Ryan C. Smith
@rcsmitheco.bsky.social
Author of, "The Real Oil Shock: How Oil Transformed Money, Debt, and Finance". Economic historian, currently #amquerying "The Emerging Energy Revolution" on how renewables are transforming the world. Published in the New Republic and Liberal Currents.
Reposted by Ryan C. Smith
You may’ve seen coverage of a new report on the threat to national security from environmental collapse.
A common response that’s got my goat is: “Look, it’s not just tree-hugging enviros saying this, it’s hard-nosed spooks!”
A short thread on why this framing is bad history & bad politics🧵😡😉
A common response that’s got my goat is: “Look, it’s not just tree-hugging enviros saying this, it’s hard-nosed spooks!”
A short thread on why this framing is bad history & bad politics🧵😡😉
Biodiversity collapse threatens UK security, intelligence chiefs warn
Ecosystem destruction will increase food shortages, disorder and mass migration, with effects already being felt
www.theguardian.com
January 24, 2026 at 4:42 AM
You may’ve seen coverage of a new report on the threat to national security from environmental collapse.
A common response that’s got my goat is: “Look, it’s not just tree-hugging enviros saying this, it’s hard-nosed spooks!”
A short thread on why this framing is bad history & bad politics🧵😡😉
A common response that’s got my goat is: “Look, it’s not just tree-hugging enviros saying this, it’s hard-nosed spooks!”
A short thread on why this framing is bad history & bad politics🧵😡😉
There are boondoggles, and then there's whatever this mess is turning into.
Seventy percent of Solano County residents oppose California Forever, a tech utopia proposed by a billionaire-funded company.
But the project is planning to steamroll the local community with help from Trump and construction unions.
www.sfgate.com/bayarea/arti...
But the project is planning to steamroll the local community with help from Trump and construction unions.
www.sfgate.com/bayarea/arti...
New Bay Area city of 400,000 could be built 'non-stop' for 40 years
California Forever's plan includes housing for more than 400,000 people.
www.sfgate.com
January 23, 2026 at 8:42 PM
There are boondoggles, and then there's whatever this mess is turning into.
This is a great example of how fascism is a politics that is obsessed with aesthetics & vibes at the expense of pretty much everything else. Caring this much about optics is the whole point of the project, even when it is counterproductive or self-defeating.
Bongino trying to change the physical test for new recruits to disadvantage women.
January 23, 2026 at 7:21 PM
This is a great example of how fascism is a politics that is obsessed with aesthetics & vibes at the expense of pretty much everything else. Caring this much about optics is the whole point of the project, even when it is counterproductive or self-defeating.
Reposted by Ryan C. Smith
But actually, as @gwagner.com reminds us in this article, economists have quantified the mortality cost of emissions. Roughly one death between now and 2100 for every 4,500t of CO2-equivalent put into the atmosphere today.
Every tonne matters.
2/-
www.project-syndicate.org/commentary/m...
Every tonne matters.
2/-
www.project-syndicate.org/commentary/m...
How to Measure Climate Progress
Gernot Wagner thinks tackling the problem is justified on social and economic grounds, not existential ones.
www.project-syndicate.org
January 22, 2026 at 6:55 AM
But actually, as @gwagner.com reminds us in this article, economists have quantified the mortality cost of emissions. Roughly one death between now and 2100 for every 4,500t of CO2-equivalent put into the atmosphere today.
Every tonne matters.
2/-
www.project-syndicate.org/commentary/m...
Every tonne matters.
2/-
www.project-syndicate.org/commentary/m...
Reposted by Ryan C. Smith
Hundreds of students from schools across Minneapolis are protesting recent ICE presence in their communities after the deadly shooting of Renee Nicole Good.
January 15, 2026 at 8:01 PM
Hundreds of students from schools across Minneapolis are protesting recent ICE presence in their communities after the deadly shooting of Renee Nicole Good.
Reposted by Ryan C. Smith
Follow updates on anti-ICE protests in Minnesota here
Live: Scores of Minnesota businesses close in protest of ICE enforcement
Restaurants, museums, schools and nonprofits closed their doors as part of an “Ice Out!” demonstration.
www.startribune.com
January 23, 2026 at 6:29 PM
Follow updates on anti-ICE protests in Minnesota here
Reposted by Ryan C. Smith
🔴 NEW: Amsterdam Defies Last-Minute Lobbying to Become First Capital City to Ban Fossil Fuel Ads
www.desmog.com/2026/01/23/a...
📝 @ellen-ormesher.bsky.social
www.desmog.com/2026/01/23/a...
📝 @ellen-ormesher.bsky.social
Amsterdam Defies Last-Minute Lobbying to Become First Capital City to Ban Fossil Fuel Ads
Amsterdam city council has passed a legally binding ban on advertising for fossil fuels and meat products across public spaces in the city, becoming the first capital in the world to prohibit such ads...
www.desmog.com
January 23, 2026 at 5:54 PM
🔴 NEW: Amsterdam Defies Last-Minute Lobbying to Become First Capital City to Ban Fossil Fuel Ads
www.desmog.com/2026/01/23/a...
📝 @ellen-ormesher.bsky.social
www.desmog.com/2026/01/23/a...
📝 @ellen-ormesher.bsky.social
Total institutional and constitutional reform must be a bare minimum for overcoming Trumpism. American democracy has to be rebuilt, from the ground up, and the forces who worked to destroy it must be held to account or we will be doing this all over again in less than a decade, tops.
January 23, 2026 at 3:18 PM
Total institutional and constitutional reform must be a bare minimum for overcoming Trumpism. American democracy has to be rebuilt, from the ground up, and the forces who worked to destroy it must be held to account or we will be doing this all over again in less than a decade, tops.
Reposted by Ryan C. Smith
There's also been a shift in character in activism.
In Trump's first term, the big actions were symbolic protests designed to make a narrative impact.
In Trump's second term, we are seeing actions designed to practically frustrate an authoritarian crackdown on civil liberties.
In Trump's first term, the big actions were symbolic protests designed to make a narrative impact.
In Trump's second term, we are seeing actions designed to practically frustrate an authoritarian crackdown on civil liberties.
One of the big trends in opposition activism during Trump 2.0 has been the localism of protest. This level of organizing is pretty astonishing to watch, and anyone who insists that there haven't been any protests against Trump is simply ignoring it www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archiv...
January 23, 2026 at 2:44 PM
There's also been a shift in character in activism.
In Trump's first term, the big actions were symbolic protests designed to make a narrative impact.
In Trump's second term, we are seeing actions designed to practically frustrate an authoritarian crackdown on civil liberties.
In Trump's first term, the big actions were symbolic protests designed to make a narrative impact.
In Trump's second term, we are seeing actions designed to practically frustrate an authoritarian crackdown on civil liberties.
Reposted by Ryan C. Smith
OpenAI faces a $20bn black hole in its accounts this year, as a series of buy now, pay later deals with suppliers start to come due
It makes 2026 a make-or-break moment for the company, raising questions about whether it could buckle under the weight of its commitments
www.ifre.com/people-and-m...
It makes 2026 a make-or-break moment for the company, raising questions about whether it could buckle under the weight of its commitments
www.ifre.com/people-and-m...
OpenAI faces financial crunch point as huge supplier bills start to come due | IFR
People & Markets
Founder Sam Altman tours Middle East to raise cash to fill US$20bn black hole in accounts
www.ifre.com
January 23, 2026 at 1:32 PM
OpenAI faces a $20bn black hole in its accounts this year, as a series of buy now, pay later deals with suppliers start to come due
It makes 2026 a make-or-break moment for the company, raising questions about whether it could buckle under the weight of its commitments
www.ifre.com/people-and-m...
It makes 2026 a make-or-break moment for the company, raising questions about whether it could buckle under the weight of its commitments
www.ifre.com/people-and-m...
Each individual piece of savings offered by renewable energy is, by itself, a significant improvement over the status quo.
When you add it up and do systemic transition, what you get is multiplied savings which snowball into an insurmountable economic advantage.
#EnergySky #ClimateSky #Greensky
When you add it up and do systemic transition, what you get is multiplied savings which snowball into an insurmountable economic advantage.
#EnergySky #ClimateSky #Greensky
NEW – Q&A: What UK’s ‘warm homes plan’ means for climate change and energy bills | @daisydunne.carbonbrief.org @joshgabbatiss.bsky.social @mollylempriere.carbonbrief.org
Read here: buff.ly/2HO2LoE
Read here: buff.ly/2HO2LoE
January 23, 2026 at 2:50 PM
Each individual piece of savings offered by renewable energy is, by itself, a significant improvement over the status quo.
When you add it up and do systemic transition, what you get is multiplied savings which snowball into an insurmountable economic advantage.
#EnergySky #ClimateSky #Greensky
When you add it up and do systemic transition, what you get is multiplied savings which snowball into an insurmountable economic advantage.
#EnergySky #ClimateSky #Greensky
Reposted by Ryan C. Smith
Folks, I'm getting married! Next weekend!
I'd love to spead the good news around. Here's a list of science, conservation, and education charities I love, and instructions on how to donate in our honor if you're so moved.
Please share!
I'd love to spead the good news around. Here's a list of science, conservation, and education charities I love, and instructions on how to donate in our honor if you're so moved.
Please share!
I’m getting married! Want to honor us? Here are some great charities you can donate to.
Some, as they say, personal news: I’m getting married! I’d love to use this happy occassion to spread good news around. To that end, if you’re so inclined to make a donation ̶…
www.southernfriedscience.com
January 23, 2026 at 2:41 PM
Folks, I'm getting married! Next weekend!
I'd love to spead the good news around. Here's a list of science, conservation, and education charities I love, and instructions on how to donate in our honor if you're so moved.
Please share!
I'd love to spead the good news around. Here's a list of science, conservation, and education charities I love, and instructions on how to donate in our honor if you're so moved.
Please share!
That's how you do campaign messaging.
Help us make hope normal again.
Join the Green Party now.
Join the Green Party now.
January 23, 2026 at 2:17 PM
That's how you do campaign messaging.
That's an interesting choice of imagery there JD.
Vance on the economy:
"You don't turn the Titanic around overnight"
"You don't turn the Titanic around overnight"
January 22, 2026 at 10:45 PM
That's an interesting choice of imagery there JD.
We need to start accepting that Trump has changed everything & any solutions to his abuses need to address how the antediluvian period failed in halting the flood.
There is no pre-Trump world to which we can return. That has all been washed away.
And there is no near future that is not defined by him and the cataclysm of his rule.
My latest for @liberalcurrents.com
www.liberalcurrents.com/after-trump-...
And there is no near future that is not defined by him and the cataclysm of his rule.
My latest for @liberalcurrents.com
www.liberalcurrents.com/after-trump-...
After Trump, the Flood
On the ending of things and the need for post-diluvian politics.
www.liberalcurrents.com
January 22, 2026 at 8:00 PM
We need to start accepting that Trump has changed everything & any solutions to his abuses need to address how the antediluvian period failed in halting the flood.
Your regime could also pull back their goons and cease further such ICE operations.
Oh and as the title card says we're talking economy JD, are you going to address that ICE's actions are making food and housing more rather than less expensive?
Oh and as the title card says we're talking economy JD, are you going to address that ICE's actions are making food and housing more rather than less expensive?
January 22, 2026 at 3:41 PM
Your regime could also pull back their goons and cease further such ICE operations.
Oh and as the title card says we're talking economy JD, are you going to address that ICE's actions are making food and housing more rather than less expensive?
Oh and as the title card says we're talking economy JD, are you going to address that ICE's actions are making food and housing more rather than less expensive?
Reposted by Ryan C. Smith
Democratic Leadership will never cut funding for ICE state-sanctioned terrorism without extreme pressure.
That’s why a coalition of creators (w/ a reach of over 20 million followers) & organizers are presenting them with an ultimatum if they don’t whip their caucuses against this DHS funding bill.
That’s why a coalition of creators (w/ a reach of over 20 million followers) & organizers are presenting them with an ultimatum if they don’t whip their caucuses against this DHS funding bill.
January 21, 2026 at 11:37 PM
Democratic Leadership will never cut funding for ICE state-sanctioned terrorism without extreme pressure.
That’s why a coalition of creators (w/ a reach of over 20 million followers) & organizers are presenting them with an ultimatum if they don’t whip their caucuses against this DHS funding bill.
That’s why a coalition of creators (w/ a reach of over 20 million followers) & organizers are presenting them with an ultimatum if they don’t whip their caucuses against this DHS funding bill.
Reposted by Ryan C. Smith
There Is No Bigger Kitchen-Table Issue Than ICE Violence
If Democrats wants to ease the affordability crisis, they’ll campaign on reining in the paramilitary force that’s making everything more expensive.
If Democrats wants to ease the affordability crisis, they’ll campaign on reining in the paramilitary force that’s making everything more expensive.
There Is No Bigger Kitchen-Table Issue Than ICE Violence
If Democrats wants to ease the affordability crisis, they’ll campaign on reining in the paramilitary force that’s making everything more expensive.
newrepublic.com
January 21, 2026 at 4:14 PM
There Is No Bigger Kitchen-Table Issue Than ICE Violence
If Democrats wants to ease the affordability crisis, they’ll campaign on reining in the paramilitary force that’s making everything more expensive.
If Democrats wants to ease the affordability crisis, they’ll campaign on reining in the paramilitary force that’s making everything more expensive.
Reposted by Ryan C. Smith
How to make electrification work?
At WEF26 in Davos, my personal highlight was facilitating “The Rise of Electro States” — a discussion on how countries can build resilient electricity systems for growth, security, and the energy transition.
Watch full recording 👇
www.weforum.org/meetings/wor...
At WEF26 in Davos, my personal highlight was facilitating “The Rise of Electro States” — a discussion on how countries can build resilient electricity systems for growth, security, and the energy transition.
Watch full recording 👇
www.weforum.org/meetings/wor...
Rise of Electro States
Experts discuss how grids, renewables and digital tools must evolve to support electricity use growing at twice the pace of energy demand and keep economies thriving.
www.weforum.org
January 22, 2026 at 1:42 PM
How to make electrification work?
At WEF26 in Davos, my personal highlight was facilitating “The Rise of Electro States” — a discussion on how countries can build resilient electricity systems for growth, security, and the energy transition.
Watch full recording 👇
www.weforum.org/meetings/wor...
At WEF26 in Davos, my personal highlight was facilitating “The Rise of Electro States” — a discussion on how countries can build resilient electricity systems for growth, security, and the energy transition.
Watch full recording 👇
www.weforum.org/meetings/wor...
Reposted by Ryan C. Smith
i don't have any expectations for the budget fight, but we're gonna need to remake the constitution & put a lot of people on trial when we take back power
if you can't cast a mostly symbolic vote because you're scared of looking anti-law enforcement . . . then idk
if you can't cast a mostly symbolic vote because you're scared of looking anti-law enforcement . . . then idk
January 22, 2026 at 1:17 PM
i don't have any expectations for the budget fight, but we're gonna need to remake the constitution & put a lot of people on trial when we take back power
if you can't cast a mostly symbolic vote because you're scared of looking anti-law enforcement . . . then idk
if you can't cast a mostly symbolic vote because you're scared of looking anti-law enforcement . . . then idk
Reposted by Ryan C. Smith
There is no pre-Trump world to which we can return. That has all been washed away.
And there is no near future that is not defined by him and the cataclysm of his rule.
My latest for @liberalcurrents.com
www.liberalcurrents.com/after-trump-...
And there is no near future that is not defined by him and the cataclysm of his rule.
My latest for @liberalcurrents.com
www.liberalcurrents.com/after-trump-...
After Trump, the Flood
On the ending of things and the need for post-diluvian politics.
www.liberalcurrents.com
January 22, 2026 at 10:21 AM
There is no pre-Trump world to which we can return. That has all been washed away.
And there is no near future that is not defined by him and the cataclysm of his rule.
My latest for @liberalcurrents.com
www.liberalcurrents.com/after-trump-...
And there is no near future that is not defined by him and the cataclysm of his rule.
My latest for @liberalcurrents.com
www.liberalcurrents.com/after-trump-...
Reposted by Ryan C. Smith
Kavanaugh home invasions
Kavanaugh kiddie detentions
Kavanaugh pepper spray torture
Kavanaugh kiddie detentions
Kavanaugh pepper spray torture
January 22, 2026 at 12:47 AM
Kavanaugh home invasions
Kavanaugh kiddie detentions
Kavanaugh pepper spray torture
Kavanaugh kiddie detentions
Kavanaugh pepper spray torture
Reposted by Ryan C. Smith
We did it - we hit 40% of our goal, over $200,000. Thank you so much everyone. The outpouring of support and the kind words have been truly overwhelming. We're going to work hard to earn to trust you've shown in us. Big things ahead in 2026. Thank you all.
January 21, 2026 at 3:54 AM
We did it - we hit 40% of our goal, over $200,000. Thank you so much everyone. The outpouring of support and the kind words have been truly overwhelming. We're going to work hard to earn to trust you've shown in us. Big things ahead in 2026. Thank you all.
Reposted by Ryan C. Smith
"The oligarchs aligned behind Trump are likely the softest and ripest target for an EU self-defense effort." prospect.org/2026/01/21/t...
How the Free World Can Fight Mad King Trump - The American Prospect
The worst president in American history wants to conquer Greenland.
prospect.org
January 21, 2026 at 7:33 PM
"The oligarchs aligned behind Trump are likely the softest and ripest target for an EU self-defense effort." prospect.org/2026/01/21/t...
Reposted by Ryan C. Smith
My thoughts on how ICE is a kitchen table, cost of living issue and how they're making everyone's lives worse.
Not only are ICE’s operations hiking up everyone’s grocery bills, they're also (contrary to administration claims) making the housing crisis worse.
If Dems wants to ease the affordability crisis, they’ll campaign on reining in the paramilitary force making everything more expensive. trib.al/1pXUyyq
If Dems wants to ease the affordability crisis, they’ll campaign on reining in the paramilitary force making everything more expensive. trib.al/1pXUyyq
There Is No Bigger Kitchen-Table Issue Than ICE Violence
If Democrats wants to ease the affordability crisis, they’ll campaign on reining in the paramilitary force making everything more expensive.
trib.al
January 21, 2026 at 5:09 PM
My thoughts on how ICE is a kitchen table, cost of living issue and how they're making everyone's lives worse.