Erik Hoffner
@erikhoffner.bsky.social
Editor, photojournalist & award-winning podcast producer for nonprofit news outlet @Mongabay. Member of Society of Envi Journalists & Vermont Center for Photography
Pinned
FCC opens Musk’s 1M-satellite DC plan for public comment
: The FCC is taking public comments - now’s your chance to tell them this plan is bonkers
www.theregister.com
More from the annals of 'no one asked for this' ~
SpaceX adding a *million* satellites & data centers to orbit means seeing oligarchs' mess even in the heavens
That's a 6800% increase in #astronomy (& beauty) -killing space junk from today's < 15,000 satellites
Public comment period is open:
SpaceX adding a *million* satellites & data centers to orbit means seeing oligarchs' mess even in the heavens
That's a 6800% increase in #astronomy (& beauty) -killing space junk from today's < 15,000 satellites
Public comment period is open:
‘Whatever actions are coming out of Washington, here in Massachusetts, we’re moving forward in any which way to bring more energy into this region,’ said Governor Maura Healey
The plan calls for at least 40 GW of offshore wind energy via an interregional transmission system @ctmirror.org reports:
The plan calls for at least 40 GW of offshore wind energy via an interregional transmission system @ctmirror.org reports:
Massachusetts, Nova Scotia partner on offshore wind development
The two governments will develop offshore wind in their respective areas and share knowledge, workforce, ports and potentially energy itself.
ctmirror.org
February 7, 2026 at 11:57 PM
‘Whatever actions are coming out of Washington, here in Massachusetts, we’re moving forward in any which way to bring more energy into this region,’ said Governor Maura Healey
The plan calls for at least 40 GW of offshore wind energy via an interregional transmission system @ctmirror.org reports:
The plan calls for at least 40 GW of offshore wind energy via an interregional transmission system @ctmirror.org reports:
Reposted by Erik Hoffner
Ian McKellen performs “The Strangers’ Case” speech from “Sir Thomas More” on Colbert.
February 5, 2026 at 1:07 PM
Ian McKellen performs “The Strangers’ Case” speech from “Sir Thomas More” on Colbert.
Reposted by Erik Hoffner
Spotted in Edmonton, North London….
February 7, 2026 at 12:58 PM
Spotted in Edmonton, North London….
Reposted by Erik Hoffner
Despite the critically endangered vaquita porpoise still teetering on the brink of extinction, the Government of Mexico is considering a proposal to reduce its protected habitat by more than 85 per cent.
Read the full story now at https://loom.ly/2puaguI
Read the full story now at https://loom.ly/2puaguI
February 6, 2026 at 12:54 PM
Despite the critically endangered vaquita porpoise still teetering on the brink of extinction, the Government of Mexico is considering a proposal to reduce its protected habitat by more than 85 per cent.
Read the full story now at https://loom.ly/2puaguI
Read the full story now at https://loom.ly/2puaguI
More from the annals of 'no one asked for this' ~
SpaceX adding a *million* satellites & data centers to orbit means seeing oligarchs' mess even in the heavens
That's a 6800% increase in #astronomy (& beauty) -killing space junk from today's < 15,000 satellites
Public comment period is open:
SpaceX adding a *million* satellites & data centers to orbit means seeing oligarchs' mess even in the heavens
That's a 6800% increase in #astronomy (& beauty) -killing space junk from today's < 15,000 satellites
Public comment period is open:
FCC opens Musk’s 1M-satellite DC plan for public comment
: The FCC is taking public comments - now’s your chance to tell them this plan is bonkers
www.theregister.com
February 5, 2026 at 7:39 PM
More from the annals of 'no one asked for this' ~
SpaceX adding a *million* satellites & data centers to orbit means seeing oligarchs' mess even in the heavens
That's a 6800% increase in #astronomy (& beauty) -killing space junk from today's < 15,000 satellites
Public comment period is open:
SpaceX adding a *million* satellites & data centers to orbit means seeing oligarchs' mess even in the heavens
That's a 6800% increase in #astronomy (& beauty) -killing space junk from today's < 15,000 satellites
Public comment period is open:
Nice BBC update by @kamal-t.bsky.social on this #birds conservation effort that @mongabay.com covered a decade ago (news.mongabay.com/2016/12/from...)
At this point, Purnima Devi Barman has assembled an actual army of 20,000 women to protect India's iconic & misunderstood greater adjutant storks:
At this point, Purnima Devi Barman has assembled an actual army of 20,000 women to protect India's iconic & misunderstood greater adjutant storks:
From bad omen to national treasure: The rare bone-swallower stork saved by a female army
Once known as a bird of ill omen, India's endangered hargila has gained an army of protectors. Now it's beginning to bounce back.
www.bbc.com
February 4, 2026 at 4:46 PM
Nice BBC update by @kamal-t.bsky.social on this #birds conservation effort that @mongabay.com covered a decade ago (news.mongabay.com/2016/12/from...)
At this point, Purnima Devi Barman has assembled an actual army of 20,000 women to protect India's iconic & misunderstood greater adjutant storks:
At this point, Purnima Devi Barman has assembled an actual army of 20,000 women to protect India's iconic & misunderstood greater adjutant storks:
Reposted by Erik Hoffner
Rio de Janeiro state banned shark meat in 1,200 schools after a @mongabay.com investigation found 10 Brazilian states procured more than 5,400 tons of shark meat since 2004.
Environmental and health concerns drove the ban.
Impact by @bykarlamendes.bsky.social reporting. bit.ly/3OkgKDP
Environmental and health concerns drove the ban.
Impact by @bykarlamendes.bsky.social reporting. bit.ly/3OkgKDP
Rio de Janeiro State Bans Shark Meat for School Meals After Pulitzer Center Journalists' Investigation
The government of Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro state has banned shark meat for meals in most of the schools it manages, after pressure from conservationists and school meal advisers raising health and...
pulitzercenter.org
February 3, 2026 at 5:16 PM
Rio de Janeiro state banned shark meat in 1,200 schools after a @mongabay.com investigation found 10 Brazilian states procured more than 5,400 tons of shark meat since 2004.
Environmental and health concerns drove the ban.
Impact by @bykarlamendes.bsky.social reporting. bit.ly/3OkgKDP
Environmental and health concerns drove the ban.
Impact by @bykarlamendes.bsky.social reporting. bit.ly/3OkgKDP
Sent a freelance journalist for @mongabay.com to this event & his report is delicious
I'm seriously jealous ~ from forest honey to Taiwanese teas, he sampled so much goodness from around the Asia & Pacific region, which now has an #agroecology based @slowfoodhq.bsky.social hub in the #Philippines:
I'm seriously jealous ~ from forest honey to Taiwanese teas, he sampled so much goodness from around the Asia & Pacific region, which now has an #agroecology based @slowfoodhq.bsky.social hub in the #Philippines:
Philippines hosts new Asia-Pacific hub for sustainable agriculture, cuisine
BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — For five days last November, the city of Bacolod in the central Philippine province of Negros Occidental became a crossroads of food cultures from across Asia and the Pacif...
news.mongabay.com
February 3, 2026 at 10:06 PM
Sent a freelance journalist for @mongabay.com to this event & his report is delicious
I'm seriously jealous ~ from forest honey to Taiwanese teas, he sampled so much goodness from around the Asia & Pacific region, which now has an #agroecology based @slowfoodhq.bsky.social hub in the #Philippines:
I'm seriously jealous ~ from forest honey to Taiwanese teas, he sampled so much goodness from around the Asia & Pacific region, which now has an #agroecology based @slowfoodhq.bsky.social hub in the #Philippines:
My team has won this prize before, sad to see it idled, sign of the times:
'Given the extraordinary pressure on investigative #journalism TRACE Foundation will shift its focus in from rewarding past journalism to supporting future efforts with grants' ~ www.traceinternational.org/investigativ...
'Given the extraordinary pressure on investigative #journalism TRACE Foundation will shift its focus in from rewarding past journalism to supporting future efforts with grants' ~ www.traceinternational.org/investigativ...
February 3, 2026 at 2:31 PM
My team has won this prize before, sad to see it idled, sign of the times:
'Given the extraordinary pressure on investigative #journalism TRACE Foundation will shift its focus in from rewarding past journalism to supporting future efforts with grants' ~ www.traceinternational.org/investigativ...
'Given the extraordinary pressure on investigative #journalism TRACE Foundation will shift its focus in from rewarding past journalism to supporting future efforts with grants' ~ www.traceinternational.org/investigativ...
Full ‘snow moon’ time lapse, newly captured
2 hour movement of oak shadow on 20” of snow
Enjoy its brilliance tonight 🌕
2 hour movement of oak shadow on 20” of snow
Enjoy its brilliance tonight 🌕
February 1, 2026 at 11:45 PM
Full ‘snow moon’ time lapse, newly captured
2 hour movement of oak shadow on 20” of snow
Enjoy its brilliance tonight 🌕
2 hour movement of oak shadow on 20” of snow
Enjoy its brilliance tonight 🌕
Reposted by Erik Hoffner
I love this. A beautiful elegy for ice in a warming world.
@erikhoffner.bsky.social
www.loe.org/shows/segmen...
@erikhoffner.bsky.social
www.loe.org/shows/segmen...
Living on Earth: Ice Visions
As winter settles in over the northern hemisphere people find creative ways to get outside and enjoy nature. For environmental journalist and photographer Erik Hoffner, winter is a time for ice skatin...
www.loe.org
February 1, 2026 at 5:07 PM
I love this. A beautiful elegy for ice in a warming world.
@erikhoffner.bsky.social
www.loe.org/shows/segmen...
@erikhoffner.bsky.social
www.loe.org/shows/segmen...
Reposted by Erik Hoffner
"Make your interests gradually wider and more impersonal, until bit by bit the walls of the ego recede, and your life becomes increasingly merged in the universal life."
Bertrand Russell on how to grow old and what makes life worth living:
Bertrand Russell on how to grow old and what makes life worth living:
How to Grow Old: Bertrand Russell on What Makes a Fulfilling Life
“Make your interests gradually wider and more impersonal, until bit by bit the walls of the ego recede, and your life becomes increasingly merged in the universal life.”
www.themarginalian.org
February 1, 2026 at 2:28 PM
"Make your interests gradually wider and more impersonal, until bit by bit the walls of the ego recede, and your life becomes increasingly merged in the universal life."
Bertrand Russell on how to grow old and what makes life worth living:
Bertrand Russell on how to grow old and what makes life worth living:
Reposted by Erik Hoffner
As Trump continues to try to shut down wind energy here at home while maligning it on the world stage, Europe is embracing it as a key instrument for not only decarbonization, but energy security at a time of rising geopolitical instability
www.oneearthnow.org/p/european-c...
www.oneearthnow.org/p/european-c...
European Countries Plan Offshore Wind Buildout in the North Sea, Defying Trump
The deal to deliver 100 gigawatts of clean power through cooperative projects is a key step towards enhancing energy security and reducing fossil fuel dependency.
www.oneearthnow.org
January 31, 2026 at 8:54 PM
As Trump continues to try to shut down wind energy here at home while maligning it on the world stage, Europe is embracing it as a key instrument for not only decarbonization, but energy security at a time of rising geopolitical instability
www.oneearthnow.org/p/european-c...
www.oneearthnow.org/p/european-c...
Reposted by Erik Hoffner
Also, your Friday reminder that some birds are parasites (!) and just say no to parenting—but can teach us a lot about how species recognition works
Have you ever heard of a parasitic bird? This researcher's dedicated his life to studying these often maligned birds and how they help us better understand big questions like how a bird even knows which species it is. (Seems obvious yet...) My latest for @audubon.org www.audubon.org/magazine/res...
Got Beef With Cowbirds? This Researcher Wants to Change Your Mind
The nest parasites get a bad rap for making other birds raise their young, but study by study, Mark Hauber and his “Cowbird Lab” have revealed a species worthy of respect.
www.audubon.org
January 30, 2026 at 10:13 PM
Also, your Friday reminder that some birds are parasites (!) and just say no to parenting—but can teach us a lot about how species recognition works
Reposted by Erik Hoffner
Warnings about realistic but inaccurate #AI wildlife images & videos aren't slowing their spread which also provoke fear, panic & hostility, beside clicks: news.mongabay.com/2026/01/wild...
Almost worse, gen AI is also invading the value of camera trapping images, as many fakes are now surfacing:
Almost worse, gen AI is also invading the value of camera trapping images, as many fakes are now surfacing:
January 30, 2026 at 1:31 PM
Warnings about realistic but inaccurate #AI wildlife images & videos aren't slowing their spread which also provoke fear, panic & hostility, beside clicks: news.mongabay.com/2026/01/wild...
Almost worse, gen AI is also invading the value of camera trapping images, as many fakes are now surfacing:
Almost worse, gen AI is also invading the value of camera trapping images, as many fakes are now surfacing:
Severely entangled right #whale found dead off N. Carolina 😥
The young whale nicknamed "Division" had fishing line wrapped around his head & mouth, cutting into his blowhole & embedded in his upper jaw, as was reported on Dec. 3 🐋
This made it hard to feed, weakening him & leading to today's news
The young whale nicknamed "Division" had fishing line wrapped around his head & mouth, cutting into his blowhole & embedded in his upper jaw, as was reported on Dec. 3 🐋
This made it hard to feed, weakening him & leading to today's news
January 30, 2026 at 6:54 PM
Severely entangled right #whale found dead off N. Carolina 😥
The young whale nicknamed "Division" had fishing line wrapped around his head & mouth, cutting into his blowhole & embedded in his upper jaw, as was reported on Dec. 3 🐋
This made it hard to feed, weakening him & leading to today's news
The young whale nicknamed "Division" had fishing line wrapped around his head & mouth, cutting into his blowhole & embedded in his upper jaw, as was reported on Dec. 3 🐋
This made it hard to feed, weakening him & leading to today's news
Warnings about realistic but inaccurate #AI wildlife images & videos aren't slowing their spread which also provoke fear, panic & hostility, beside clicks: news.mongabay.com/2026/01/wild...
Almost worse, gen AI is also invading the value of camera trapping images, as many fakes are now surfacing:
Almost worse, gen AI is also invading the value of camera trapping images, as many fakes are now surfacing:
January 30, 2026 at 1:31 PM
Warnings about realistic but inaccurate #AI wildlife images & videos aren't slowing their spread which also provoke fear, panic & hostility, beside clicks: news.mongabay.com/2026/01/wild...
Almost worse, gen AI is also invading the value of camera trapping images, as many fakes are now surfacing:
Almost worse, gen AI is also invading the value of camera trapping images, as many fakes are now surfacing:
Reposted by Erik Hoffner
Carol Linnitt, co-founder and editor-in-chief, provides an update on The Narwhal’s court case against the RCMP. Amber Bracken finished cross-examination late Jan. 28. It took more than 12 hours.
To learn more about the trial visit www.thenarwhal.ca/press-freedom
To learn more about the trial visit www.thenarwhal.ca/press-freedom
January 29, 2026 at 3:14 PM
Carol Linnitt, co-founder and editor-in-chief, provides an update on The Narwhal’s court case against the RCMP. Amber Bracken finished cross-examination late Jan. 28. It took more than 12 hours.
To learn more about the trial visit www.thenarwhal.ca/press-freedom
To learn more about the trial visit www.thenarwhal.ca/press-freedom
Reposted by Erik Hoffner
After @mongabay.com reported on how USAID funding freeze would kill Ghana's first-ever marine protected area #MPA -- conservation donors read the article & stepped in 🐠 🐬
“I know of three instances of funding that have resulted..."
Nonprofit #journalism has impact 💪 the recipients say:
“I know of three instances of funding that have resulted..."
Nonprofit #journalism has impact 💪 the recipients say:
Reporting on Ghana’s marine conservation funding crisis mobilized donor response - Environmental Journalism and Education
In March 2025, Mongabay published a feature about how the sudden freeze of U.S. foreign aid jeopardized the establishment of Ghana’s first-ever marine protected area (MPA), a project aimed at restorin...
mongabay.org
January 29, 2026 at 5:58 PM
After @mongabay.com reported on how USAID funding freeze would kill Ghana's first-ever marine protected area #MPA -- conservation donors read the article & stepped in 🐠 🐬
“I know of three instances of funding that have resulted..."
Nonprofit #journalism has impact 💪 the recipients say:
“I know of three instances of funding that have resulted..."
Nonprofit #journalism has impact 💪 the recipients say:
After @mongabay.com reported on how USAID funding freeze would kill Ghana's first-ever marine protected area #MPA -- conservation donors read the article & stepped in 🐠 🐬
“I know of three instances of funding that have resulted..."
Nonprofit #journalism has impact 💪 the recipients say:
“I know of three instances of funding that have resulted..."
Nonprofit #journalism has impact 💪 the recipients say:
Reporting on Ghana’s marine conservation funding crisis mobilized donor response - Environmental Journalism and Education
In March 2025, Mongabay published a feature about how the sudden freeze of U.S. foreign aid jeopardized the establishment of Ghana’s first-ever marine protected area (MPA), a project aimed at restorin...
mongabay.org
January 29, 2026 at 5:58 PM
After @mongabay.com reported on how USAID funding freeze would kill Ghana's first-ever marine protected area #MPA -- conservation donors read the article & stepped in 🐠 🐬
“I know of three instances of funding that have resulted..."
Nonprofit #journalism has impact 💪 the recipients say:
“I know of three instances of funding that have resulted..."
Nonprofit #journalism has impact 💪 the recipients say:
Reposted by Erik Hoffner
he government of the Brazilian state of Rio de Janeiro has banned shark meat for meals in most of the schools it manages, citing health and environmental concerns. My latest @mongabay.com @pulitzercenter.org
news.mongabay.com/2026/01/rio-...
news.mongabay.com/2026/01/rio-...
Rio de Janeiro state bans shark meat for school meals
RIO DE JANEIRO — The government of the Brazilian state of Rio de Janeiro has banned shark meat for meals in most of the schools it manages, citing health and environmental concerns. The move puts the ...
news.mongabay.com
January 27, 2026 at 5:45 PM
he government of the Brazilian state of Rio de Janeiro has banned shark meat for meals in most of the schools it manages, citing health and environmental concerns. My latest @mongabay.com @pulitzercenter.org
news.mongabay.com/2026/01/rio-...
news.mongabay.com/2026/01/rio-...
Europe lost nearly 2,500 km of pristine Balkan rivers since 2012 to small scale hydro dams
But activists prevented dams slated to drown 900 km more
Top dammer is Albania, despite its high profile 2024 cancellation of the Vjosa River project
New analysis: storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/0006...
But activists prevented dams slated to drown 900 km more
Top dammer is Albania, despite its high profile 2024 cancellation of the Vjosa River project
New analysis: storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/0006...
January 29, 2026 at 3:00 PM
Europe lost nearly 2,500 km of pristine Balkan rivers since 2012 to small scale hydro dams
But activists prevented dams slated to drown 900 km more
Top dammer is Albania, despite its high profile 2024 cancellation of the Vjosa River project
New analysis: storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/0006...
But activists prevented dams slated to drown 900 km more
Top dammer is Albania, despite its high profile 2024 cancellation of the Vjosa River project
New analysis: storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/0006...
Reposted by Erik Hoffner
This is a good read:
“My standing piece of advice for those who live in North America who pine to see the best-practice streets of places in Europe or want to educate colleagues/friends what’s possible: just go to Montreal. It’s much closer. They really have it all.”
Via @streetfilms.bsky.social
“My standing piece of advice for those who live in North America who pine to see the best-practice streets of places in Europe or want to educate colleagues/friends what’s possible: just go to Montreal. It’s much closer. They really have it all.”
Via @streetfilms.bsky.social
Montreal Makes People Feel Welcome With Safe Streets, Happy Places & Green Spaces — Streetfilms
My standing piece of advice for those who live in North America who pine to see the best-practice streets of dozens of places in Europe or want to educate colleague/friends what’s possible: just go to...
www.streetfilms.org
January 27, 2026 at 7:34 PM
This is a good read:
“My standing piece of advice for those who live in North America who pine to see the best-practice streets of places in Europe or want to educate colleagues/friends what’s possible: just go to Montreal. It’s much closer. They really have it all.”
Via @streetfilms.bsky.social
“My standing piece of advice for those who live in North America who pine to see the best-practice streets of places in Europe or want to educate colleagues/friends what’s possible: just go to Montreal. It’s much closer. They really have it all.”
Via @streetfilms.bsky.social
Reposted by Erik Hoffner
Two major fires swept Argentina’s Chubut province in early January, threatening Los Alerces National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
At least 21,000 hectares have burned, putting ancient alerce trees at risk as critics warn budget cuts and staff shortages hinder fire prevention and response.
At least 21,000 hectares have burned, putting ancient alerce trees at risk as critics warn budget cuts and staff shortages hinder fire prevention and response.
Patagonia fires reignite debate over Argentina’s underfunded environmental agencies
Fires have surged through the forests of Argentina’s Patagonia region since the start of the year, with officials still working to contain damage to some of the world’s oldest ecosystems. The two...
news.mongabay.com
January 27, 2026 at 11:53 AM
Two major fires swept Argentina’s Chubut province in early January, threatening Los Alerces National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
At least 21,000 hectares have burned, putting ancient alerce trees at risk as critics warn budget cuts and staff shortages hinder fire prevention and response.
At least 21,000 hectares have burned, putting ancient alerce trees at risk as critics warn budget cuts and staff shortages hinder fire prevention and response.
Much better idea than seeing your tax $$ go to negative programs, weapons etc
Belgium has an official "Tax Shelter" which companies can use to support the cultural sector
--> filmmakers, performers & others get €€€ while corporations reduce their tax liability: info.hub.brussels/en/guide/cul...
Belgium has an official "Tax Shelter" which companies can use to support the cultural sector
--> filmmakers, performers & others get €€€ while corporations reduce their tax liability: info.hub.brussels/en/guide/cul...
a man in a black shirt is standing in front of a large camera
Alt: a man in a black shirt is standing in front of a large camera
media.tenor.com
January 27, 2026 at 1:21 PM
Much better idea than seeing your tax $$ go to negative programs, weapons etc
Belgium has an official "Tax Shelter" which companies can use to support the cultural sector
--> filmmakers, performers & others get €€€ while corporations reduce their tax liability: info.hub.brussels/en/guide/cul...
Belgium has an official "Tax Shelter" which companies can use to support the cultural sector
--> filmmakers, performers & others get €€€ while corporations reduce their tax liability: info.hub.brussels/en/guide/cul...