ed Sheeran was the perfect hideout” georgetsakraklides.substack.com/p/when-art-f...
georgetsakraklides.substack.com
When Art Fails
Beware of people who tell you that art and politics should never mix: they have zero values and questionable morals and believe that a pretty picture or catchy tune can be judged in isolation, even th...
1367
Susan Board, PhD @suseboard.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
www.theguardian.com/global-devel...
theguardian.com
Fifty billion trees by 2030: how Ethiopia is recruiting citizens across the country to plant, plant, plant
After losing much of its forests in recent decades, the country’s people have led the way in planting saplings across the country as part of the government’s Green Legacy Initiative
145
Reposted by Susan Board, PhD
Fiona Harvey @fionaharvey.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
Net zero is a description of scientific fact: if we do not meet that target, we are doomed to repeat summers much worse than that just gone, with all of the accompanying damage to food supplies and infrastructure. So why are our politicians so weak on the climate? www.theguardian.com/environment/...
theguardian.com
Burning forests, emptying rivers, €180bn in damage: Europe’s politicians face reckoning after ‘summer of truth’
Amid record-shattering heatwaves and popular demand for climate action, why are politicians often timid or in denial?
1514963
Reposted by Susan Board, PhD
We Own It @weownit.org.uk · 18/09/2026
Sewage dumping in our seas likely caused her infection and led to her wearing a colostomy bag But George is not resting until we have our water in public hands, so that it never happens to other people The government must stop burying their head in the ground - public ownership of water now
05120
Reposted by Susan Board, PhD
Simon Oldridge @sioldridge.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
It’s extraordinary that as we breach 1.5° - which only in 2018, the IPCC said wouldn’t be reached until 2040 - that the PM is still holding up net zero by 2050 as an adequate response!

 The threat level has changed dramatically since the UK adopted its NZ by 2050 aim. Just a few examples: 🧵
127748
Reposted by Susan Board, PhD
Nicola Kelly @nicolakellywrites.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
I have spent weeks shadowing the RNLI and I can tell you, they do it out of nothing more than compassion. Wrote about the heroes I've met over the years in this free-to-read post. nicolakelly.substack.com/p/the-rnli-a...
nicolakelly.substack.com
The RNLI aren't traitors; they're heroes
I have spent weeks shadowing lifeboat crews. Here's what they do and what it's like.
341504485
Reposted by Susan Board, PhD
Paul Behrens @profpaulbehrens.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
575 climate scientists, health professionals, and conservationists, me included, have asked the PM to reject Rosebank The field could emit up to 254 Mt of CO₂e. Total UK emissions was 367 Mt in 2025 As the IEA & others say we need no new fossil infrastructure www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/poli...
independent.co.uk
Burnham urged to reject new North Sea drilling days before first Trump meeting
Almost 600 climate scientists, health professionals and conservationists have warned against approving the Rosebank oil field
12613
Reposted by Susan Board, PhD
Richard Delevan @richard.wickedproblems.earth · 17/09/2026
£30 million *in total* for community renewables, as proof of UK govt seriousness on climate. £28 billion *per year* in UK subsidies for fossil fuels, per IMF (2024, converted from $36m USD). These are not serious people.
https://www.imf.org/-/media/files/publications/wp/2025/english/wpiea2025270-source-pdf.pdf page 34
https://www.imf.org/-/media/files/publications/wp/2025/english/wpiea2025270-source-pdf.pdf
01916
Reposted by Susan Board, PhD
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
1151582493
Reposted by Susan Board, PhD
Sian Berry MP @sianberry.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Hearing from constituents working at the University of Brighton who are desperately worried. In touch with unions and the University seeking clarity and assurances, because it is vital workers have a voice, especially when higher education is in such crisis. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
University of Brighton considers closing Falmer campus by 2030
The campus houses the university's library, sports and health complex, and two halls of residence.
14710
Reposted by Susan Board, PhD
Alan Stedman @alanjstedman.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
This is well worth a read and confirms what many of us have been saying for some time. Anyone who thinks that when Trump goes (box, helicopter or police car) everything will return to as it was before A lot of things have changed fundamentally and the USA is no longer a trusted ally
01711
Reposted by Susan Board, PhD
Doug Parr @dougparr.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
UK Government climate change advisers say expanding Heathrow airport is incompatible with climate targets To make it so, the aviation industry should pay for carbon removals & sustainable aviation fuel Trouble is neither of those meaningfully exist www.theguardian.com/environment/...
theguardian.com
Airlines should pay for CO2 removal if Heathrow expands, say climate advisers
Climate Change Committee says government cannot expand airport without requiring aviation industry to clean up its emissions
35126
Susan Board, PhD @suseboard.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Appalling! Brighton university plans: to close the Falmer campus and to stop recognition of and work with unions #ucu #brighton www.brightonandhovenews.org/2026/09/15/u...
brightonandhovenews.org
University considers closing campus
The University of Brighton is considering closing its Falmer campus and has put unions on notice it wants to rewrite
111
Reposted by Susan Board, PhD
Good Law Project @goodlawproject.org · 15/09/2026
Using violence against women and girls to demonise people seeking safety here is a dangerous distraction: www.theguardian.com/society/2026/se…
theguardian.com
Female asylum seekers report being sexually assaulted by British men
Women say they are wary of pursuing criminal prosecution of rapes, for fear of having their asylum claims refused
07733
Reposted by Susan Board, PhD
Peter Geoghegan @petergeoghegan.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
🔴 The £72million pound question - how worried are you about big money in British politics? Democracy for Sale is running a survey to find out what the public thinks about money in politics - and what we should do about it Please take it!! And share widely!! thx! 😀 docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
docs.google.com
How concerned are you about UK political funding? – A Democracy for Sale survey
We're Democracy for Sale, a newsletter covering dark money and influence in UK politics. We're trying to better understand our readers' and the wider public's opinions and concerns about political fun...
17432302
Susan Board, PhD @suseboard.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
theguardian.com
The incoming ‘super’ El Niño will create chaos around the world. And we are far from ready for it | Bill McGuire
One of the biggest upheavals in a millennium is on its way, strengthened by the climate crisis. We need leaders who make things better not worse, says climate professor Bill McGuire
011
Reposted by Susan Board, PhD
Patrick Galey @patrickgaley.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Generative AI is dangerous to humans, not in the Asimovian way the Anthropic creeps are carping on about, but in the way that it is literally poisoning our air and water www.theguardian.com/environment/...
theguardian.com
‘Tidal wave’ of Pfas being launched to satisfy AI industry, campaigners warn
Big manufacturers planning to produce more of the forever chemicals to meet demand from datacentres
6337179
Reposted by Susan Board, PhD
Margot Finn @eicathomefinn.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
'Enslaved African people were seared with hot metal brands bearing the royal crown, according to research by historians who have documented the monarchy’s centuries-long involvement in Britain’s slave trade.' #Skystorians
theguardian.com
The royal crown branded on enslaved Africans: Britain’s monarchy and the slave trade
From Elizabeth I’s backing of early voyages to royal investment in trafficking companies, generations of monarchs were central to Britain’s slave trade
13223
Reposted by Susan Board, PhD
Anand Menon @anandmenon.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
Hard to shake the impression that the overriding sentiment in Tories and Labour to the Reform donations was envy rather than concern about our democratic system….
15576173
Reposted by Susan Board, PhD
Rachel Millward @rachelmillward.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
Labour and Burnham have been silent on capping political donations while Reform gets £72 million from Farage's billionaire mates. We need @zackpolanski.bsky.social in Parliament to hold Labour to account, not another Labour backbencher to wave through Burnham's policies without scrutiny.
A quote from Rachel Millward, Deputy Leader of the Green Party. It reads, "Reform is a vessel for the super wealthy. They will always act in the interests of the super wealthy. Labour could have stopped this years ago by capping donations. Burnham promised to do it then backtracked. Will he now admit this was a mistake? Burnham and Labour have been quiet on a donations cap for the last 24 hours. The public needs to know where he stands."
819179
Reposted by Susan Board, PhD
Damian Carrington @dpcarrington.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Factcheck: 45 false or misleading claims about climate and energy from Reform UK, Nigel Farage and Richard Tice By @carbonbrief.org www.carbonbrief.org/factcheck-re...
carbonbrief.org
Factcheck: Reform UK’s 45 false or misleading claims about climate and energy - Carbon Brief
Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, has emerged as a major force in UK politics in recent years – pushing…
04027
Reposted by Susan Board, PhD
Prof Ian Hall @ianhall.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
There’s something encouraging about the idea of ‘positive tipping points’. We’ve seen clean energy go from niche to mainstream surprisingly fast. The question really is whether we can push those changes quickly enough to stay ahead of climate change damage. 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
35527
Reposted by Susan Board, PhD
Best for Britain @bestforbritain.org · 10/09/2026
🎯 by @ellabaron.bsky.social The abuse directed towards RNLI volunteers is horrendous. Solidarity with RNLI volunteers. They are doing incredible work.
701988509
Reposted by Susan Board, PhD
George Monbiot @georgemonbiot.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
This week's column is about the Starmer-like self-destruction of the impending decision to approve new oil and gas drilling in the North Sea. It might appease certain lobby groups, but it sabotages Burnham's own project and drives voters away. Utter madness. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
theguardian.com
Is Burnham trying to appease Trump? Or Reform? What other reason is there for these North Sea oil plans? | George Monbiot
Climate catastrophe is on our doorstep – yet Labour’s impending approval of further drilling will bring more pain for negligible gains, says Guardian columnist George Monbiot
48841299
Reposted by Susan Board, PhD
Alice Roberts @profaliceroberts.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
I’ve reached the point - well actually, I reached it a while ago - where I’m militantly anti-AI. Fine - use it in bioscience labs and radiology where it might help analyse data more effectively. Use it sparingly for systems engineering. Everywhere else, it can fuck off.
1553136711
Reposted by Susan Board, PhD
Zack Polanski @zackpolanski.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
This government is still sitting on parts of a buried report laying bare catastrophic risks facing us from ecosystems collapse. My message to @andyburnham.bsky.social: tell the truth. Release the report in full. And prepare the country for what's coming. www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
theguardian.com
Polanski calls for report on ecosystem collapse to be published in full
Green leader says ministers must stop ‘hiding the truth’ about threat to UK security from climate and nature crisis
271320551
Reposted by Susan Board, PhD
The Bear @bearlypolitics.co.uk · 08/09/2026
The lies about the RNLI aren’t new. Publishing and circulating images of individual volunteers to an already-radicalised audience is. That is where online hatred starts becoming a real-world safety issue. In today's post I address four of the most pervasive myths surrounding the RNLI.
bearlypolitics.co.uk
The Far Right Has Put RNLI Volunteers In The Crosshairs
Online misinformation about Channel rescues is no longer just poisonous rhetoric, it’s putting real people at risk.
26364177
Reposted by Susan Board, PhD
Rebecca Solnit @rebeccasolnit.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
The role of "protector" under patriarchy seems to mean "I wield the option of violence" that can also be turned directly on women who are not obedient, aka submit to being protected according to his rules.
14818126