Jon Levy
@jonlevybu.bsky.social
Professor and Chair of Dept of Environmental Health at BU School of Public Health. Focus on indoor and outdoor air, climate change, housing, and environmental justice. Occasional parental musings and the odd dad joke. Once called “Very human, relatable”.
Reposted by Jon Levy
New preprint up assessing the air quality and health benefits that could have been possible under the Inflation Reduction Act.
Huge effort here with Erin Mayfield, Jamil Farbes, @jessedjenkins.com, Ryan Jones, Tracey Holloway, and @jonathanpatz.bsky.social.
Huge effort here with Erin Mayfield, Jamil Farbes, @jessedjenkins.com, Ryan Jones, Tracey Holloway, and @jonathanpatz.bsky.social.
Air quality and health effects of U.S. energy transitions
Transitioning the U.S. energy system has the potential to improve public health by reducing ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure. We develop an integrated modeling framework, coupling ener...
zenodo.org
December 22, 2025 at 9:32 PM
New preprint up assessing the air quality and health benefits that could have been possible under the Inflation Reduction Act.
Huge effort here with Erin Mayfield, Jamil Farbes, @jessedjenkins.com, Ryan Jones, Tracey Holloway, and @jonathanpatz.bsky.social.
Huge effort here with Erin Mayfield, Jamil Farbes, @jessedjenkins.com, Ryan Jones, Tracey Holloway, and @jonathanpatz.bsky.social.
Reposted by Jon Levy
Sweeping science cuts in 2025 halted clinical trials, erased public health data and forced researchers into impossible choices.
“This year nearly broke me as a scientist,” one writes.
Six researchers share their stories: buff.ly/u2MHIQo 🧪
“This year nearly broke me as a scientist,” one writes.
Six researchers share their stories: buff.ly/u2MHIQo 🧪
‘This year nearly broke me as a scientist’ – US researchers reflect on how 2025’s science cuts have changed their lives
US science lost a great deal in 2025, including tens of billions of dollars of federal funding, entire research agencies and programs, and a generation of researchers.
buff.ly
December 23, 2025 at 7:48 PM
Sweeping science cuts in 2025 halted clinical trials, erased public health data and forced researchers into impossible choices.
“This year nearly broke me as a scientist,” one writes.
Six researchers share their stories: buff.ly/u2MHIQo 🧪
“This year nearly broke me as a scientist,” one writes.
Six researchers share their stories: buff.ly/u2MHIQo 🧪
Reposted by Jon Levy
It brings me no pleasure to report that my beat — offshore wind power — skyrocketed to the top of new sites today.
I just published a scoop about Trump's halt on 5 in-progress wind farms capable of powering 2.7 million homes.
Here's a mega🧵
🔗 2nd post is a link to my scoop
🎁 last post is a gift
I just published a scoop about Trump's halt on 5 in-progress wind farms capable of powering 2.7 million homes.
Here's a mega🧵
🔗 2nd post is a link to my scoop
🎁 last post is a gift
December 23, 2025 at 6:07 AM
It brings me no pleasure to report that my beat — offshore wind power — skyrocketed to the top of new sites today.
I just published a scoop about Trump's halt on 5 in-progress wind farms capable of powering 2.7 million homes.
Here's a mega🧵
🔗 2nd post is a link to my scoop
🎁 last post is a gift
I just published a scoop about Trump's halt on 5 in-progress wind farms capable of powering 2.7 million homes.
Here's a mega🧵
🔗 2nd post is a link to my scoop
🎁 last post is a gift
Thank goodness there are no national security issues or geopolitical challenges related to oil or gas…
Burgum: "Today we're sending notifications to the 5 large offshore wind projects that are under construction that their leases will be suspended due to national security concerns ... the Dept of War has come back conclusively that these large offshore wind programs create radar interference"
December 22, 2025 at 5:21 PM
Thank goodness there are no national security issues or geopolitical challenges related to oil or gas…
This is madness. Freezing offshore wind projects in progress will waste money, cost jobs, make electricity less reliable and more expensive, and will cause health harms given that fossil fuels will be used instead.
www.politico.com/news/2025/12...
www.politico.com/news/2025/12...
Interior pauses construction of all offshore wind projects, citing national security concerns
The halts of five projects is a major ramp up of the administration's hostility toward the industry in the United States.
www.politico.com
December 22, 2025 at 3:19 PM
This is madness. Freezing offshore wind projects in progress will waste money, cost jobs, make electricity less reliable and more expensive, and will cause health harms given that fossil fuels will be used instead.
www.politico.com/news/2025/12...
www.politico.com/news/2025/12...
Reposted by Jon Levy
Unbelievable. This would be a terrible blow to American science, writ large. It would decimate not only climate research, but also the kind of weather, wildfire, and disaster research that has underpinned half a century of progress in prediction, early warning, and increased resilience.
Exclusive: The Trump administration is moving to dismantle the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Colorado, according to a senior White House official, taking aim at one of the world's leading climate research labs.
Trump moves to dismantle major US climate research center in Colorado
The Trump administration is breaking up the National Center for Atmospheric Research, taking aim at one of the world's leading climate research labs.
bit.ly
December 17, 2025 at 2:49 AM
Unbelievable. This would be a terrible blow to American science, writ large. It would decimate not only climate research, but also the kind of weather, wildfire, and disaster research that has underpinned half a century of progress in prediction, early warning, and increased resilience.
Reposted by Jon Levy
Are you one of the 38% of U.S. households with a gas or propane stove? If so, spend the $50 needed to get an induction stove! New study: "if you use a gas stove, you’re often breathing as much nitrogen dioxide pollution indoors from your stove as you are from all outdoor sources combined.”
Switching to electric stoves can dramatically cut indoor air pollution
A new study links gas and propane stove emissions to asthma and other health risks. Transitioning to electric could reduce exposure by over 50%.
news.stanford.edu
December 5, 2025 at 4:12 PM
Are you one of the 38% of U.S. households with a gas or propane stove? If so, spend the $50 needed to get an induction stove! New study: "if you use a gas stove, you’re often breathing as much nitrogen dioxide pollution indoors from your stove as you are from all outdoor sources combined.”
Reposted by Jon Levy
"A Stanford-led study finds switching from a gas to electric stove would cut nitrogen dioxide exposure across the U.S. by over one half, reducing the risk of asthma."
#Induction #Electrify #GasStoves #Asthma #IndoorAir #PublicHealth
woods.stanford.edu/news/air-ins...
#Induction #Electrify #GasStoves #Asthma #IndoorAir #PublicHealth
woods.stanford.edu/news/air-ins...
Is the air inside your home more dangerous than the air outside it?
Gas and propane stoves emit substantial amounts of nitrogen dioxide, a pollutant linked to higher risks of asthma, heart and lung disease, and other conditions. A Stanford-led study finds switching fr...
woods.stanford.edu
December 2, 2025 at 6:41 PM
"A Stanford-led study finds switching from a gas to electric stove would cut nitrogen dioxide exposure across the U.S. by over one half, reducing the risk of asthma."
#Induction #Electrify #GasStoves #Asthma #IndoorAir #PublicHealth
woods.stanford.edu/news/air-ins...
#Induction #Electrify #GasStoves #Asthma #IndoorAir #PublicHealth
woods.stanford.edu/news/air-ins...
Reposted by Jon Levy
While the administration has said it is cutting “woke programs” that “poison the minds of Americans", it actually funded fewer grants in every area of science and medicine.
“They brought everything to a stop,” said Sarah Kobrin, a branch chief at the N.I.H.’s National Cancer Institute
“They brought everything to a stop,” said Sarah Kobrin, a branch chief at the N.I.H.’s National Cancer Institute
The U.S. Is Funding Fewer Grants in Every Area of Science and Medicine (Gift Article)
A quiet policy change means the government is making fewer bets on long-term science.
www.nytimes.com
December 2, 2025 at 2:31 PM
While the administration has said it is cutting “woke programs” that “poison the minds of Americans", it actually funded fewer grants in every area of science and medicine.
“They brought everything to a stop,” said Sarah Kobrin, a branch chief at the N.I.H.’s National Cancer Institute
“They brought everything to a stop,” said Sarah Kobrin, a branch chief at the N.I.H.’s National Cancer Institute
With this proposal, the Dept of Ed excludes social work, nursing, public health, and other fields as “professions” meriting better loan access. This is because these fields pay less. Clear disdain for people dedicated to helping others even if they make less. Maybe better pay is a better solution?
New: What Is A “Professional Degree” And Why Does It Matter? via @forbes www.forbes.com/sites/judyst... #Nursing #PT #OT #PublicHealth #MentalHealth #SocialWork w thanks to @gregggonsalves.bsky.social @michelemanos.bsky.social and Russ Francis @defendpublichealth.bsky.social for comments.
What Is A “Professional Degree” And Why Does It Matter?
Under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the Dept of Education proposes redefining "professional degrees" to exclude degrees in nursing, NP/PA, Public Health, PT/OT and more
www.forbes.com
November 30, 2025 at 1:28 AM
With this proposal, the Dept of Ed excludes social work, nursing, public health, and other fields as “professions” meriting better loan access. This is because these fields pay less. Clear disdain for people dedicated to helping others even if they make less. Maybe better pay is a better solution?
Today is Health Day at #COP30. Unfortunately for many communities every day is health day given a warming climate. But smart climate policies can improve health in the short run while mitigating climate change in the long run. Some thoughts and ideas ⬇️
theconversation.com/want-to-make...
theconversation.com/want-to-make...
Want to make America healthy again? Stop fueling climate change
From extreme heat to mosquito-borne illnesses, climate change is making people sicker and more vulnerable to disease. Health scientists explain what individuals and governments can do about it.
theconversation.com
November 13, 2025 at 11:07 PM
Today is Health Day at #COP30. Unfortunately for many communities every day is health day given a warming climate. But smart climate policies can improve health in the short run while mitigating climate change in the long run. Some thoughts and ideas ⬇️
theconversation.com/want-to-make...
theconversation.com/want-to-make...
Reposted by Jon Levy
5 ways to make America healthy again: clean energy; healthy food & farms; clean & active transportation; healthy buildings; & green communities. To learn more, follow these smart docs:
@jonlevybu.bsky.social
@jonathanpatz.bsky.social @howardfrumkin.bsky.social
@docsforclimate.bsky.social
@jonlevybu.bsky.social
@jonathanpatz.bsky.social @howardfrumkin.bsky.social
@docsforclimate.bsky.social
Want to make America healthy again? Stop fueling climate change
From extreme heat to mosquito-borne illnesses, climate change is making people sicker and more vulnerable to disease. Health scientists explain what individuals and governments can do about it.
theconversation.com
November 13, 2025 at 1:01 PM
5 ways to make America healthy again: clean energy; healthy food & farms; clean & active transportation; healthy buildings; & green communities. To learn more, follow these smart docs:
@jonlevybu.bsky.social
@jonathanpatz.bsky.social @howardfrumkin.bsky.social
@docsforclimate.bsky.social
@jonlevybu.bsky.social
@jonathanpatz.bsky.social @howardfrumkin.bsky.social
@docsforclimate.bsky.social
Reposted by Jon Levy
The Trump administration wants to rescind a 2009 finding that climate change endangers public health.
Physicians and epidemiologists argue the move ignores mounting evidence linking climate change to heat deaths, epidemics, air pollution and mental health crises.
Physicians and epidemiologists argue the move ignores mounting evidence linking climate change to heat deaths, epidemics, air pollution and mental health crises.
Want to make America healthy again? Stop fueling climate change
From extreme heat to mosquito-borne illnesses, climate change is making people sicker and more vulnerable to disease. Health scientists explain what individuals and governments can do about it.
buff.ly
November 13, 2025 at 3:30 AM
The Trump administration wants to rescind a 2009 finding that climate change endangers public health.
Physicians and epidemiologists argue the move ignores mounting evidence linking climate change to heat deaths, epidemics, air pollution and mental health crises.
Physicians and epidemiologists argue the move ignores mounting evidence linking climate change to heat deaths, epidemics, air pollution and mental health crises.
Reposted by Jon Levy
During #COP30 it is important to remember that climate policy is health policy, and that climate action is needed to improve health. Some background information in a new commentary by me, @jonathanpatz.bsky.social, @howardfrumkin.bsky.social, and Vijay Limaye.
theconversation.com/want-to-make...
theconversation.com/want-to-make...
Want to make America healthy again? Stop fueling climate change
From extreme heat to mosquito-borne illnesses, climate change is making people sicker and more vulnerable to disease. Health scientists explain what individuals and governments can do about it.
theconversation.com
November 12, 2025 at 1:59 PM
During #COP30 it is important to remember that climate policy is health policy, and that climate action is needed to improve health. Some background information in a new commentary by me, @jonathanpatz.bsky.social, @howardfrumkin.bsky.social, and Vijay Limaye.
theconversation.com/want-to-make...
theconversation.com/want-to-make...
During #COP30 it is important to remember that climate policy is health policy, and that climate action is needed to improve health. Some background information in a new commentary by me, @jonathanpatz.bsky.social, @howardfrumkin.bsky.social, and Vijay Limaye.
theconversation.com/want-to-make...
theconversation.com/want-to-make...
Want to make America healthy again? Stop fueling climate change
From extreme heat to mosquito-borne illnesses, climate change is making people sicker and more vulnerable to disease. Health scientists explain what individuals and governments can do about it.
theconversation.com
November 12, 2025 at 1:59 PM
During #COP30 it is important to remember that climate policy is health policy, and that climate action is needed to improve health. Some background information in a new commentary by me, @jonathanpatz.bsky.social, @howardfrumkin.bsky.social, and Vijay Limaye.
theconversation.com/want-to-make...
theconversation.com/want-to-make...
So proud of Selene Vences, PhD student in the Department of Environmental Health at @busph.bsky.social! She is an amazing researcher and a passionate public health advocate who will go far…
www.bu.edu/sph/news/art...
www.bu.edu/sph/news/art...
PhD Student Named RWJF Health Policy Research Scholar
Selene Vences, a PhD student in environmental health, has been selected to the ninth cohort of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Health Policy Research Scholars Program, a four-year leadership develo...
www.bu.edu
November 9, 2025 at 2:59 PM
So proud of Selene Vences, PhD student in the Department of Environmental Health at @busph.bsky.social! She is an amazing researcher and a passionate public health advocate who will go far…
www.bu.edu/sph/news/art...
www.bu.edu/sph/news/art...
This line says it all - “At 99 percent of U.S. coal plants—209 out of 210—it would be cheaper to replace energy with new wind and solar than to keep them operating, a 2023 Energy Innovation analysis found.”
So this is a policy to raise electricity prices, while also harming health. Well played.
So this is a policy to raise electricity prices, while also harming health. Well played.
So.Very. Stupid.
Honestly, someone should start an awards program for the worst government policies of the year. This one would certainly be a strong contender in the federal policy category.
Honestly, someone should start an awards program for the worst government policies of the year. This one would certainly be a strong contender in the federal policy category.
‘Burning Money:’ Dept. of Energy Directs $100 Million to Modernize Declining Coal Plants - Inside Climate News
The funding represents Trump’s latest attempt at coal revitalization, but updating the nation’s aging facilities would cost billions, experts say.
insideclimatenews.org
November 4, 2025 at 2:22 AM
This line says it all - “At 99 percent of U.S. coal plants—209 out of 210—it would be cheaper to replace energy with new wind and solar than to keep them operating, a 2023 Energy Innovation analysis found.”
So this is a policy to raise electricity prices, while also harming health. Well played.
So this is a policy to raise electricity prices, while also harming health. Well played.
What a lede - “The Trump administration is making $100 million available for existing coal plants to help make them profitable”.
So we are subsidizing an industry with large externalities (climate, health, etc.) to help it compete with clean energy? Make it make sense…
So we are subsidizing an industry with large externalities (climate, health, etc.) to help it compete with clean energy? Make it make sense…
November 3, 2025 at 11:19 PM
What a lede - “The Trump administration is making $100 million available for existing coal plants to help make them profitable”.
So we are subsidizing an industry with large externalities (climate, health, etc.) to help it compete with clean energy? Make it make sense…
So we are subsidizing an industry with large externalities (climate, health, etc.) to help it compete with clean energy? Make it make sense…
This is like a mile from where I grew up, so it hits a little harder. Evanston is an amazing community where people will stand up for their neighbors. Don’t mess with E-town.
Video taken by Jay Shefsky at 12:20 p.m. after the crash happened, Oakton Street/Asbury Avenue in Evanston, IL
October 31, 2025 at 11:08 PM
This is like a mile from where I grew up, so it hits a little harder. Evanston is an amazing community where people will stand up for their neighbors. Don’t mess with E-town.
Let me save the CDC some time. Wind farms don’t harm health. On the other hand, fossil fuels do harm health.
Don’t suppose CDC will be looking at coal, oil, or natural gas as part of this “study”?
financialpost.com/pmn/business...
Don’t suppose CDC will be looking at coal, oil, or natural gas as part of this “study”?
financialpost.com/pmn/business...
RFK Jr. Orders CDC to Study Alleged Harms of Offshore Wind Farms
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. directed Centers for Disease Control and Prevention staff to probe the potential harms of offshore wind fa…
financialpost.com
October 29, 2025 at 1:30 AM
Let me save the CDC some time. Wind farms don’t harm health. On the other hand, fossil fuels do harm health.
Don’t suppose CDC will be looking at coal, oil, or natural gas as part of this “study”?
financialpost.com/pmn/business...
Don’t suppose CDC will be looking at coal, oil, or natural gas as part of this “study”?
financialpost.com/pmn/business...
Reposted by Jon Levy
The US Billion-Dollar Weather and Climate Disasters database, formerly maintained by NOAA, has a new home at @climatecentral.org, with the latest available data through June 2025. Explore the data:
Now at Climate Central: U.S. Billion-Dollar Weather and Climate Disasters | Climate Central
Climate Central is restarting this publicly accessible database that shines a light on the rising toll of weather and climate disasters.
buff.ly
October 26, 2025 at 4:11 PM
The US Billion-Dollar Weather and Climate Disasters database, formerly maintained by NOAA, has a new home at @climatecentral.org, with the latest available data through June 2025. Explore the data:
Pros of wind power: increased reliability, lower electricity costs, green jobs, less air pollution, less climate change, better health
Cons: Something about drone attacks? Views from golf courses?
Attacks on wind energy don’t make sense. Our thoughts:
www.bostonglobe.com/2025/10/08/m...
Cons: Something about drone attacks? Views from golf courses?
Attacks on wind energy don’t make sense. Our thoughts:
www.bostonglobe.com/2025/10/08/m...
Restarting Revolution Wind is good for our health as well as the climate - The Boston Globe
Investing in clean sources of electricity helps address climate change. It also leads to local and regional health benefits, write two Boston University professors of environmental health.
www.bostonglobe.com
October 10, 2025 at 11:21 PM
Pros of wind power: increased reliability, lower electricity costs, green jobs, less air pollution, less climate change, better health
Cons: Something about drone attacks? Views from golf courses?
Attacks on wind energy don’t make sense. Our thoughts:
www.bostonglobe.com/2025/10/08/m...
Cons: Something about drone attacks? Views from golf courses?
Attacks on wind energy don’t make sense. Our thoughts:
www.bostonglobe.com/2025/10/08/m...
The Trump administration wants to repeal the 2009 "Endangerment Finding", arguing that greenhouse gases don't actually harm health and well-being. A group of 100+ experts reviewed the literature and disagrees. We brought the receipts (400+ references). Full comment at zenodo.org/records/1728...
Expert Working Group on Climate Change and Health in the United States Comment on EPA's Proposed Reconsideration of 2009 Endangerment Finding
zenodo.org
October 7, 2025 at 1:27 PM
The Trump administration wants to repeal the 2009 "Endangerment Finding", arguing that greenhouse gases don't actually harm health and well-being. A group of 100+ experts reviewed the literature and disagrees. We brought the receipts (400+ references). Full comment at zenodo.org/records/1728...
Reposted by Jon Levy
Proud to be part of the Expert Working Group on Climate Change and Health that just put together a report summarizing the evidence of health harms of climate change to date. Report is here: zenodo.org/records/1728... 🛟 #climatesky
Expert Working Group on Climate Change and Health in the United States Comment on EPA's Proposed Reconsideration of 2009 Endangerment Finding
zenodo.org
October 7, 2025 at 1:41 AM
Proud to be part of the Expert Working Group on Climate Change and Health that just put together a report summarizing the evidence of health harms of climate change to date. Report is here: zenodo.org/records/1728... 🛟 #climatesky
Reposted by Jon Levy
Earlier this year, Dr. Jane Goodall sat down for an interview for Brad Falchuk’s new Netflix series, Famous Last Words.
The premise of the series is to interview people on the condition that the interview not air until the subject has passed away.
The premise of the series is to interview people on the condition that the interview not air until the subject has passed away.
October 5, 2025 at 9:23 PM
Earlier this year, Dr. Jane Goodall sat down for an interview for Brad Falchuk’s new Netflix series, Famous Last Words.
The premise of the series is to interview people on the condition that the interview not air until the subject has passed away.
The premise of the series is to interview people on the condition that the interview not air until the subject has passed away.