Peter MacLeod
@petermacleod.bsky.social
Principal, MASS LBP | Helping people shape the policies that shape their lives | Citizens’ Assemblies + Democratic Innovation | DEMOCRACY’S SECOND ACT coming Feb 2026
Pinned
Peter MacLeod
@petermacleod.bsky.social
· Nov 22
Maximum Democracy or Learning to Love the Public
Maximum Democracy or Learning to Love the Public The Sixth Annual John Meisel Lecture in Contemporary Political Controversies Department of Political Studies, Queen’s University Kingston, Canada N...
docs.google.com
Two days after the U.S. election, I gave the 6th Annual Meisel Lecture in Political Controversies at Queen’s, where I studied for my MA. The topic? The future of democracy. Bold choice.
I titled my talk “Maximum Democracy or learning to Love the Public”
More here: docs.google.com/document/d/1...
I titled my talk “Maximum Democracy or learning to Love the Public”
More here: docs.google.com/document/d/1...
Reposted by Peter MacLeod
“we need to be clear about what is happening here: women are being chased out of public life, by unconstrained hate groups, online trolls and far-right extremism. In one of the world’s strongest democracies, this is becoming the new normal.”
Important read
Important read
In Sweden, online hate and anti-immigrant extremism are driving women out of public life | Martin Gelin
In Sweden, online hate and anti-immigrant extremism are driving women out of public life | Martin Gelin
A leading liberal politician has quit in fear of her physical safety. It is a crushing setback for democracy in one of the world’s most open societies, says journalist Martin Gelin
www.theguardian.com
November 10, 2025 at 6:12 AM
“we need to be clear about what is happening here: women are being chased out of public life, by unconstrained hate groups, online trolls and far-right extremism. In one of the world’s strongest democracies, this is becoming the new normal.”
Important read
Important read
Reposted by Peter MacLeod
I’m a huge fan of @doctrott.bsky.social, a member of the 1% calling for higher taxes on the ultra rich & deploring the “accumulation of wealth and power as completely out of control.” And she is the real deal as a major philanthropist supporting social justice & climate action! 💪
Un café avec… Claire Trottier | L’ultrariche la plus atypique du Québec
Membre du 1 % des plus riches au Québec, Claire Trottier milite pour payer plus d’impôt parce qu’on assiste, déplore-t-elle, à une « accumulation de richesse et de pouvoir absolument hors contrôle ». ...
www.lapresse.ca
November 10, 2025 at 1:10 AM
I’m a huge fan of @doctrott.bsky.social, a member of the 1% calling for higher taxes on the ultra rich & deploring the “accumulation of wealth and power as completely out of control.” And she is the real deal as a major philanthropist supporting social justice & climate action! 💪
Reposted by Peter MacLeod
In an effort to win this contest, China is building hegemony by exporting not just its green products but also in a structural shift exporting its technology, engineering, supply chains, and financing.
phenomenalworld.org/analysis/bri...
www.ft.com/content/e517...
phenomenalworld.org/analysis/bri...
www.ft.com/content/e517...
China is building 74% of all current solar and wind projects, report says
Beijing is dominating construction of renewable energy sources, according to Global Energy Monitor
www.ft.com
July 9, 2025 at 1:33 PM
In an effort to win this contest, China is building hegemony by exporting not just its green products but also in a structural shift exporting its technology, engineering, supply chains, and financing.
phenomenalworld.org/analysis/bri...
www.ft.com/content/e517...
phenomenalworld.org/analysis/bri...
www.ft.com/content/e517...
Stats like this are always offered with a shrug but imagine if govs put as much energy into raising public knowledge as they do shaping public opinion.
Awareness of Budget 2025 was strong at 72%. But only 15% said they were very familiar with its contents. That gap between attention and understanding shapes much of the public reaction.
Full analysis here: abacusdata.ca/canadians-r...
Full analysis here: abacusdata.ca/canadians-r...
November 9, 2025 at 3:41 PM
Stats like this are always offered with a shrug but imagine if govs put as much energy into raising public knowledge as they do shaping public opinion.
Reposted by Peter MacLeod
A historic turning point for clean heating in Europe: For the first time, in the first half of 2025 sales of heat pumps in Germany have surpassed those of gas boilers.
This is a big milestone, demonstrating that the transition away from fossil fuels in our buildings is not just a future ambition.
This is a big milestone, demonstrating that the transition away from fossil fuels in our buildings is not just a future ambition.
November 9, 2025 at 2:36 PM
A historic turning point for clean heating in Europe: For the first time, in the first half of 2025 sales of heat pumps in Germany have surpassed those of gas boilers.
This is a big milestone, demonstrating that the transition away from fossil fuels in our buildings is not just a future ambition.
This is a big milestone, demonstrating that the transition away from fossil fuels in our buildings is not just a future ambition.
Reposted by Peter MacLeod
Live from Brazil: Episode 3 of #WomenLeadingOnClimate podcast, ahead of #COP30
🔹 Ana Toni: what COP30 must deliver
🔹 Paloma Costa: youth + solidarity with Amazon Indigenous communities
🔹 Ilona Szabo: stakes for the Global South
Listen + share: www.womenleadingonclimate.org/our-podcast
🔹 Ana Toni: what COP30 must deliver
🔹 Paloma Costa: youth + solidarity with Amazon Indigenous communities
🔹 Ilona Szabo: stakes for the Global South
Listen + share: www.womenleadingonclimate.org/our-podcast
November 6, 2025 at 9:25 PM
Live from Brazil: Episode 3 of #WomenLeadingOnClimate podcast, ahead of #COP30
🔹 Ana Toni: what COP30 must deliver
🔹 Paloma Costa: youth + solidarity with Amazon Indigenous communities
🔹 Ilona Szabo: stakes for the Global South
Listen + share: www.womenleadingonclimate.org/our-podcast
🔹 Ana Toni: what COP30 must deliver
🔹 Paloma Costa: youth + solidarity with Amazon Indigenous communities
🔹 Ilona Szabo: stakes for the Global South
Listen + share: www.womenleadingonclimate.org/our-podcast
Reposted by Peter MacLeod
Four (!) three-year postdoc positions available at @au.dk: international.au.dk/about/profil...
Join an incredible team & help understand the psychological & political implications of the clash between high-speed society & slow-speed democracy.
Please share! @tboeggild.bsky.social can help with Qs
Join an incredible team & help understand the psychological & political implications of the clash between high-speed society & slow-speed democracy.
Please share! @tboeggild.bsky.social can help with Qs
Four three-year postdoctoral positions in the project Slow-Motion Democracy - Vacancy at Aarhus University
Vacancy at Department of Political Science, Aarhus University
international.au.dk
November 6, 2025 at 2:14 PM
Four (!) three-year postdoc positions available at @au.dk: international.au.dk/about/profil...
Join an incredible team & help understand the psychological & political implications of the clash between high-speed society & slow-speed democracy.
Please share! @tboeggild.bsky.social can help with Qs
Join an incredible team & help understand the psychological & political implications of the clash between high-speed society & slow-speed democracy.
Please share! @tboeggild.bsky.social can help with Qs
Reposted by Peter MacLeod
Wondering what the budget has to say about health/healthcare?
My take here, gift link: www.thestar.com/opinion/cont...
My take here, gift link: www.thestar.com/opinion/cont...
Carney’s first budget is asking the wrong Canadians to make sacrifices
This budget seems to have a case of mistaken identity. Instead of asking for sacrifices from those able to make them, they are leaning on individuals and sectors already struggling.
outlook.us14.list-manage.com
November 6, 2025 at 1:05 PM
Wondering what the budget has to say about health/healthcare?
My take here, gift link: www.thestar.com/opinion/cont...
My take here, gift link: www.thestar.com/opinion/cont...
Because it’s 2025
Mamdani, N.Y.C. Mayor-Elect, Names Transition Team of Government Veterans
www.nytimes.com
November 5, 2025 at 11:36 PM
Because it’s 2025
Reposted by Peter MacLeod
👀
TRANSITION CO-CHAIR LINA KHAN!?!?!??!
November 5, 2025 at 6:12 PM
👀
Reposted by Peter MacLeod
The lesson here is have good principles and stand on them. Stand for something that isn't power!
Zohran at the rally for trans youth on february 8 ❣️ he was polling single digits.
November 5, 2025 at 2:59 AM
The lesson here is have good principles and stand on them. Stand for something that isn't power!
Reposted by Peter MacLeod
Inbox— next cover of the New Yorker: “Mayor Mamdani,” by Edel Rodriguez
November 5, 2025 at 3:19 AM
Inbox— next cover of the New Yorker: “Mayor Mamdani,” by Edel Rodriguez
Reposted by Peter MacLeod
Not enough people are talking about the actual biggest political story in North America this week.
A majority of voters in the Yukon voted (in a non-binding plebiscite) in favour of moving to a ranked-ballot voting system.
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
A majority of voters in the Yukon voted (in a non-binding plebiscite) in favour of moving to a ranked-ballot voting system.
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Yukoners voted for electoral reform. They probably won't get it | CBC News
Yukon's incoming premier may have campaigned on a message of "change," but when it comes to the territory's voting system, Currie Dixon says he's happy to keep things just the way they are. That's des...
www.cbc.ca
November 5, 2025 at 2:54 AM
Not enough people are talking about the actual biggest political story in North America this week.
A majority of voters in the Yukon voted (in a non-binding plebiscite) in favour of moving to a ranked-ballot voting system.
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
A majority of voters in the Yukon voted (in a non-binding plebiscite) in favour of moving to a ranked-ballot voting system.
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Incredible news from Yukon, 🇨🇦 56% of voters last night endorsed the recommendations of their territorial Citizens’ Assembly on electoral reform, and delivered a clear mandate for change.
electionsyukon.ca/en/plebiscit...
electionsyukon.ca/en/plebiscit...
Plebiscite Unofficial Results | Elections Yukon
Polls ReportingCOPPERBELT NORTH9 of 9Yes531No550
electionsyukon.ca
November 4, 2025 at 2:37 PM
Incredible news from Yukon, 🇨🇦 56% of voters last night endorsed the recommendations of their territorial Citizens’ Assembly on electoral reform, and delivered a clear mandate for change.
electionsyukon.ca/en/plebiscit...
electionsyukon.ca/en/plebiscit...
Reposted by Peter MacLeod
On budget day, this post serves as a helpful reminder that simply being an economist doesn’t give one an infallible understanding of the world.
And that economists and leaders ignore climate limitations at our peril.
And that economists and leaders ignore climate limitations at our peril.
The 20th-century economist Robert Solow created the theory of infinite economic growth by substituting "technological innovation" for the productivity of land in his model, thereby decoupling the economy from any limits imposed by land or ecosystems.
The world took his theory as gospel.
1/n
The world took his theory as gospel.
1/n
Climate intervention may not be enough to save coffee, chocolate and wine, new study finds
November 4, 2025 at 12:59 PM
On budget day, this post serves as a helpful reminder that simply being an economist doesn’t give one an infallible understanding of the world.
And that economists and leaders ignore climate limitations at our peril.
And that economists and leaders ignore climate limitations at our peril.
This could be you, Alberta
Australia has so much clean energy they're literally giving it away. Meanwhile, GOP is in all-out war to stamp out solar
www.abc.net.au/news/2025-11...
www.abc.net.au/news/2025-11...
Australian households to get free electricity three hours a day
Saying there is enough solar power for everyone in the daytime, the federal government will direct retailers to provide three hours of free power every day to consumers.
www.abc.net.au
November 4, 2025 at 1:36 AM
This could be you, Alberta
Enough already. 🙄
November 3, 2025 at 7:21 PM
Enough already. 🙄
Reposted by Peter MacLeod
Big morning in Rio at @c40cities.bsky.social summit! I'm releasing my new #netzero report: "Integrity Matters: Winning the Future." Join livestream (link below) - I'm up around 9am EST! #COP30
Tomorrow, over 300 mayors will come together for the 2025 World Mayors Summit.
Local leaders will share how they are rapidly cutting emissions whilst delivering good green jobs, cleaner air & safer places to live.
Watch live: https://www.c40.org/events/c40-world-mayors-summit-2025/
#WMS25
Local leaders will share how they are rapidly cutting emissions whilst delivering good green jobs, cleaner air & safer places to live.
Watch live: https://www.c40.org/events/c40-world-mayors-summit-2025/
#WMS25
C40 World Mayors Summit 2025 - C40 Cities
C40 Cities' triennial climate action conference. The C40 World Mayors Summit 2025 takes place in Rio de Janeiro from 3–5 November.
www.c40.org
November 3, 2025 at 1:22 PM
Big morning in Rio at @c40cities.bsky.social summit! I'm releasing my new #netzero report: "Integrity Matters: Winning the Future." Join livestream (link below) - I'm up around 9am EST! #COP30
Reposted by Peter MacLeod
Election day in the Yukon: Vote includes non-binding electoral reform question nationalnewswatch.com/2025/11/03/e...
Election day in the Yukon: Vote includes non-binding electoral reform…
National Newswatch: Canada's most comprehensive site for political news and views.
nationalnewswatch.com
November 3, 2025 at 10:32 AM
Election day in the Yukon: Vote includes non-binding electoral reform question nationalnewswatch.com/2025/11/03/e...
Reposted by Peter MacLeod
The French also sensibly imposed a similar requirement
Meanwhile, in South Korea: "Starting at the end of November, public parking lots with more than 80 spaces will be required to install solar power generation facilities. This obligation applies not only to newly constructed parking lots but also to existing ones."
cm.asiae.co.kr/en/article/2...
cm.asiae.co.kr/en/article/2...
Mandatory Installation of Solar Panels in Public Parking Lots to Apply Retroactively to Existing Facilities
Starting at the end of November this year, public parking lots with more than 80 spaces will be required to install solar power generation facilities. ...
cm.asiae.co.kr
November 2, 2025 at 5:40 PM
The French also sensibly imposed a similar requirement
Reposted by Peter MacLeod
A colleague just reminded me of this while attending Venice Biennial where Irish assemblies are the theme of the super Irish pavilion #speirgorm
November 2, 2025 at 10:32 AM
A colleague just reminded me of this while attending Venice Biennial where Irish assemblies are the theme of the super Irish pavilion #speirgorm
Reposted by Peter MacLeod
I’ll be part of a panel discussion following the screening of William Whyte’s classic “The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces” hosted by the School of Cities at the University of Toronto. November 4 at the Faculty Club. Details at www.eventbrite.ca/e/the-social...
The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces - Film Screening
Join us for a screening of The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces by William H. “Holly” Whyte, followed by a panel discussion.
www.eventbrite.ca
October 31, 2025 at 11:16 AM
I’ll be part of a panel discussion following the screening of William Whyte’s classic “The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces” hosted by the School of Cities at the University of Toronto. November 4 at the Faculty Club. Details at www.eventbrite.ca/e/the-social...
Reposted by Peter MacLeod
Amazon is helping fund a $300 million build of a ballroom for the White House.
Independent bookstores are donating to food banks and organizations that help with food insecurity.
They are not the same.
Independent bookstores are donating to food banks and organizations that help with food insecurity.
They are not the same.
October 30, 2025 at 4:01 PM
Amazon is helping fund a $300 million build of a ballroom for the White House.
Independent bookstores are donating to food banks and organizations that help with food insecurity.
They are not the same.
Independent bookstores are donating to food banks and organizations that help with food insecurity.
They are not the same.
Reposted by Peter MacLeod
In lawsuit filed Monday, four young Canadians allege the Canada Pension Plan is mismanaging their retirement savings by underestimating climate-related financial risks — the first legal challenge of its kind. www.nationalobserver.com/2025/10/27/n...
Young Canadians accuse the Canada Pension Plan of mismanaging climate risks
In lawsuit filed Monday, four young Canadians allege the Canada Pension Plan is mismanaging their retirement savings by underestimating climate-related financial risks — the first legal challenge of i...
www.nationalobserver.com
October 28, 2025 at 10:35 PM
In lawsuit filed Monday, four young Canadians allege the Canada Pension Plan is mismanaging their retirement savings by underestimating climate-related financial risks — the first legal challenge of its kind. www.nationalobserver.com/2025/10/27/n...
Reposted by Peter MacLeod
@kimnossal.bsky.social and I contributed to this piece in The Kingston Crow
thekingstoncrow.substack.com/p/stickhandl...
thekingstoncrow.substack.com/p/stickhandl...
Stickhandling Canada’s place in a new world order
Queen’s-affiliated policy experts weigh in
thekingstoncrow.substack.com
October 28, 2025 at 8:35 PM
@kimnossal.bsky.social and I contributed to this piece in The Kingston Crow
thekingstoncrow.substack.com/p/stickhandl...
thekingstoncrow.substack.com/p/stickhandl...