Robert Frederick
@robertfrederick.co
Science 🧪 Journalism Reporter / Editor / Producer / Podcaster / Videographer / Manager. Teach journalism+podcasting online for Harvard. Nieman Fellow & AAAS Mass Media Fellow. https://sustainlab.substack.com/
The highest hotel tax rate in the U.S. is in a special district in Omaha, Nebraska, at 20.5%.
Hawaii just raised its hotel tax rate 0.75%, making it's tax rate nearly 19%.
So why is Hawaii's new rate being challenged in court?
The additional 0.75% also applies to cruise ships.
Hawaii just raised its hotel tax rate 0.75%, making it's tax rate nearly 19%.
So why is Hawaii's new rate being challenged in court?
The additional 0.75% also applies to cruise ships.
Making Luxuries More Expensive
Hawaii's new "Green Fees" attempt to charge tourists for climate change damage. The resulting controversy signals markets themselves appear incapable of self-correcting on sustainability measures.
sustainlab.substack.com
January 8, 2026 at 9:50 PM
The highest hotel tax rate in the U.S. is in a special district in Omaha, Nebraska, at 20.5%.
Hawaii just raised its hotel tax rate 0.75%, making it's tax rate nearly 19%.
So why is Hawaii's new rate being challenged in court?
The additional 0.75% also applies to cruise ships.
Hawaii just raised its hotel tax rate 0.75%, making it's tax rate nearly 19%.
So why is Hawaii's new rate being challenged in court?
The additional 0.75% also applies to cruise ships.
This was way back on November 2, 2025.
Where will it end?
What is the “Index of American Democracy” now, @nytimes.com Editorial Board?
Where will it end?
What is the “Index of American Democracy” now, @nytimes.com Editorial Board?
January 7, 2026 at 3:37 AM
This was way back on November 2, 2025.
Where will it end?
What is the “Index of American Democracy” now, @nytimes.com Editorial Board?
Where will it end?
What is the “Index of American Democracy” now, @nytimes.com Editorial Board?
“What did the oil companies know, and when?”
Trump: "We're going to have our very large United States oil companies go in, spend billions of dollars, fix the badly broken infrastructure and start making money for the country. And we are ready to stage a second and much larger attack if we need to do so."
January 3, 2026 at 5:53 PM
“What did the oil companies know, and when?”
This year, @science.org broke with tradition to highlight a non-scientific achievement as its 2025 "Breakthrough of the Year."
It's an achievement that, as News Editor Tim Appenzeller put it, is "going to have a lot of consequences for society as a whole."
Our reliance on fossil fuels won’t last.
It's an achievement that, as News Editor Tim Appenzeller put it, is "going to have a lot of consequences for society as a whole."
Our reliance on fossil fuels won’t last.
Delivering Information for the Price of Data Collection
A quarter through the 21st Century: renewable energy's tipping point?
sustainlab.substack.com
January 1, 2026 at 10:17 PM
This year, @science.org broke with tradition to highlight a non-scientific achievement as its 2025 "Breakthrough of the Year."
It's an achievement that, as News Editor Tim Appenzeller put it, is "going to have a lot of consequences for society as a whole."
Our reliance on fossil fuels won’t last.
It's an achievement that, as News Editor Tim Appenzeller put it, is "going to have a lot of consequences for society as a whole."
Our reliance on fossil fuels won’t last.
“Imagine a lifetime of CO2-induced #headaches, not only for yourself but for your children and grandchildren, too. Would such a future humanity even want to #procreate?”
It’s possible if we burn all our planet’s #FossilFuels.
Once CO2 is added to the atmosphere it stays for hundreds of years.
It’s possible if we burn all our planet’s #FossilFuels.
Once CO2 is added to the atmosphere it stays for hundreds of years.
"Given that we must get off fossil fuels anyway and that virtually all scientists agree that dramatically increasing atmospheric and oceanic carbon levels is insane, the faster we achieve sustainability, the better."
-- Elon Musk, 2016
There are so many good arguments for #sustainability.
-- Elon Musk, 2016
There are so many good arguments for #sustainability.
Sustainable Abundance
No billionaires, you can't always get what you want: Good arguments about sustainability live on even if the people who made them change their minds.
sustainlab.substack.com
December 31, 2025 at 2:28 PM
“Imagine a lifetime of CO2-induced #headaches, not only for yourself but for your children and grandchildren, too. Would such a future humanity even want to #procreate?”
It’s possible if we burn all our planet’s #FossilFuels.
Once CO2 is added to the atmosphere it stays for hundreds of years.
It’s possible if we burn all our planet’s #FossilFuels.
Once CO2 is added to the atmosphere it stays for hundreds of years.
"Given that we must get off fossil fuels anyway and that virtually all scientists agree that dramatically increasing atmospheric and oceanic carbon levels is insane, the faster we achieve sustainability, the better."
-- Elon Musk, 2016
There are so many good arguments for #sustainability.
-- Elon Musk, 2016
There are so many good arguments for #sustainability.
Sustainable Abundance
No billionaires, you can't always get what you want: Good arguments about sustainability live on even if the people who made them change their minds.
sustainlab.substack.com
December 27, 2025 at 9:35 PM
"Given that we must get off fossil fuels anyway and that virtually all scientists agree that dramatically increasing atmospheric and oceanic carbon levels is insane, the faster we achieve sustainability, the better."
-- Elon Musk, 2016
There are so many good arguments for #sustainability.
-- Elon Musk, 2016
There are so many good arguments for #sustainability.
Yesterday, the latest survey results collectively titled “Climate Change in the American Mind” showed the disconnect between how Americans—depending on political party—view climate change’s importance.
It’s a reminder of how direct-to-consumer information-sharing has splintered journalism.
It’s a reminder of how direct-to-consumer information-sharing has splintered journalism.
Manufacturing Consent Without Journalism
Beyond the mere reporting of "news," sustaining journalism means employing real intelligence that is simultaneously informative, entertaining, and moves people to action.
sustainlab.substack.com
December 19, 2025 at 1:23 AM
Yesterday, the latest survey results collectively titled “Climate Change in the American Mind” showed the disconnect between how Americans—depending on political party—view climate change’s importance.
It’s a reminder of how direct-to-consumer information-sharing has splintered journalism.
It’s a reminder of how direct-to-consumer information-sharing has splintered journalism.
Whether you live in a megacity, a rural village, or anywhere in between, you can contribute meaningfully to more sustainable development.
The United Nations is calling for more volunteers.
Is there a way to make volunteerism itself more sustainable? To encourage more of us to be/become helpers?
The United Nations is calling for more volunteers.
Is there a way to make volunteerism itself more sustainable? To encourage more of us to be/become helpers?
Becoming One of The Helpers
Will 2026 be your year to become a helper for more sustainable development? The United Nations is hoping for more volunteers.
sustainlab.substack.com
December 10, 2025 at 6:28 PM
Whether you live in a megacity, a rural village, or anywhere in between, you can contribute meaningfully to more sustainable development.
The United Nations is calling for more volunteers.
Is there a way to make volunteerism itself more sustainable? To encourage more of us to be/become helpers?
The United Nations is calling for more volunteers.
Is there a way to make volunteerism itself more sustainable? To encourage more of us to be/become helpers?
As the news today includes reports about rolling back U.S. federal Corporate Average Fuel Economy rules, or "CAFE standards," a reminder that the justification for the policy change appears to have been "made up" by A.I..
sustainlab.substack.com/p/policy-inf...
sustainlab.substack.com/p/policy-inf...
December 3, 2025 at 10:06 PM
As the news today includes reports about rolling back U.S. federal Corporate Average Fuel Economy rules, or "CAFE standards," a reminder that the justification for the policy change appears to have been "made up" by A.I..
sustainlab.substack.com/p/policy-inf...
sustainlab.substack.com/p/policy-inf...
Three years ago, on 30 November 2022, America’s largest homebuilder, D.R. Horton, made a request of the small town of Jamestown, North Carolina.
What unfolded in the weeks to follow revealed not only a lack of transparency, but deception and disregard for good governance.
Read more in SustainLab.
What unfolded in the weeks to follow revealed not only a lack of transparency, but deception and disregard for good governance.
Read more in SustainLab.
Under Pressure from a Billion-Dollar Company
Residents in a small town in North Carolina used the ballot box to take the first step in revisiting a bad development deal. The next step is up to those who were elected.
sustainlab.substack.com
December 1, 2025 at 4:22 AM
Three years ago, on 30 November 2022, America’s largest homebuilder, D.R. Horton, made a request of the small town of Jamestown, North Carolina.
What unfolded in the weeks to follow revealed not only a lack of transparency, but deception and disregard for good governance.
Read more in SustainLab.
What unfolded in the weeks to follow revealed not only a lack of transparency, but deception and disregard for good governance.
Read more in SustainLab.
Singapore may be the first country to explicitly charge customers for the increased costs of procuring More Sustainable Aviation Fuel.
But it almost certainly won’t be the last.
sustainlab.substack.com/p/up-in-the-...
But it almost certainly won’t be the last.
sustainlab.substack.com/p/up-in-the-...
Up In The Air
Making air travel more sustainable means more expense. A new effort explicitly shifts who pays.
sustainlab.substack.com
November 21, 2025 at 5:08 PM
Singapore may be the first country to explicitly charge customers for the increased costs of procuring More Sustainable Aviation Fuel.
But it almost certainly won’t be the last.
sustainlab.substack.com/p/up-in-the-...
But it almost certainly won’t be the last.
sustainlab.substack.com/p/up-in-the-...
It's #COP30 (this week and next), and world leaders have another opportunity to negotiate agreements to address, among other things, “thirsty” and “gassy” A.I. use.
My latest on SustainLab -- informed by a scientific briefing at #SciWri25 hosted by @sciencewriters.org + @sciencewriting.bsky.social
My latest on SustainLab -- informed by a scientific briefing at #SciWri25 hosted by @sciencewriters.org + @sciencewriting.bsky.social
Thirsty and Gassy
A.I. has serious energy–water–climate implications. But without a uniform way to quantify A.I. energy-water use, it's hard to distinguish breakthroughs from greenwashing.
sustainlab.substack.com
November 13, 2025 at 2:16 AM
It's #COP30 (this week and next), and world leaders have another opportunity to negotiate agreements to address, among other things, “thirsty” and “gassy” A.I. use.
My latest on SustainLab -- informed by a scientific briefing at #SciWri25 hosted by @sciencewriters.org + @sciencewriting.bsky.social
My latest on SustainLab -- informed by a scientific briefing at #SciWri25 hosted by @sciencewriters.org + @sciencewriting.bsky.social
Will a thorough listing of nature’s data and a complete understanding of A.I.’s proposed solutions to sustainability...
...persuade the world’s fossil fuel companies to go along with policies that phase out their industry?
My latest for SustainLab
sustainlab.substack.com/p/the-ai-sus... #COP30
...persuade the world’s fossil fuel companies to go along with policies that phase out their industry?
My latest for SustainLab
sustainlab.substack.com/p/the-ai-sus... #COP30
The A.I. Sustainability Paradox
As the world prepares for next week's United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) "the folly of technological solutionism" is on the rise again
sustainlab.substack.com
November 5, 2025 at 6:05 PM
Will a thorough listing of nature’s data and a complete understanding of A.I.’s proposed solutions to sustainability...
...persuade the world’s fossil fuel companies to go along with policies that phase out their industry?
My latest for SustainLab
sustainlab.substack.com/p/the-ai-sus... #COP30
...persuade the world’s fossil fuel companies to go along with policies that phase out their industry?
My latest for SustainLab
sustainlab.substack.com/p/the-ai-sus... #COP30
If I were in a Signal chat with Secretary Pete Hegseth, I’d point out “circumstances to decline acceptance”
comptroller.war.gov/Portals/45/d...
Even the “appearance of integrity” being compromised is reason to decline.
Also see 5.2.5.3. regarding present or prospective business with DoD.
comptroller.war.gov/Portals/45/d...
Even the “appearance of integrity” being compromised is reason to decline.
Also see 5.2.5.3. regarding present or prospective business with DoD.
October 25, 2025 at 8:51 PM
If I were in a Signal chat with Secretary Pete Hegseth, I’d point out “circumstances to decline acceptance”
comptroller.war.gov/Portals/45/d...
Even the “appearance of integrity” being compromised is reason to decline.
Also see 5.2.5.3. regarding present or prospective business with DoD.
comptroller.war.gov/Portals/45/d...
Even the “appearance of integrity” being compromised is reason to decline.
Also see 5.2.5.3. regarding present or prospective business with DoD.
On this day twenty years ago, Walmart CEO Lee Scott gave his first livecast speech to every one of his company’s stores, clubs, and distribution centers.
It reads like a conversion narrative.
My latest for SustainLab.
It reads like a conversion narrative.
My latest for SustainLab.
"We should view the environment as [Hurricane] Katrina in slow motion"
It's been 20 years since the CEO of one of the world's largest companies said to its 60,000-plus suppliers "If it has to be thrown away, we don’t want it."
sustainlab.substack.com
October 24, 2025 at 3:32 AM
On this day twenty years ago, Walmart CEO Lee Scott gave his first livecast speech to every one of his company’s stores, clubs, and distribution centers.
It reads like a conversion narrative.
My latest for SustainLab.
It reads like a conversion narrative.
My latest for SustainLab.
Posting AI-generated videos gets attention.
Using AI to make up policy justifications? Not so much.
Which is going to have a bigger effect on American society?
Journalism is having a (long) moment: We're trying to figure out how to do important work in a way that is financially sustainable.
Using AI to make up policy justifications? Not so much.
Which is going to have a bigger effect on American society?
Journalism is having a (long) moment: We're trying to figure out how to do important work in a way that is financially sustainable.
October 23, 2025 at 2:55 PM
Posting AI-generated videos gets attention.
Using AI to make up policy justifications? Not so much.
Which is going to have a bigger effect on American society?
Journalism is having a (long) moment: We're trying to figure out how to do important work in a way that is financially sustainable.
Using AI to make up policy justifications? Not so much.
Which is going to have a bigger effect on American society?
Journalism is having a (long) moment: We're trying to figure out how to do important work in a way that is financially sustainable.
When your Substack is ahead of coverage from The New York Times, something must be going... right?
(It's because I don't have to get a fact-checker, editor, or publisher involved... I do it all myself at this point.)
(It's because I don't have to get a fact-checker, editor, or publisher involved... I do it all myself at this point.)
October 17, 2025 at 3:21 PM
When your Substack is ahead of coverage from The New York Times, something must be going... right?
(It's because I don't have to get a fact-checker, editor, or publisher involved... I do it all myself at this point.)
(It's because I don't have to get a fact-checker, editor, or publisher involved... I do it all myself at this point.)
Tomorrow, the International Maritime Organization, a specialized agency of the #UN, will vote whether to implement the world’s first global tax on fossil-fuel emissions -- those emitted by large ships.
Markets may respond immediately.
But it will be years before any actual taxes are levied.
Markets may respond immediately.
But it will be years before any actual taxes are levied.
Taxing Carbon Emissions Globally
The world's first global emissions tax is coming.
sustainlab.substack.com
October 16, 2025 at 9:21 PM
Tomorrow, the International Maritime Organization, a specialized agency of the #UN, will vote whether to implement the world’s first global tax on fossil-fuel emissions -- those emitted by large ships.
Markets may respond immediately.
But it will be years before any actual taxes are levied.
Markets may respond immediately.
But it will be years before any actual taxes are levied.
Reposted by Robert Frederick
Journalist here
I’m interested in talking to a federal agency scientist who was fired, then rehired. I can keep you anonymous. I’m on Signal ginnyg.04
Reposts are appreciated!
I’m interested in talking to a federal agency scientist who was fired, then rehired. I can keep you anonymous. I’m on Signal ginnyg.04
Reposts are appreciated!
October 11, 2025 at 12:22 AM
Journalist here
I’m interested in talking to a federal agency scientist who was fired, then rehired. I can keep you anonymous. I’m on Signal ginnyg.04
Reposts are appreciated!
I’m interested in talking to a federal agency scientist who was fired, then rehired. I can keep you anonymous. I’m on Signal ginnyg.04
Reposts are appreciated!
We journalists and science communicators need to think differently about informing people regarding slow-moving existential threats such as #ClimateChange.
I think our work needs to be #local and #actionable.
My latest for SustainLab. (Image is from Netflix's satire "Don't Look Up")
I think our work needs to be #local and #actionable.
My latest for SustainLab. (Image is from Netflix's satire "Don't Look Up")
Covering Sustainability
Meeting the needs of an emerging science-focused beat and making its coverage more sustainable
sustainlab.substack.com
October 8, 2025 at 5:39 PM
We journalists and science communicators need to think differently about informing people regarding slow-moving existential threats such as #ClimateChange.
I think our work needs to be #local and #actionable.
My latest for SustainLab. (Image is from Netflix's satire "Don't Look Up")
I think our work needs to be #local and #actionable.
My latest for SustainLab. (Image is from Netflix's satire "Don't Look Up")
I just voted in my local, non-partisan, primary.
But voting is not enough.
"If you ‘think globally,’ it is overwhelming and you do not have enough energy left to ‘act locally.’ Just act locally and see what a difference you can make!"
— Dr. Jane Goodall, may she rest in peace
But voting is not enough.
"If you ‘think globally,’ it is overwhelming and you do not have enough energy left to ‘act locally.’ Just act locally and see what a difference you can make!"
— Dr. Jane Goodall, may she rest in peace
October 7, 2025 at 6:50 PM
I just voted in my local, non-partisan, primary.
But voting is not enough.
"If you ‘think globally,’ it is overwhelming and you do not have enough energy left to ‘act locally.’ Just act locally and see what a difference you can make!"
— Dr. Jane Goodall, may she rest in peace
But voting is not enough.
"If you ‘think globally,’ it is overwhelming and you do not have enough energy left to ‘act locally.’ Just act locally and see what a difference you can make!"
— Dr. Jane Goodall, may she rest in peace
Have you considered hosting your own ClimateWeek, or some version of it suitable to your community?
My latest for SustainLab:
sustainlab.substack.com/p/your-commu...
My latest for SustainLab:
sustainlab.substack.com/p/your-commu...
Your Community's ClimateWeek
When is yours? Can your community keep it going all year?
sustainlab.substack.com
September 30, 2025 at 9:33 PM
Have you considered hosting your own ClimateWeek, or some version of it suitable to your community?
My latest for SustainLab:
sustainlab.substack.com/p/your-commu...
My latest for SustainLab:
sustainlab.substack.com/p/your-commu...
When it comes to #ClimateChange actions, do you know, simply, "where to begin"?
My latest for SustainLab -- simple poll included.
My latest for SustainLab -- simple poll included.
A Turning Point for Sustainability
Knowing where to begin is not as important as beginning.
sustainlab.substack.com
September 23, 2025 at 10:16 PM
When it comes to #ClimateChange actions, do you know, simply, "where to begin"?
My latest for SustainLab -- simple poll included.
My latest for SustainLab -- simple poll included.
Reposted by Robert Frederick
National Academies is releasing their fast-tracked review of the science of the endangerment finding in about 1 hour, with a webcast in about 2 hours.
www.nationalacademies.org/event/45701_...
www.nationalacademies.org/event/45701_...
September 17, 2025 at 2:48 PM
National Academies is releasing their fast-tracked review of the science of the endangerment finding in about 1 hour, with a webcast in about 2 hours.
www.nationalacademies.org/event/45701_...
www.nationalacademies.org/event/45701_...
In an uncertain world of dangers and perils, we are compelled to seek certainty and safety.
So how do we move beyond the easy binary choices -- e.g., fight or flight -- and take a pragmatic approach to DO SOMETHING?
Thinking in terms of a spectrum of "more or less."
My latest for SustainLab. 🧪
So how do we move beyond the easy binary choices -- e.g., fight or flight -- and take a pragmatic approach to DO SOMETHING?
Thinking in terms of a spectrum of "more or less."
My latest for SustainLab. 🧪
Can "More or Less" Thinking Save Our Future?
Move beyond binary choices of "sustainable or not" to take a pragmatic approach to Do Something.
sustainlab.substack.com
September 17, 2025 at 3:18 AM
In an uncertain world of dangers and perils, we are compelled to seek certainty and safety.
So how do we move beyond the easy binary choices -- e.g., fight or flight -- and take a pragmatic approach to DO SOMETHING?
Thinking in terms of a spectrum of "more or less."
My latest for SustainLab. 🧪
So how do we move beyond the easy binary choices -- e.g., fight or flight -- and take a pragmatic approach to DO SOMETHING?
Thinking in terms of a spectrum of "more or less."
My latest for SustainLab. 🧪