Richard Carlson
@rcarlson.bsky.social
Energy director at Pollution Probe, a Canadian environmental NGO. Will talk about energy / renewables / climate and politics in Canada and Central Asia. Big Ankaragucu fan!
Reposted by Richard Carlson
The energy transition - a decade of revolution.
The brilliant Chris Nelder talks to Daan Walter and me about the dramatic changes in energy over the last decade. This is the whole story on a podcast folks, and congratulations to Chris for ten years of amazing work.
xenetwork.org/ets/episodes...
The brilliant Chris Nelder talks to Daan Walter and me about the dramatic changes in energy over the last decade. This is the whole story on a podcast folks, and congratulations to Chris for ten years of amazing work.
xenetwork.org/ets/episodes...
[Episode #259] – 10th Anniversary: New Marching Orders | The Energy Transition Show
For our 10th anniversary, we reflect on what the past decade of our work has been about and consider what the next ten years might require.
xenetwork.org
October 3, 2025 at 12:59 PM
The energy transition - a decade of revolution.
The brilliant Chris Nelder talks to Daan Walter and me about the dramatic changes in energy over the last decade. This is the whole story on a podcast folks, and congratulations to Chris for ten years of amazing work.
xenetwork.org/ets/episodes...
The brilliant Chris Nelder talks to Daan Walter and me about the dramatic changes in energy over the last decade. This is the whole story on a podcast folks, and congratulations to Chris for ten years of amazing work.
xenetwork.org/ets/episodes...
One of the most interesting threads every year!
Time for 2025 updates to my annual “opinions about solar” thread. If you like these, you might like the second edition of my book, Solar Power Finance Without The Jargon. A 30% discount code WSQ0437 is valid on publisher website until end of November 2025.
www.worldscientific.com/worldscibook...
www.worldscientific.com/worldscibook...
Solar Power Finance Without the Jargon
www.worldscientific.com
October 20, 2025 at 4:19 PM
One of the most interesting threads every year!
Reposted by Richard Carlson
The #PragmaticClimateReset is a two part-essay calling for a reset in our approach to climate action. Part I shows why narratives trumpeting the failure of efforts to date are wrong. Part II says that, nevertheless, the climate community now needs to change its approach. 1/n
September 14, 2025 at 4:05 PM
The #PragmaticClimateReset is a two part-essay calling for a reset in our approach to climate action. Part I shows why narratives trumpeting the failure of efforts to date are wrong. Part II says that, nevertheless, the climate community now needs to change its approach. 1/n
Reposted by Richard Carlson
"This is, in many ways, the dynamic that defines reactionary centrism: the right must be understood, but never blamed. The left can be blamed, but need not be understood."
Very, very good piece, highly recommended. This is the dominant ideological tendency in the US elite today and it is *toxic*.
Very, very good piece, highly recommended. This is the dominant ideological tendency in the US elite today and it is *toxic*.
we need a label for UK politicians who endlessly "empathise" with fascist concerns - let's try a US one
my latest with @prospectmagazine.co.uk
www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/politics/709...
my latest with @prospectmagazine.co.uk
www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/politics/709...
What is a reactionary centrist, and does the UK have them?
A term favoured by US progressives can help us understand Britain’s drift to the right
www.prospectmagazine.co.uk
September 4, 2025 at 5:50 PM
"This is, in many ways, the dynamic that defines reactionary centrism: the right must be understood, but never blamed. The left can be blamed, but need not be understood."
Very, very good piece, highly recommended. This is the dominant ideological tendency in the US elite today and it is *toxic*.
Very, very good piece, highly recommended. This is the dominant ideological tendency in the US elite today and it is *toxic*.
Reposted by Richard Carlson
The far right is laying yet another culture war climate trap
In a warming world they want climate hawks to deny the sweaty masses air conditioning
My latest on how we turn culture war from threat to opportunity with Heat Pump Populism and AC for all
heatmap.news/ideas/heat-p...
In a warming world they want climate hawks to deny the sweaty masses air conditioning
My latest on how we turn culture war from threat to opportunity with Heat Pump Populism and AC for all
heatmap.news/ideas/heat-p...
Heat Pumps Are Good Politics
Climate policy strategist Justin Guay has a populist pitch for our warming world.
heatmap.news
September 3, 2025 at 6:32 PM
The far right is laying yet another culture war climate trap
In a warming world they want climate hawks to deny the sweaty masses air conditioning
My latest on how we turn culture war from threat to opportunity with Heat Pump Populism and AC for all
heatmap.news/ideas/heat-p...
In a warming world they want climate hawks to deny the sweaty masses air conditioning
My latest on how we turn culture war from threat to opportunity with Heat Pump Populism and AC for all
heatmap.news/ideas/heat-p...
Knock-knock! Anyone here?
The last week of August feels like the week between Xmas and New Year's.
August 28, 2025 at 7:13 PM
Knock-knock! Anyone here?
Reposted by Richard Carlson
This is one of the most beautiful things I have witnessed, the craft here is impeccable.
August 13, 2025 at 6:06 AM
This is one of the most beautiful things I have witnessed, the craft here is impeccable.
Bloody hell. This is embarassing
Housing starts in the City of Toronto are down nearly 60% in 2025 relative to 2024, and in the rest of the GTA, they're down nearly 30%.
And given that starts lag sales, this is going to get a whole lot worse before it gets better.
And given that starts lag sales, this is going to get a whole lot worse before it gets better.
July 7, 2025 at 5:41 PM
Bloody hell. This is embarassing
China added 198 GW of solar and 46 GW of wind in the first six months on 2025! To put that into context, Canada only has 152 GW of TOTAL generating capacity www.theguardian.com/world/2025/j...
China breaks more records with surge in solar and wind power
Between January and May, China added 198 GW of solar and 46 GW of wind, enough to generate as much electricity as Indonesia or Turkey
www.theguardian.com
June 26, 2025 at 2:10 PM
China added 198 GW of solar and 46 GW of wind in the first six months on 2025! To put that into context, Canada only has 152 GW of TOTAL generating capacity www.theguardian.com/world/2025/j...
I understand how he feels
May 10, 2025 at 3:24 PM
I understand how he feels
Reposted by Richard Carlson
TANK vs TESLA
"We've crushed fascism before and we'll crush it again"
- WW2 veteran Ken, 98, in the tank
"We've crushed fascism before and we'll crush it again"
- WW2 veteran Ken, 98, in the tank
May 7, 2025 at 4:46 PM
TANK vs TESLA
"We've crushed fascism before and we'll crush it again"
- WW2 veteran Ken, 98, in the tank
"We've crushed fascism before and we'll crush it again"
- WW2 veteran Ken, 98, in the tank
Happy new Ontario electricity market day for those who are celebrating!
May 1, 2025 at 3:01 PM
Happy new Ontario electricity market day for those who are celebrating!
Reposted by Richard Carlson
This has always been the conundrum of the left. It is rooted in the economics of a (shrinking) white working class manual labour, but culturally grounded in metropolitan progressives. Bridging this divide in a way that builds solidarity rather than pitting them against each other is the holy grail
You know what? Labour has to appeal to both slightly-reactionary provincials without degrees and to graphic designers and teachers. Anybody telling you that neither of these groups matter is an idiot.
April 30, 2025 at 1:35 PM
This has always been the conundrum of the left. It is rooted in the economics of a (shrinking) white working class manual labour, but culturally grounded in metropolitan progressives. Bridging this divide in a way that builds solidarity rather than pitting them against each other is the holy grail
Reposted by Richard Carlson
Canada -- it's election day. If you don't vote, you will still have the right to complain, but other people also will also have the right to complain about you.
April 28, 2025 at 1:13 PM
Canada -- it's election day. If you don't vote, you will still have the right to complain, but other people also will also have the right to complain about you.
I'm trying to avoid opining on the election, but I'd vote for a party that institutes a requirement that when they release their platforms they have to have a PDF download of the entire platform is an option. I hate these online documents!
April 22, 2025 at 3:56 PM
I'm trying to avoid opining on the election, but I'd vote for a party that institutes a requirement that when they release their platforms they have to have a PDF download of the entire platform is an option. I hate these online documents!
I'm a political junkie and even I can't deal with this debate. Half are just being childish and talking over each other, another is just repeating practices lines regardless of the question
April 17, 2025 at 11:52 PM
I'm a political junkie and even I can't deal with this debate. Half are just being childish and talking over each other, another is just repeating practices lines regardless of the question
This is more about deciding who I DON'T want to vote for
April 17, 2025 at 11:49 PM
This is more about deciding who I DON'T want to vote for
I think PP especially (but all of them to a lesser extent) are only speaking for clips later. I'll vote for anyone whop understands the concept of answering a question!
April 17, 2025 at 11:36 PM
I think PP especially (but all of them to a lesser extent) are only speaking for clips later. I'll vote for anyone whop understands the concept of answering a question!
Reposted by Richard Carlson
The NY Times has published an investigation into the Therme development at Ontario Place. It found that while the company told the province it had a proven track record of operating six spas around the world, at the time it had only ever operated one. www.nytimes.com/2025/04/16/w...
European Spa Company Therme Misrepresented Itself in an Effort to Expand Into Canada
A Times investigation shows Therme, a European firm, exaggerated its track record in securing a deal with Ontario, and government auditors found that the process had been unfair and opaque.
www.nytimes.com
April 16, 2025 at 11:21 AM
The NY Times has published an investigation into the Therme development at Ontario Place. It found that while the company told the province it had a proven track record of operating six spas around the world, at the time it had only ever operated one. www.nytimes.com/2025/04/16/w...
Reposted by Richard Carlson
“If a car generates more potholes in our roads, takes up more parking space and poses more danger to pedestrians, cyclists and other car occupants compared with smaller vehicles, then it is only fair that its owner pays more for driving that vehicle.”
Via @theguardian.com
Via @theguardian.com
The Observer view on SUVs: they are too dangerous and too big, their drivers should be made to pay
If a car generates more potholes, takes up more space and poses more risk, it is only fair that its owner pays more
www.theguardian.com
April 6, 2025 at 6:18 AM
“If a car generates more potholes in our roads, takes up more parking space and poses more danger to pedestrians, cyclists and other car occupants compared with smaller vehicles, then it is only fair that its owner pays more for driving that vehicle.”
Via @theguardian.com
Via @theguardian.com
Reposted by Richard Carlson
FLEXIBILITY FOR ALL: Since Apr 1 2025, all distribution network operators in Germany are required to offer variable grid fees for controllable consumers (think heat pumps, EVs, batteries).
Animation illustrates this for a typical day.
Red: high tariffs
Blue: low tariffs
🧵
Animation illustrates this for a typical day.
Red: high tariffs
Blue: low tariffs
🧵
April 3, 2025 at 3:47 PM
FLEXIBILITY FOR ALL: Since Apr 1 2025, all distribution network operators in Germany are required to offer variable grid fees for controllable consumers (think heat pumps, EVs, batteries).
Animation illustrates this for a typical day.
Red: high tariffs
Blue: low tariffs
🧵
Animation illustrates this for a typical day.
Red: high tariffs
Blue: low tariffs
🧵
This is the most ridiculous piece I've ever seen. It's basically threatening others so they can benefit, and I doubt BC would go for the secession. Maybe they should try to appeal to voters in other parts of Canada? Have they thought of that?
Another opinion piece warning *vote for the Tories or else*
www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/arti...
www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/arti...
Opinion: Mark Carney poses a threat to national unity
If he remains prime minister after this election, there is a very real possibility that Western Canada will move to secede
www.theglobeandmail.com
April 2, 2025 at 7:10 PM
This is the most ridiculous piece I've ever seen. It's basically threatening others so they can benefit, and I doubt BC would go for the secession. Maybe they should try to appeal to voters in other parts of Canada? Have they thought of that?
Reposted by Richard Carlson
Teen Warned Not To Accept Group Chat Invites From National Security Advisors She Doesn’t Know
March 26, 2025 at 3:00 PM
Teen Warned Not To Accept Group Chat Invites From National Security Advisors She Doesn’t Know
Reposted by Richard Carlson
New from me at TVO, on the demise of The Bay and how it contributed to the birth of Canada -- and the birth of western alienation. www.tvo.org/article/anal...
TVO Today | Current Affairs Journalism, Documentaries and Podcasts
www.tvo.org
March 26, 2025 at 4:45 PM
New from me at TVO, on the demise of The Bay and how it contributed to the birth of Canada -- and the birth of western alienation. www.tvo.org/article/anal...
Reposted by Richard Carlson
Ontario aware bike lane removals may not reduce congestion, could make people less safe: internal documents
Engineering report done for the province says collisions for all road users could increase by 54%
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Engineering report done for the province says collisions for all road users could increase by 54%
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Ontario aware bike lane removals may not reduce congestion, could make people less safe: internal documents | CBC News
Ontario’s premier and transportation minister have said for months that removing bike lanes is a necessary measure to reduce traffic in the GTA. But hundreds of pages of internal ministry documents, r...
www.cbc.ca
March 12, 2025 at 6:58 PM
Ontario aware bike lane removals may not reduce congestion, could make people less safe: internal documents
Engineering report done for the province says collisions for all road users could increase by 54%
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Engineering report done for the province says collisions for all road users could increase by 54%
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...