Duncan Mackay
@nothomyrmecia.bsky.social
Ecologist interested in insect-plant interactions (especially myrmecochory and pollination) and their conservation.
A good pessimist is never disappointed.
A good pessimist is never disappointed.
Reposted by Duncan Mackay
Tax breaks for huge, American-style utes cost the Australian government $250 million in 2023.
But it gets worse.
Emissions from passenger cars have fallen since 2005, but that drop was wiped out by the increased use of big utes. #auspol
But it gets worse.
Emissions from passenger cars have fallen since 2005, but that drop was wiped out by the increased use of big utes. #auspol
August 25, 2025 at 6:05 AM
Tax breaks for huge, American-style utes cost the Australian government $250 million in 2023.
But it gets worse.
Emissions from passenger cars have fallen since 2005, but that drop was wiped out by the increased use of big utes. #auspol
But it gets worse.
Emissions from passenger cars have fallen since 2005, but that drop was wiped out by the increased use of big utes. #auspol
Reposted by Duncan Mackay
Despite the growing costs of climate change, the Government’s refusal to release the National Climate Risk Assessment is keeping the Australian public in the dark.
The report should be released - Australians deserve to know the facts.
#auspol
The report should be released - Australians deserve to know the facts.
#auspol
August 15, 2025 at 6:53 AM
Despite the growing costs of climate change, the Government’s refusal to release the National Climate Risk Assessment is keeping the Australian public in the dark.
The report should be released - Australians deserve to know the facts.
#auspol
The report should be released - Australians deserve to know the facts.
#auspol
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/a...
Dealing with the long-term consequences of our actions seems baffling to us. Climate change, plastic pollution and nuclear waste are prime examples. Perhaps we should give a lot more thought to our own limitations and adopt a much more precautionary approach.
Dealing with the long-term consequences of our actions seems baffling to us. Climate change, plastic pollution and nuclear waste are prime examples. Perhaps we should give a lot more thought to our own limitations and adopt a much more precautionary approach.
The lethal legacy of Aukus nuclear submarines will remain for millennia – and there’s no plan to deal with it
Australia’s future nuclear submarines will produce highly radioactive waste, and allies in the UK and the US still don’t have a safe place to store their own
www.theguardian.com
August 9, 2025 at 11:57 PM
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/a...
Dealing with the long-term consequences of our actions seems baffling to us. Climate change, plastic pollution and nuclear waste are prime examples. Perhaps we should give a lot more thought to our own limitations and adopt a much more precautionary approach.
Dealing with the long-term consequences of our actions seems baffling to us. Climate change, plastic pollution and nuclear waste are prime examples. Perhaps we should give a lot more thought to our own limitations and adopt a much more precautionary approach.
Despite my credo that a good pessimist is never disappointed, I'm finding it difficult not to feel rather gloomy about the trends in insect biodiversity discussed in this article:-
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
#insects #biodiversity #ecology #conservation #insect_declines #climate
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
#insects #biodiversity #ecology #conservation #insect_declines #climate
‘Half the tree of life’: ecologists’ horror as nature reserves are emptied of insects
A new point in history has been reached, entomologists say, as climate-led species’ collapse moves up the food chain even in supposedly protected regions free of pesticides
www.theguardian.com
June 3, 2025 at 3:15 PM
Despite my credo that a good pessimist is never disappointed, I'm finding it difficult not to feel rather gloomy about the trends in insect biodiversity discussed in this article:-
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
#insects #biodiversity #ecology #conservation #insect_declines #climate
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
#insects #biodiversity #ecology #conservation #insect_declines #climate
Reposted by Duncan Mackay
It's a modest budget bringing modest benefit for a very modest goal: keeping Labor in govt. But what opportunities again lost because Labor is too cowardly to tax the gas cartel properly. We get scraps from our own table. We'd have much more if we fixed the revenue base. #auspol
March 25, 2025 at 8:15 PM
It's a modest budget bringing modest benefit for a very modest goal: keeping Labor in govt. But what opportunities again lost because Labor is too cowardly to tax the gas cartel properly. We get scraps from our own table. We'd have much more if we fixed the revenue base. #auspol
Reposted by Duncan Mackay
Dutton targeting public servants is a false economy & it’s Australians who will pay the price - from veterans to communities dealing with increasing natural disasters.
A good recap of what happened last time these frontline services were cut👇
@SatPaper
www.thesaturdaypaper.com.au/news/environ...
A good recap of what happened last time these frontline services were cut👇
@SatPaper
www.thesaturdaypaper.com.au/news/environ...
March 14, 2025 at 11:31 PM
Dutton targeting public servants is a false economy & it’s Australians who will pay the price - from veterans to communities dealing with increasing natural disasters.
A good recap of what happened last time these frontline services were cut👇
@SatPaper
www.thesaturdaypaper.com.au/news/environ...
A good recap of what happened last time these frontline services were cut👇
@SatPaper
www.thesaturdaypaper.com.au/news/environ...
Reposted by Duncan Mackay
Gas company tax is paying for the wages of nurses?
Yeah. Nah.
Over the past decade, nurses paid more tax than oil & gas companies
Gas companies are taking the piss.
#OffTheCharts @mattgrudnoff.bsky.social @markogge.bsky.social
australiainstitute.org.au/post/nurses-...
Yeah. Nah.
Over the past decade, nurses paid more tax than oil & gas companies
Gas companies are taking the piss.
#OffTheCharts @mattgrudnoff.bsky.social @markogge.bsky.social
australiainstitute.org.au/post/nurses-...
March 7, 2025 at 1:28 AM
Gas company tax is paying for the wages of nurses?
Yeah. Nah.
Over the past decade, nurses paid more tax than oil & gas companies
Gas companies are taking the piss.
#OffTheCharts @mattgrudnoff.bsky.social @markogge.bsky.social
australiainstitute.org.au/post/nurses-...
Yeah. Nah.
Over the past decade, nurses paid more tax than oil & gas companies
Gas companies are taking the piss.
#OffTheCharts @mattgrudnoff.bsky.social @markogge.bsky.social
australiainstitute.org.au/post/nurses-...
Reposted by Duncan Mackay
In 2010, 🇦🇺 spending on R&D was around the OECD average.
Now it's closer to half that.
We are facing huge challenges and we need real investment to meet them. Hopefully this review will help drive that, from govt & industry.
www.abc.net.au/news/2025-02...
Now it's closer to half that.
We are facing huge challenges and we need real investment to meet them. Hopefully this review will help drive that, from govt & industry.
www.abc.net.au/news/2025-02...
Husic points at big business over 'plummeting' research investment
A panel led by Tesla chair Robyn Denholm warns the nation has slipped on research and development, threatening Australia's economic future, as the industry minister says big business must take some sh...
www.abc.net.au
February 11, 2025 at 11:32 PM
In 2010, 🇦🇺 spending on R&D was around the OECD average.
Now it's closer to half that.
We are facing huge challenges and we need real investment to meet them. Hopefully this review will help drive that, from govt & industry.
www.abc.net.au/news/2025-02...
Now it's closer to half that.
We are facing huge challenges and we need real investment to meet them. Hopefully this review will help drive that, from govt & industry.
www.abc.net.au/news/2025-02...
Reposted by Duncan Mackay
Instead of committing to the future of Whyalla’s steelworks, yesterday @albomp.bsky.social transferred $800M to the US to pay for US shipyard investment and jobs. In response, today Trump has announced steel tariffs. Insult and injury for our steel industry! #auspol
Donald Trump to announce new tariffs on steel and aluminium
US President Donald Trump says he will announce new 25 per cent tariffs on all steel and aluminium imports into the US.
www.abc.net.au
February 9, 2025 at 11:30 PM
Instead of committing to the future of Whyalla’s steelworks, yesterday @albomp.bsky.social transferred $800M to the US to pay for US shipyard investment and jobs. In response, today Trump has announced steel tariffs. Insult and injury for our steel industry! #auspol
Reposted by Duncan Mackay
I usually reserve this account for my personal views; but today I want to represent my position as President of @asn-amnat.bsky.social to post a message that will shortly go out to the membership of the American Society of Naturalists from the ASN Executive Council
February 6, 2025 at 4:28 PM
I usually reserve this account for my personal views; but today I want to represent my position as President of @asn-amnat.bsky.social to post a message that will shortly go out to the membership of the American Society of Naturalists from the ASN Executive Council
Reposted by Duncan Mackay
Labor’s scams legislation needs to be amended if it’s going to protect 🇦🇺ns who have been scammed.
Experts and consumer groups recommend a reimbursement model like 🇬🇧 but the Govt seems to have caved to pressure from the banks.
So important we get this right.
www.news.com.au/national/pol...
Experts and consumer groups recommend a reimbursement model like 🇬🇧 but the Govt seems to have caved to pressure from the banks.
So important we get this right.
www.news.com.au/national/pol...
February 3, 2025 at 11:44 PM
Labor’s scams legislation needs to be amended if it’s going to protect 🇦🇺ns who have been scammed.
Experts and consumer groups recommend a reimbursement model like 🇬🇧 but the Govt seems to have caved to pressure from the banks.
So important we get this right.
www.news.com.au/national/pol...
Experts and consumer groups recommend a reimbursement model like 🇬🇧 but the Govt seems to have caved to pressure from the banks.
So important we get this right.
www.news.com.au/national/pol...
Reposted by Duncan Mackay
We are destroying Nature - the very thing that sustains us. If we truly love this place we should look after it, pass laws to protect it and make decisions like we’re here for a long time.
It seems neither major party is capable of that.
It seems neither major party is capable of that.
Australian nature: if our laws don’t radically change, environmental degradation will continue | Adam Morton
This country has a long history of taking its unique wildlife and landscapes for granted – but what has happened in this term of parliament is remarkable
www.theguardian.com
February 3, 2025 at 10:02 PM
We are destroying Nature - the very thing that sustains us. If we truly love this place we should look after it, pass laws to protect it and make decisions like we’re here for a long time.
It seems neither major party is capable of that.
It seems neither major party is capable of that.
Reposted by Duncan Mackay
CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) has provided real-time data and analysis about disease outbreaks and emerging health threats without a break every week since 1960.
Until today.
Until today.
January 23, 2025 at 6:38 PM
CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) has provided real-time data and analysis about disease outbreaks and emerging health threats without a break every week since 1960.
Until today.
Until today.
Reposted by Duncan Mackay
Arthropod Photo of the Week: January 22, 2025
Ant-mimicking treehopper
Cyphonia clavate
Hemiptera: Membracidae
By Tom Myers, Kentucky, USA
#arthropodPOTW
Ant-mimicking treehopper
Cyphonia clavate
Hemiptera: Membracidae
By Tom Myers, Kentucky, USA
#arthropodPOTW
January 22, 2025 at 8:05 PM
Arthropod Photo of the Week: January 22, 2025
Ant-mimicking treehopper
Cyphonia clavate
Hemiptera: Membracidae
By Tom Myers, Kentucky, USA
#arthropodPOTW
Ant-mimicking treehopper
Cyphonia clavate
Hemiptera: Membracidae
By Tom Myers, Kentucky, USA
#arthropodPOTW
Reposted by Duncan Mackay
EX MACHINA was released 11 years ago this week. Acclaimed as one of the best science fiction movies this century and, in exploring A.I. now more relevant than ever, the making of story is as big as the Norwegian mountains it was shot among…
1/39
1/39
January 20, 2025 at 11:05 AM
EX MACHINA was released 11 years ago this week. Acclaimed as one of the best science fiction movies this century and, in exploring A.I. now more relevant than ever, the making of story is as big as the Norwegian mountains it was shot among…
1/39
1/39
Reposted by Duncan Mackay
Not only do we basically give our gas away for free, we don’t even keep enough for our own use 🤯
It’s just inconceivable that 🇦🇺 as one of the biggest LNG exporters will now start importing.
The major parties have failed us.
www.afr.com/companies/en...
It’s just inconceivable that 🇦🇺 as one of the biggest LNG exporters will now start importing.
The major parties have failed us.
www.afr.com/companies/en...
Time’s up? LNG imports destined for Australia next year
After years of warnings, importing gas looks to be the only way left to head off an energy shortfall in Victoria, a move likened to “importing sand to the Sahara”.
www.afr.com
January 19, 2025 at 8:55 PM
Not only do we basically give our gas away for free, we don’t even keep enough for our own use 🤯
It’s just inconceivable that 🇦🇺 as one of the biggest LNG exporters will now start importing.
The major parties have failed us.
www.afr.com/companies/en...
It’s just inconceivable that 🇦🇺 as one of the biggest LNG exporters will now start importing.
The major parties have failed us.
www.afr.com/companies/en...
Reposted by Duncan Mackay
Pearls and Irritations has to continue to elevate the national agenda. Because we don't have another publisher who can do this job. And we have only a few months to make a change. Glen Davis #auspol #election2025
Lift society's sights to the bigger issues - Pearls and Irritations
I implore thinkers to lift society's sights to the bigger issues. Let's get the big questions in front of 2025 Federal election candidates.
johnmenadue.com
December 8, 2024 at 10:30 PM
Pearls and Irritations has to continue to elevate the national agenda. Because we don't have another publisher who can do this job. And we have only a few months to make a change. Glen Davis #auspol #election2025
Reposted by Duncan Mackay
METROPOLIS was released 98 years ago today. One of the most influential films ever made – and one of the world’s first feature-length science fiction movies – the story behind the scenes is as big as the city’s Tower of Babel…
1/34
1/34
January 10, 2025 at 10:40 AM
METROPOLIS was released 98 years ago today. One of the most influential films ever made – and one of the world’s first feature-length science fiction movies – the story behind the scenes is as big as the city’s Tower of Babel…
1/34
1/34
Reposted by Duncan Mackay
What a legacy of failure from successive Coalition/Labor governments. A manufactured crisis requiring us to import gas - when we’re one of the largest gas exporters. There’s no limit to the gas cartel’s manipulation of governments or the gouging of consumers. #auspol
‘Time is running out’: Victoria, NSW turn to gas imports as energy crisis nears
Governments are rushing to kickstart Australia’s first-ever gas imports, despite the nation being a top global exporter of the fossil fuel.
www.smh.com.au
December 26, 2024 at 9:36 PM
What a legacy of failure from successive Coalition/Labor governments. A manufactured crisis requiring us to import gas - when we’re one of the largest gas exporters. There’s no limit to the gas cartel’s manipulation of governments or the gouging of consumers. #auspol
Whenever a politician says "This is about ....", what I hear is "I think you're stupid, so suck up this spin.".
December 16, 2024 at 9:37 AM
Whenever a politician says "This is about ....", what I hear is "I think you're stupid, so suck up this spin.".
Reposted by Duncan Mackay
Students, nurses and teachers contribute more tax to Australia than the gas companies. If you think it’s time to address the loopholes in the Petroleum Resources Rent Tax (PRRT) sign the petition below.
✍️: nb.australiainstitute.org.au/increase_the...
✍️: nb.australiainstitute.org.au/increase_the...
December 3, 2024 at 12:34 AM
Students, nurses and teachers contribute more tax to Australia than the gas companies. If you think it’s time to address the loopholes in the Petroleum Resources Rent Tax (PRRT) sign the petition below.
✍️: nb.australiainstitute.org.au/increase_the...
✍️: nb.australiainstitute.org.au/increase_the...
Reposted by Duncan Mackay
100% can attest that these practices make a difference. We live in a huge concrete jungle, our neighbors have lifeless lawn & sadness, but we’ve built an oasis that buzzes from #FebruaryToFrost with thoughtful design, more #NativePlants, & following this advice. #gardening #ecosystem #pollinators 🌱
Hey pal, it looks like you’re about to *checks notes* wipe out all the pollinators who have been hard at work in your yard all summer!? Whoa. Let’s try another way.
Read on for pollinator-friendly tips for tidying up (or not), and meet some of the bugs you’ll be saving ⤵️
xerces.org/blog/put-dow...
Read on for pollinator-friendly tips for tidying up (or not), and meet some of the bugs you’ll be saving ⤵️
xerces.org/blog/put-dow...
Put Down Those Pruners: Pollinators Need Your ‘Garden Garbage!’
When you "tidy up" at the end of the season, you're destroying much-needed winter cover for bees, butterflies, birds, and tons of other wildlife.
xerces.org
November 14, 2024 at 10:32 PM
100% can attest that these practices make a difference. We live in a huge concrete jungle, our neighbors have lifeless lawn & sadness, but we’ve built an oasis that buzzes from #FebruaryToFrost with thoughtful design, more #NativePlants, & following this advice. #gardening #ecosystem #pollinators 🌱
November 10, 2024 at 1:27 AM