Lyle Lewis
@race2extinct.bsky.social
My book “Racing To Extinction” analyzes the imminent disappearance of humanity through the lens of my 30+ years as an ecologist with federal environmental agencies in the U.S.
https://race2extinct.com
https://race2extinct.com
Pinned
Lyle Lewis
@race2extinct.bsky.social
· Aug 17
Why is humanity headed for disappearance? My book, Racing To Extinction and website race2extinct.com explores our deep-time journey—2.5 million years of evolution leading to the ecological crisis we face today.
A thread on what you’ll find in my work and website 👇
A thread on what you’ll find in my work and website 👇
The things humanity clings to — corporations, money, nations, religions — are not anchors. They’re myths. And when the storm comes, they will turn to dust and blow away.
November 10, 2025 at 5:00 PM
The things humanity clings to — corporations, money, nations, religions — are not anchors. They’re myths. And when the storm comes, they will turn to dust and blow away.
In a world of increasing risk and uncertainty, you can only attempt to guide your life in the right direction. There will be times it gallops off another way. Do what you can. Enjoy what you can.
November 9, 2025 at 5:00 PM
In a world of increasing risk and uncertainty, you can only attempt to guide your life in the right direction. There will be times it gallops off another way. Do what you can. Enjoy what you can.
Some of the most dramatic human-induced changes to the nature of life on Earth occurred before the dawn of agriculture — damage that remains etched into ecosystems planet-wide.
November 8, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Some of the most dramatic human-induced changes to the nature of life on Earth occurred before the dawn of agriculture — damage that remains etched into ecosystems planet-wide.
I’ll be heading offline for a while…..back to the wilderness, where signal fades and perspective returns. Posts will keep running while I’m gone, but I won’t be around to reply. See you when I return.
November 8, 2025 at 3:00 PM
I’ll be heading offline for a while…..back to the wilderness, where signal fades and perspective returns. Posts will keep running while I’m gone, but I won’t be around to reply. See you when I return.
Sure, it’ll kill people and wildlife for decades, but think of the happy shareholders, and the booming casket and funeral-home industries.
A real win for growth. 🙄
apple.news/AYXz6QpC_Rq-...
A real win for growth. 🙄
apple.news/AYXz6QpC_Rq-...
Pollution from Ineos’s Antwerp plastic plant ‘could cause more deaths than jobs created’ — Guardian US
Lawyers challenge €4bn Project One development, saying emissions and health impacts vastly underestimated
apple.news
November 7, 2025 at 3:09 PM
Sure, it’ll kill people and wildlife for decades, but think of the happy shareholders, and the booming casket and funeral-home industries.
A real win for growth. 🙄
apple.news/AYXz6QpC_Rq-...
A real win for growth. 🙄
apple.news/AYXz6QpC_Rq-...
“Planet is greening” has data behind it, but without context, it misleads. It’s become a lifeline for climate deniers who mistake leafier maps for recovery. That’s the illusion of green.
open.substack.com/pub/lylel/p/...
open.substack.com/pub/lylel/p/...
November 7, 2025 at 12:23 PM
“Planet is greening” has data behind it, but without context, it misleads. It’s become a lifeline for climate deniers who mistake leafier maps for recovery. That’s the illusion of green.
open.substack.com/pub/lylel/p/...
open.substack.com/pub/lylel/p/...
Fish in Michigan are getting smaller.
Warming water, agriculture runoff, microplastics, and chemical toxins now flow through every tributary, every gill, every egg.
Climate change heats the surface. Pollution poisons the depths. Between them, the lakes are starving.
apple.news/AhaipZbCLT5G...
Warming water, agriculture runoff, microplastics, and chemical toxins now flow through every tributary, every gill, every egg.
Climate change heats the surface. Pollution poisons the depths. Between them, the lakes are starving.
apple.news/AhaipZbCLT5G...
Researchers studied fish from 1,497 lakes in Michigan. What they found is concerning — BBC Wildlife Magazine
Since 1945, many of Michigan's lake fish species have reduced in size, new research finds. November 6, 2025 A new study has revealed that changes in climate are causing fish in Michigan’s inland lakes...
apple.news
November 7, 2025 at 11:38 AM
Fish in Michigan are getting smaller.
Warming water, agriculture runoff, microplastics, and chemical toxins now flow through every tributary, every gill, every egg.
Climate change heats the surface. Pollution poisons the depths. Between them, the lakes are starving.
apple.news/AhaipZbCLT5G...
Warming water, agriculture runoff, microplastics, and chemical toxins now flow through every tributary, every gill, every egg.
Climate change heats the surface. Pollution poisons the depths. Between them, the lakes are starving.
apple.news/AhaipZbCLT5G...
Hawaiʻi has 18 plant species with only a single wild individual left. Dozens more around the world hang by the same thread.
We count what’s visible but most extinctions happen before we even know the species exist, plants especially.
#SixthMassExtinction
www.hawaiipublicradio.org/local-news/2...
We count what’s visible but most extinctions happen before we even know the species exist, plants especially.
#SixthMassExtinction
www.hawaiipublicradio.org/local-news/2...
These Hawaiʻi native plants are the last of their kind in the wild
Hawaiʻi has more endangered plants than all other U.S. states combined. Here's a look at some of the species that are so rare they only have a single wild plant left.
www.hawaiipublicradio.org
November 6, 2025 at 11:40 PM
Hawaiʻi has 18 plant species with only a single wild individual left. Dozens more around the world hang by the same thread.
We count what’s visible but most extinctions happen before we even know the species exist, plants especially.
#SixthMassExtinction
www.hawaiipublicradio.org/local-news/2...
We count what’s visible but most extinctions happen before we even know the species exist, plants especially.
#SixthMassExtinction
www.hawaiipublicradio.org/local-news/2...
Reposted by Lyle Lewis
Really interesting article by Lyle Lewis, in the reasons why higher CO2 levels now are NOT good news, and will NOT cause more crops to grow etc. The history of the levels of atmospheric CO2 over millennia, pre-humanity, is fascinating. substack.com/inbox/post/1...
@race2extinct.bsky.social
@race2extinct.bsky.social
What Ancient CO₂ Can, and Can't, Teach Us About the Modern World
What Earth's deep past reveals about the illusion of safety in a warming world.
substack.com
November 6, 2025 at 7:04 PM
Really interesting article by Lyle Lewis, in the reasons why higher CO2 levels now are NOT good news, and will NOT cause more crops to grow etc. The history of the levels of atmospheric CO2 over millennia, pre-humanity, is fascinating. substack.com/inbox/post/1...
@race2extinct.bsky.social
@race2extinct.bsky.social
“Sustainable bear management” is the phrase we use when we want nature to conform to our whims and desires.
The hunt didn’t end because grizzlies were overpopulated. It ended because they were struggling to stabilize after centuries of decline.🧵
The hunt didn’t end because grizzlies were overpopulated. It ended because they were struggling to stabilize after centuries of decline.🧵
November 6, 2025 at 4:30 PM
“Sustainable bear management” is the phrase we use when we want nature to conform to our whims and desires.
The hunt didn’t end because grizzlies were overpopulated. It ended because they were struggling to stabilize after centuries of decline.🧵
The hunt didn’t end because grizzlies were overpopulated. It ended because they were struggling to stabilize after centuries of decline.🧵
Barred owls are an invasive species in western North America. Their westward spread was fueled by fire suppression, tree planting, and settlement, not by “natural expansion.” (Livezey 2009)
1/4
1/4
November 6, 2025 at 5:33 AM
Barred owls are an invasive species in western North America. Their westward spread was fueled by fire suppression, tree planting, and settlement, not by “natural expansion.” (Livezey 2009)
1/4
1/4
National Parks are a mirror of democracy — owned by the people, protected for all. Which is why, in an age of privatization and neglect, they’ve never been more imperiled.
November 5, 2025 at 5:00 PM
National Parks are a mirror of democracy — owned by the people, protected for all. Which is why, in an age of privatization and neglect, they’ve never been more imperiled.
Grist’s newer tone seems to be a deliberate pivot toward “solutions journalism” ….trying to stay upbeat to retain readership and ad revenue.
It avoids the uncomfortable truth: we’re still accelerating extraction on every front.
It avoids the uncomfortable truth: we’re still accelerating extraction on every front.
Could it be that the S in Grist should have been an F?
November 5, 2025 at 12:41 PM
Grist’s newer tone seems to be a deliberate pivot toward “solutions journalism” ….trying to stay upbeat to retain readership and ad revenue.
It avoids the uncomfortable truth: we’re still accelerating extraction on every front.
It avoids the uncomfortable truth: we’re still accelerating extraction on every front.
97% of the planet’s land is already altered by humans.
British Columbia is racing to finish the job of turning wilderness into wells, and calling it prosperity.
apple.news/AYV6iEsr3Q5K...
British Columbia is racing to finish the job of turning wilderness into wells, and calling it prosperity.
apple.news/AYV6iEsr3Q5K...
Drilling Frenzy Arrives in Canada’s Pristine Wilderness — Bloomberg Businessweek
As countries around the world scramble to secure fuel to run their power plants, natural gas has attracted energy producers to Canada’s westernmost province.
apple.news
November 5, 2025 at 11:56 AM
97% of the planet’s land is already altered by humans.
British Columbia is racing to finish the job of turning wilderness into wells, and calling it prosperity.
apple.news/AYV6iEsr3Q5K...
British Columbia is racing to finish the job of turning wilderness into wells, and calling it prosperity.
apple.news/AYV6iEsr3Q5K...
Grist’s new “positive tipping points” story hails renewables and native gardens as proof we’re turning the corner.
But we’re not swapping oil rigs for solar fields. We’re building both, accelerating destruction, and pretending it is progress.
apple.news/AkJOdYHxNTO-...
But we’re not swapping oil rigs for solar fields. We’re building both, accelerating destruction, and pretending it is progress.
apple.news/AkJOdYHxNTO-...
Good news! These ‘positive tipping points’ will help save the world. — Grist
Earlier this month, scientists announced that humanity has kicked off the first major “tipping point” — in which an Earth system dramatically transforms, often permanently — as warm-water corals die e...
apple.news
November 5, 2025 at 12:52 AM
Grist’s new “positive tipping points” story hails renewables and native gardens as proof we’re turning the corner.
But we’re not swapping oil rigs for solar fields. We’re building both, accelerating destruction, and pretending it is progress.
apple.news/AkJOdYHxNTO-...
But we’re not swapping oil rigs for solar fields. We’re building both, accelerating destruction, and pretending it is progress.
apple.news/AkJOdYHxNTO-...
Reposted by Lyle Lewis
All you need to know about AMOC!
@climatecasino.net @davidho.bsky.social @drjeffmasters.bsky.social @jeffgoodell.bsky.social @race2extinct.bsky.social
@drpauldorfman.bsky.social @paulhbeckwith.bsky.social @standupforscience.bsky.social
youtu.be/HtLE44TP8LE?...
@climatecasino.net @davidho.bsky.social @drjeffmasters.bsky.social @jeffgoodell.bsky.social @race2extinct.bsky.social
@drpauldorfman.bsky.social @paulhbeckwith.bsky.social @standupforscience.bsky.social
youtu.be/HtLE44TP8LE?...
The Real Risks of AMOC Collapse I AMOC Tipping Points and Climate Change I AMOC Weakening Explained
YouTube video by Science Talk
youtu.be
November 4, 2025 at 7:40 PM
@grok insists technology can outgrow scarcity and that “managed forests” and “tech-engineered biospheres” can replace wild systems, treating Earth as a prototype to be upgraded.
Simplification: life reduced to what can be managed. Collapse becomes a feature.
Simplification: life reduced to what can be managed. Collapse becomes a feature.
November 4, 2025 at 4:32 PM
@grok insists technology can outgrow scarcity and that “managed forests” and “tech-engineered biospheres” can replace wild systems, treating Earth as a prototype to be upgraded.
Simplification: life reduced to what can be managed. Collapse becomes a feature.
Simplification: life reduced to what can be managed. Collapse becomes a feature.
The planet isn’t “greening.” It’s photosynthetically busier but biologically poorer—more leaves, fewer living systems.
New mini-essay with images: The Illusion of Greening ⤵︎
open.substack.com/pub/lylel/p/...
New mini-essay with images: The Illusion of Greening ⤵︎
open.substack.com/pub/lylel/p/...
The Illusion of Greening
From orbit the planet looks healthier than ever: more green on the maps, more leaf area in the models.
open.substack.com
November 4, 2025 at 12:33 PM
The planet isn’t “greening.” It’s photosynthetically busier but biologically poorer—more leaves, fewer living systems.
New mini-essay with images: The Illusion of Greening ⤵︎
open.substack.com/pub/lylel/p/...
New mini-essay with images: The Illusion of Greening ⤵︎
open.substack.com/pub/lylel/p/...
Reposted by Lyle Lewis
The bogus shell game of selling 'conservation credits' has moved to wildlife conservation in the West -- "If I create the false illusion of conservation over here, I can sell credits that will allow you to destroy intact and occupied habitat over there." 🌍
Oregon's first sage grouse 'conservation bank' operating
->East Oregonian | #conservation | More from Lil Dr Glen EcoChat at BigEarthData.ai
->East Oregonian | #conservation | More from Lil Dr Glen EcoChat at BigEarthData.ai
Oregon's first sage grouse 'conservation bank' operating
Map shows Oregon’s three sage grouse service areas. The state’s first sage grouse conservation bank is in the northern service area, partially in Baker County and partially in Malheur County. Swipe or click to see more Map shows the two...
eastoregonian.com
October 26, 2025 at 5:38 PM
The bogus shell game of selling 'conservation credits' has moved to wildlife conservation in the West -- "If I create the false illusion of conservation over here, I can sell credits that will allow you to destroy intact and occupied habitat over there." 🌍
Forests, Fires, and Falsehoods: Exposing the Timber Industry’s Greenwashing Playbook
This is for those who prefer citations/data over talking points. Evan Frost and I unpack how “sustainable forestry” has become a shield for carbon loss & habitat destruction.
The full paper:
🔗 bit.ly/4qEjz1m
This is for those who prefer citations/data over talking points. Evan Frost and I unpack how “sustainable forestry” has become a shield for carbon loss & habitat destruction.
The full paper:
🔗 bit.ly/4qEjz1m
(PDF) Forests, Fires, and Falsehoods: Exposing The Timber Industry's Greenwashing Playbook
PDF | On Oct 14, 2025, Lyle Lewis and others published Forests, Fires, and Falsehoods: Exposing The Timber Industry's Greenwashing Playbook | Find, read and cite all the research you need on ResearchG...
bit.ly
November 4, 2025 at 12:39 AM
Forests, Fires, and Falsehoods: Exposing the Timber Industry’s Greenwashing Playbook
This is for those who prefer citations/data over talking points. Evan Frost and I unpack how “sustainable forestry” has become a shield for carbon loss & habitat destruction.
The full paper:
🔗 bit.ly/4qEjz1m
This is for those who prefer citations/data over talking points. Evan Frost and I unpack how “sustainable forestry” has become a shield for carbon loss & habitat destruction.
The full paper:
🔗 bit.ly/4qEjz1m
The new climate denial isn’t denial. It’s doubt dressed up as reason. “We don’t know everything” has replaced “it isn’t happening,” while ignoring what we do know: nature’s carbon sinks are collapsing, and so is our margin for error.
normanjansen.substack.com/p/climate-ca...
normanjansen.substack.com/p/climate-ca...
Climate Catastrophe?
or climate change as has existed for millenia? Or something in between?
normanjansen.substack.com
November 3, 2025 at 7:54 PM
The new climate denial isn’t denial. It’s doubt dressed up as reason. “We don’t know everything” has replaced “it isn’t happening,” while ignoring what we do know: nature’s carbon sinks are collapsing, and so is our margin for error.
normanjansen.substack.com/p/climate-ca...
normanjansen.substack.com/p/climate-ca...
Reposted by Lyle Lewis
I appreciate you all so much for the support. My small channel is growing because of your kind support. @race2extinct.bsky.social @climatecasino.net @ecowarriorss.bsky.social @jeffgoodell.bsky.social @danmiller999.bsky.social @drpauldorfman.bsky.social
youtu.be/SWVZc1coiNQ?...
youtu.be/SWVZc1coiNQ?...
The Worst Outcome of Systematic Collapse I Cascading Climate Tipping Points I Climate Emergency
YouTube video by Science Talk
youtu.be
November 3, 2025 at 2:00 PM
I appreciate you all so much for the support. My small channel is growing because of your kind support. @race2extinct.bsky.social @climatecasino.net @ecowarriorss.bsky.social @jeffgoodell.bsky.social @danmiller999.bsky.social @drpauldorfman.bsky.social
youtu.be/SWVZc1coiNQ?...
youtu.be/SWVZc1coiNQ?...
Oh, the irony! NASA’s building an Earth shield to protect us from space rocks.
Forests, oceans, and the atmosphere are the real shields…protecting us from more immediate threats and we’re wrecking them.
www.eldiario24.com/en/nasa-eart...
Forests, oceans, and the atmosphere are the real shields…protecting us from more immediate threats and we’re wrecking them.
www.eldiario24.com/en/nasa-eart...
NASA quietly activates 'Earth shield' for planetary defense — Global eyes turn to December 29's event
NASA quietly activates an 'Earth shield', a planetary defense system. Nations watch, experts debate risks; all eyes on December 29 for the live test.
www.eldiario24.com
November 3, 2025 at 12:08 PM
Oh, the irony! NASA’s building an Earth shield to protect us from space rocks.
Forests, oceans, and the atmosphere are the real shields…protecting us from more immediate threats and we’re wrecking them.
www.eldiario24.com/en/nasa-eart...
Forests, oceans, and the atmosphere are the real shields…protecting us from more immediate threats and we’re wrecking them.
www.eldiario24.com/en/nasa-eart...
Reposted by Lyle Lewis
This beautiful #Porcupine crossed between parked cars, grass, a bike path, & eventually a road this morning in front of me. Thankfully, s/he has street smarts, & turned away from the road a few times at the lights of oncoming traffic.
Plz watch for #urbanwildlife, especially as days get shorter!
Plz watch for #urbanwildlife, especially as days get shorter!
October 23, 2025 at 2:40 PM
This beautiful #Porcupine crossed between parked cars, grass, a bike path, & eventually a road this morning in front of me. Thankfully, s/he has street smarts, & turned away from the road a few times at the lights of oncoming traffic.
Plz watch for #urbanwildlife, especially as days get shorter!
Plz watch for #urbanwildlife, especially as days get shorter!
Reposted by Lyle Lewis
