Weston Anderson
@agroclim.bsky.social
(he/him) Agroclimatologist studying climate and food. Assistant research professor working at the University of Maryland. All opinions expressed are my own and not those of my employer
I would go as far as to say that it doesn't make sense to decouple the concepts of development, sustainability, and deforestation. We need agricultural solutions that preserve natural resources and are resilient to climate extremes. Any other kind of development is myopic and will be costly
Development vs climate action is a false choice.
In the agriculture sector, there are many actions that reduce climate pollution AND help farmers adapt to a changing climate.
An underappreciated one is helping smallholders sustainably boost productivity, reducing ag land expansion & deforestation.
In the agriculture sector, there are many actions that reduce climate pollution AND help farmers adapt to a changing climate.
An underappreciated one is helping smallholders sustainably boost productivity, reducing ag land expansion & deforestation.
October 29, 2025 at 1:09 PM
I would go as far as to say that it doesn't make sense to decouple the concepts of development, sustainability, and deforestation. We need agricultural solutions that preserve natural resources and are resilient to climate extremes. Any other kind of development is myopic and will be costly
Reposted by Weston Anderson
Hi just so I'm clear.
I wrote "donate to food banks" and do "food runs for mutual aid" because they are different things!
Food banks want your money! they can do more with your money than with stuff.
Mutual aid groups often want stuff! Mine has a food fridge!
I wrote "donate to food banks" and do "food runs for mutual aid" because they are different things!
Food banks want your money! they can do more with your money than with stuff.
Mutual aid groups often want stuff! Mine has a food fridge!
Now is a really good time to donate to food banks, and do food runs for mutual aid groups. Also, do menstrual product runs.
I wonder how much food theft spikes with desperate people just trying to feed their families. I'm sure there will be a media panic about it.
October 23, 2025 at 3:32 AM
Hi just so I'm clear.
I wrote "donate to food banks" and do "food runs for mutual aid" because they are different things!
Food banks want your money! they can do more with your money than with stuff.
Mutual aid groups often want stuff! Mine has a food fridge!
I wrote "donate to food banks" and do "food runs for mutual aid" because they are different things!
Food banks want your money! they can do more with your money than with stuff.
Mutual aid groups often want stuff! Mine has a food fridge!
Reposted by Weston Anderson
well said expatriarch.substack.com/p/usaid-is-u...
USAID Is Unlikely to Be Replaced With Something Better Any Time Soon, So Stop Pretending
Why Rajiv Shah is wrong, wrong, wrong, and kind of insulting
expatriarch.substack.com
October 21, 2025 at 12:27 AM
well said expatriarch.substack.com/p/usaid-is-u...
Reposted by Weston Anderson
For @climateconnections.bsky.social today, with the help of @bobkopp.net & @andrewdessler.com's team of 85 climate scientists and the National Academies, I fact checked the EPA/DOE's claim that carbon pollution is good for food production. Spoiler alert: it's not. Article and 🧵 (1/9):
Fact-checking a Trump administration claim about climate change and crops » Yale Climate Connections
A recent Department of Energy report falsely states that rising carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere will boost agricultural yields. In fact, climate change is much more likely to make food scarcer...
yaleclimateconnections.org
October 14, 2025 at 5:29 PM
For @climateconnections.bsky.social today, with the help of @bobkopp.net & @andrewdessler.com's team of 85 climate scientists and the National Academies, I fact checked the EPA/DOE's claim that carbon pollution is good for food production. Spoiler alert: it's not. Article and 🧵 (1/9):
Reposted by Weston Anderson
Ultra-processed foods are the nutritional bogeyman du jour. it's time for a more nuanced conversation, @kevinh-phd.bsky.social and I argue @newscientist.com www.newscientist.com/article/mg26...
Why not all ultra-processed foods are bad for you
Just because a food is ultra-processed doesn’t mean it is unhealthy. Regulation and eating advice must reflect this, say Julia Belluz and Kevin Hall, co-authors of Food Intelligence: The science of ho...
www.newscientist.com
October 10, 2025 at 11:33 AM
Ultra-processed foods are the nutritional bogeyman du jour. it's time for a more nuanced conversation, @kevinh-phd.bsky.social and I argue @newscientist.com www.newscientist.com/article/mg26...
Reposted by Weston Anderson
"Either food systems remain engines of ecological collapse & inequality, or they become the foundation for a healthy, just and sustainable future, feeding 9.6 billion people nutritiously by 2050.
It falls on those in the world’s wealthy countries to do the most to change their consumption patterns"
It falls on those in the world’s wealthy countries to do the most to change their consumption patterns"
"We can feed 10 billion people nutritiously by mid-century without breaching critical planetary boundaries if we make decisive shifts in the way we produce & consume food", states PIK director Johan Rockström in @reuters.com on latest EAT-Lancet report. Read more www.reuters.com/sustainabili...
www.reuters.com
October 9, 2025 at 2:51 PM
"Either food systems remain engines of ecological collapse & inequality, or they become the foundation for a healthy, just and sustainable future, feeding 9.6 billion people nutritiously by 2050.
It falls on those in the world’s wealthy countries to do the most to change their consumption patterns"
It falls on those in the world’s wealthy countries to do the most to change their consumption patterns"
Reposted by Weston Anderson
A La Niña Advisory has been issued, meaning that La Niña conditions have been observed in the tropical Pacific Ocean.
(1/3)
(1/3)
October 9, 2025 at 1:15 PM
A La Niña Advisory has been issued, meaning that La Niña conditions have been observed in the tropical Pacific Ocean.
(1/3)
(1/3)
Reposted by Weston Anderson
EAT-Lancet 2.0 report is out today, updating the influential 2019 report.
On my first read it seems to bring further data/evidence to support the big solutions for food/climate/nature: 1) improve productivity & env performance of agriculture, 2) reduce food loss/waste, 3) healthy/sustainable diets.
On my first read it seems to bring further data/evidence to support the big solutions for food/climate/nature: 1) improve productivity & env performance of agriculture, 2) reduce food loss/waste, 3) healthy/sustainable diets.
The EAT–Lancet Commission on healthy, sustainable, and just food systems
The global context has shifted dramatically since publication of the first EAT–Lancet
Commission in 2019, with increased geopolitical instability, soaring food prices,
and the COVID-19 pandemic exacer...
www.thelancet.com
October 3, 2025 at 3:41 PM
EAT-Lancet 2.0 report is out today, updating the influential 2019 report.
On my first read it seems to bring further data/evidence to support the big solutions for food/climate/nature: 1) improve productivity & env performance of agriculture, 2) reduce food loss/waste, 3) healthy/sustainable diets.
On my first read it seems to bring further data/evidence to support the big solutions for food/climate/nature: 1) improve productivity & env performance of agriculture, 2) reduce food loss/waste, 3) healthy/sustainable diets.
Reposted by Weston Anderson
Yet another Nat Cat job? Actually, we're searching for TWO experts, specialized in tropical cyclones or earthquakes. US or UK, remote work definitely an option. Great job for an ECR physical scientist looking to join the insurance/reinsurance industry! eedu.fa.em3.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/Candid...
Natural Catastrophe Analyst - Earthquake/Hurricane Specialist
An exciting opportunity to join an established research network team at Willis (a WTW business), helping clients understand and manage risk while shaping the Willis “view of risk.” Using your scientif...
eedu.fa.em3.oraclecloud.com
September 15, 2025 at 6:24 PM
Yet another Nat Cat job? Actually, we're searching for TWO experts, specialized in tropical cyclones or earthquakes. US or UK, remote work definitely an option. Great job for an ECR physical scientist looking to join the insurance/reinsurance industry! eedu.fa.em3.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/Candid...
Reposted by Weston Anderson
It’s funny to hear Trump aides accuse wind and solar farms of overusing land, because the corn ethanol they love uses 100X as much land per unit of energy. Land is great at growing food and storing carbon; it sucks at growing fuel.
August 20, 2025 at 2:04 PM
It’s funny to hear Trump aides accuse wind and solar farms of overusing land, because the corn ethanol they love uses 100X as much land per unit of energy. Land is great at growing food and storing carbon; it sucks at growing fuel.
Reposted by Weston Anderson
Today marks day 1 of public hearings on the EPA’s reconsideration of the endangerment finding, a 2009 declaration that greenhouse gases threaten public health. Follow along with us👇🧵
August 19, 2025 at 11:57 AM
Today marks day 1 of public hearings on the EPA’s reconsideration of the endangerment finding, a 2009 declaration that greenhouse gases threaten public health. Follow along with us👇🧵
Reposted by Weston Anderson
On most of the world’s land, solar can generate 100x more energy per acre vs biofuels
A solar powered EV can go 300x as many miles as a biofuel powered vechicle per acre
#EnergySky
A solar powered EV can go 300x as many miles as a biofuel powered vechicle per acre
#EnergySky
Ome of the anti-solar LTEs in my county said (paraphrasing) "We need real renewables, like ethanol"
So many of these pics are in front of land that has been absolutely razed by farming activities
August 18, 2025 at 10:59 AM
On most of the world’s land, solar can generate 100x more energy per acre vs biofuels
A solar powered EV can go 300x as many miles as a biofuel powered vechicle per acre
#EnergySky
A solar powered EV can go 300x as many miles as a biofuel powered vechicle per acre
#EnergySky
"Rates of depression and anxiety were higher than in a survey done in 2022, amid ongoing concerns about the lack of permanent job prospects".
When anxiety and depression is higher than the pandemic years, that is a bad sign. We continue to exploit and undervalue PhD students and postdocs.
When anxiety and depression is higher than the pandemic years, that is a bad sign. We continue to exploit and undervalue PhD students and postdocs.
“Postdocs are somewhat thriving and suffering at the same time"
My latest @nature.com story highlights the latest Max Planck Society postdoctoral survey findings.
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
My latest @nature.com story highlights the latest Max Planck Society postdoctoral survey findings.
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Postdoc depression and anxiety rates are rising, finds survey of 872 researchers
The Max Planck Society is good at attracting international postdocs but struggles to retain them, survey finds.
www.nature.com
August 13, 2025 at 3:48 PM
"Rates of depression and anxiety were higher than in a survey done in 2022, amid ongoing concerns about the lack of permanent job prospects".
When anxiety and depression is higher than the pandemic years, that is a bad sign. We continue to exploit and undervalue PhD students and postdocs.
When anxiety and depression is higher than the pandemic years, that is a bad sign. We continue to exploit and undervalue PhD students and postdocs.
Reposted by Weston Anderson
New research: our team looked at all the ways to reduce emissions from manure management in the US.
While biogas digesters receive the most funding, other options like solid-liquid separation, acidification, and aeration are more promising & cost-effective.
These emissions are also undercounted.
While biogas digesters receive the most funding, other options like solid-liquid separation, acidification, and aeration are more promising & cost-effective.
These emissions are also undercounted.
Promising Technologies Need a Bigger Push to Cut Manure Emissions in the US
Livestock manure contributes over 1% of the United States' total GHG emissions. Promising solutions to curb the potent gas need more support and funding.
www.wri.org
August 7, 2025 at 8:52 PM
New research: our team looked at all the ways to reduce emissions from manure management in the US.
While biogas digesters receive the most funding, other options like solid-liquid separation, acidification, and aeration are more promising & cost-effective.
These emissions are also undercounted.
While biogas digesters receive the most funding, other options like solid-liquid separation, acidification, and aeration are more promising & cost-effective.
These emissions are also undercounted.
Reposted by Weston Anderson
More journalists should be asking why they put Steve Volz, the head of NOAA’s Satellite and Information Service (NOAA/NESDIS), on indefinite administrative leave.
Stephen Volz, Ph.D.
Dr. Volz has more than 30 years of professional experience in aerospace. As the head of NESDIS, he sets the strategic vision and implementation object
www.nesdis.noaa.gov
August 5, 2025 at 4:14 PM
More journalists should be asking why they put Steve Volz, the head of NOAA’s Satellite and Information Service (NOAA/NESDIS), on indefinite administrative leave.
Reposted by Weston Anderson
In our annual career issue, we take inspiration from the stories of 12 Earth and space scientists.
eos.org/agu-news/whe...
Read more in our August issue, out now: bit.ly/Eos-Aug2025
eos.org/agu-news/whe...
Read more in our August issue, out now: bit.ly/Eos-Aug2025
July 30, 2025 at 12:15 PM
In our annual career issue, we take inspiration from the stories of 12 Earth and space scientists.
eos.org/agu-news/whe...
Read more in our August issue, out now: bit.ly/Eos-Aug2025
eos.org/agu-news/whe...
Read more in our August issue, out now: bit.ly/Eos-Aug2025
Reposted by Weston Anderson
Reposted by Weston Anderson
The Trump administration is set to incinerate nearly 500 tonnes of emergency food, enough to feed 1.5 million children for a week. Despite repeated requests from USAID staff to distribute the food intended for children in Afghanistan and Pakistan, they did not receive approval.
The Trump Administration Is About to Incinerate 500 Tons of Emergency Food
Federal workers warned for months that the high-energy biscuits would go to waste.
www.theatlantic.com
July 15, 2025 at 4:29 PM
The Trump administration is set to incinerate nearly 500 tonnes of emergency food, enough to feed 1.5 million children for a week. Despite repeated requests from USAID staff to distribute the food intended for children in Afghanistan and Pakistan, they did not receive approval.
Reposted by Weston Anderson
People disagree about nearly everything in the climate space.
EXCEPT BIOFUELS.
Absolutely everybody thinks using corn & soy for fuel is a terrible idea - except the people who stand to gain from it, and the people who want those folks' votes.
www.reuters.com/sustainabili...
EXCEPT BIOFUELS.
Absolutely everybody thinks using corn & soy for fuel is a terrible idea - except the people who stand to gain from it, and the people who want those folks' votes.
www.reuters.com/sustainabili...
Biofuel demand to soak up more than half of US soyoil production next year, USDA says
U.S. biofuel makers will consume more than half of all soybean oil produced in the United States next year as a recent flurry of federal policy moves has transformed the sector, including higher blending mandates and curbs on foreign biofuel imports and feedstocks, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said on Friday.
www.reuters.com
July 15, 2025 at 12:22 PM
People disagree about nearly everything in the climate space.
EXCEPT BIOFUELS.
Absolutely everybody thinks using corn & soy for fuel is a terrible idea - except the people who stand to gain from it, and the people who want those folks' votes.
www.reuters.com/sustainabili...
EXCEPT BIOFUELS.
Absolutely everybody thinks using corn & soy for fuel is a terrible idea - except the people who stand to gain from it, and the people who want those folks' votes.
www.reuters.com/sustainabili...
Reposted by Weston Anderson
Another day has passed and nothing from the acting head of FEMA in a disaster that killed 100+ people and I haven’t seen any journalists ask the administration where he is…???
Knowing who is currently leading FEMA strikes me as something the public has a vital interest in…
Knowing who is currently leading FEMA strikes me as something the public has a vital interest in…
Has anyone seen David Richardson, the current head of FEMA? Where is he? I've not seen or heard a word from him during this flood? They've sent Noem out instead which is not usually how this goes.
July 8, 2025 at 12:11 AM
Another day has passed and nothing from the acting head of FEMA in a disaster that killed 100+ people and I haven’t seen any journalists ask the administration where he is…???
Knowing who is currently leading FEMA strikes me as something the public has a vital interest in…
Knowing who is currently leading FEMA strikes me as something the public has a vital interest in…
Reposted by Weston Anderson
⚒️ Article: Accelerating increase in the duration of heat waves under global warming
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
@davidneelin.bsky.social
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
@davidneelin.bsky.social
July 7, 2025 at 3:00 PM
⚒️ Article: Accelerating increase in the duration of heat waves under global warming
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
@davidneelin.bsky.social
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
@davidneelin.bsky.social
Reposted by Weston Anderson
The proposed NOAA budget for 2026 contains the literal line:
Total, Climate Research: $0
www.commerce.gov/sites/defaul...
Total, Climate Research: $0
www.commerce.gov/sites/defaul...
June 30, 2025 at 11:25 PM
The proposed NOAA budget for 2026 contains the literal line:
Total, Climate Research: $0
www.commerce.gov/sites/defaul...
Total, Climate Research: $0
www.commerce.gov/sites/defaul...
Reposted by Weston Anderson
For perspective: a recent study suggested that economic savings from just a *single* well-predicted hurricane, thanks to NOAA research advancements, are on order of *$5 billion.* That exceeds NOAA's *entire proposed annual operating budget.* So much for government efficiency.
July 1, 2025 at 5:18 PM
For perspective: a recent study suggested that economic savings from just a *single* well-predicted hurricane, thanks to NOAA research advancements, are on order of *$5 billion.* That exceeds NOAA's *entire proposed annual operating budget.* So much for government efficiency.
It's surreal to sit on a call with NOAA cooperative institute employees actively forecasting hazards that may affect the US while the US Senate effective terminates those employees and their work.
The American public does not yet realize the devastation inflicted on our scientific institutions
The American public does not yet realize the devastation inflicted on our scientific institutions
Terminating weather and climate labs and cooperative institutes immediately makes us less safe from severe weather and climate events.
The research conducted at these labs has given us improvements to hurricane, storm surge, tornado, and severe thunderstorm warnings.
The research conducted at these labs has given us improvements to hurricane, storm surge, tornado, and severe thunderstorm warnings.
July 1, 2025 at 5:05 PM
It's surreal to sit on a call with NOAA cooperative institute employees actively forecasting hazards that may affect the US while the US Senate effective terminates those employees and their work.
The American public does not yet realize the devastation inflicted on our scientific institutions
The American public does not yet realize the devastation inflicted on our scientific institutions
Reposted by Weston Anderson
This budget justification is devastating to oceanic and atmospheric research.
June 30, 2025 at 4:11 PM
This budget justification is devastating to oceanic and atmospheric research.