Tom Newby
@tomnewby.co.uk
Structural engineer. Stadium design. Emergency shelter specialist & ex-humanitarian aidworker. Interested in good people-centred design, equity & (climate) justice.
Pinned
Tom Newby
@tomnewby.co.uk
· Oct 6
Built Environment starter pack, now with new accounts added, including @barnabascalder.bsky.social
go.bsky.app/KfrbNPF
go.bsky.app/KfrbNPF
Reposted by Tom Newby
Historically, we've focused a lot on the brutal actions of authoritarian regimes, and today is no different.
Using imagery online of the shooting by an ICE agent in Minneapolis, we’ve created an animated sequence which highlights the approximate positioning of officers and vehicles at the scene. The red dot represents the agent who fired the shots. Yellow dots are other agents who arrived at the scene.
January 7, 2026 at 11:07 PM
Historically, we've focused a lot on the brutal actions of authoritarian regimes, and today is no different.
Reposted by Tom Newby
The administration is going to declare Bellingcat a terrorist organization before the year is out
January 8, 2026 at 3:19 AM
The administration is going to declare Bellingcat a terrorist organization before the year is out
Reposted by Tom Newby
When potential supply is expensive they seek subsidies rather than not extracting. When governments are unstable, they lobby, influence and become political players. When demand isn't high enough they manufacture by killing policies, encouraging wasteful industries (SUVs, GenAI, single-use plastics)
January 7, 2026 at 10:55 AM
When potential supply is expensive they seek subsidies rather than not extracting. When governments are unstable, they lobby, influence and become political players. When demand isn't high enough they manufacture by killing policies, encouraging wasteful industries (SUVs, GenAI, single-use plastics)
Reposted by Tom Newby
there are just so many posts from oil industry guys babbling about bbls and I really think the context of the fact they're basically just the asbestos of energy has been forgotten
January 7, 2026 at 10:54 AM
there are just so many posts from oil industry guys babbling about bbls and I really think the context of the fact they're basically just the asbestos of energy has been forgotten
Reposted by Tom Newby
Despite the fact that the world is clearly oversupplied for oil in the coming years, it hasn't put a single dent in enthusiasm for accelerated expansion of new oil projects
The idea that this industry operates on a rational or logical basis is itself irrational...
productiongap.org/2025report/#...
The idea that this industry operates on a rational or logical basis is itself irrational...
productiongap.org/2025report/#...
January 7, 2026 at 10:48 AM
Despite the fact that the world is clearly oversupplied for oil in the coming years, it hasn't put a single dent in enthusiasm for accelerated expansion of new oil projects
The idea that this industry operates on a rational or logical basis is itself irrational...
productiongap.org/2025report/#...
The idea that this industry operates on a rational or logical basis is itself irrational...
productiongap.org/2025report/#...
Reposted by Tom Newby
Did anyone snap the Foster/Holcim Essential Homes prototype at the Venice Biennale 2023? If so might I be able to use your photo for an article? I'm not getting replies to my request for permission.
January 5, 2026 at 2:03 PM
Did anyone snap the Foster/Holcim Essential Homes prototype at the Venice Biennale 2023? If so might I be able to use your photo for an article? I'm not getting replies to my request for permission.
This is a move in the right direction.
EU’s new ‘green tariff’ rules on high-carbon goods come into force
The ‘border adjustment mechanism’ aims to create a level playing field while also encouraging decarbonisation
www.theguardian.com
January 5, 2026 at 5:21 PM
This is a move in the right direction.
Reposted by Tom Newby
For many of those seeking asylum a mobile phone isn't just a lifeline to keep in contact with loved ones, it's an essential resource in accessing information and resources. State mandated theft is another example of Labour's dehumanisation of people seeking safety
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
UK’s plans to seize asylum seekers’ phones condemned by campaigners
People who are sent to Manston processing centre will be eligible for searches for electronic devices from Monday
www.theguardian.com
January 5, 2026 at 7:32 AM
For many of those seeking asylum a mobile phone isn't just a lifeline to keep in contact with loved ones, it's an essential resource in accessing information and resources. State mandated theft is another example of Labour's dehumanisation of people seeking safety
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
Reposted by Tom Newby
Interesting as some of you know De Villepin best for his long tirade at the UNSC against the Iraq war (that angered US so much there was a brief stint of ordering “freedom fries”). He states Macron’s reaction was “blind, ignorant, and irresponsible” when it comes to the future of France and the EU
🔴 Attaque américaine au #Venezuela : pour Dominique de Villepin, «la réaction d’Emmanuel Macron est aveugle, inconsciente des réalités, irresponsable en ce qui concerne l’avenir de notre pays et de l’Europe»
➡️ bit.ly/4sqCjCj
➡️ bit.ly/4sqCjCj
January 4, 2026 at 8:11 PM
Interesting as some of you know De Villepin best for his long tirade at the UNSC against the Iraq war (that angered US so much there was a brief stint of ordering “freedom fries”). He states Macron’s reaction was “blind, ignorant, and irresponsible” when it comes to the future of France and the EU
Reposted by Tom Newby
Worth noting that the Rubio/Miller administration's plans for Venezuela are entirely dependent now on the regime and opposition not fracturing into rival factions willing to use armed violence to destroy their rivals
January 4, 2026 at 4:18 PM
Worth noting that the Rubio/Miller administration's plans for Venezuela are entirely dependent now on the regime and opposition not fracturing into rival factions willing to use armed violence to destroy their rivals
Look Starmer, EU leaders. This is how you do it.
January 4, 2026 at 4:25 PM
Look Starmer, EU leaders. This is how you do it.
A good summary of the US's many "interventions" in Latin America.
They don't end well. Though the last one (in this list) was 1989, countries like Haiti are still suffering from these imperial aggressions.
They don't end well. Though the last one (in this list) was 1989, countries like Haiti are still suffering from these imperial aggressions.
‘Naked imperialism’: how Trump intervention in Venezuela is a return to form for the US
Most of the Americas have suffered from interference from their powerful northern neighbour – and are usually the worse off for it
www.theguardian.com
January 4, 2026 at 10:24 AM
A good summary of the US's many "interventions" in Latin America.
They don't end well. Though the last one (in this list) was 1989, countries like Haiti are still suffering from these imperial aggressions.
They don't end well. Though the last one (in this list) was 1989, countries like Haiti are still suffering from these imperial aggressions.
Reposted by Tom Newby
Reposted by Tom Newby
The thing about being a "lifelong advocate of international law" is you have to have the courage to speak up when it’s broken
January 3, 2026 at 9:33 PM
The thing about being a "lifelong advocate of international law" is you have to have the courage to speak up when it’s broken
Reposted by Tom Newby
Wrote a thing:
The carnage associated with fossil fuel is why speeding the transition to renewables is good for international stability as well as everything else. Fossil fuel is inseparable from violence, and dependence on it it has created a brutal world order....
The carnage associated with fossil fuel is why speeding the transition to renewables is good for international stability as well as everything else. Fossil fuel is inseparable from violence, and dependence on it it has created a brutal world order....
Five Facets of the Attack on Venezuela by the Rogue Nation the US Has Become
1
They are saying it baldly: this is an oil grab. There is a history of oil grabs going back to British imperialism in the middle east in the late nineteenth century and murders of Osage Nation triba...
www.meditationsinanemergency.com
January 3, 2026 at 8:28 PM
Wrote a thing:
The carnage associated with fossil fuel is why speeding the transition to renewables is good for international stability as well as everything else. Fossil fuel is inseparable from violence, and dependence on it it has created a brutal world order....
The carnage associated with fossil fuel is why speeding the transition to renewables is good for international stability as well as everything else. Fossil fuel is inseparable from violence, and dependence on it it has created a brutal world order....
Tents are not suitable accommodation at all; the only reason more durable and dignified shelter can't be provided is the Israeli prevention of suitable aid materials.
If tents must be used, they should at the very least meet well established standards.
www.theguardian.com/world/2026/j...
If tents must be used, they should at the very least meet well established standards.
www.theguardian.com/world/2026/j...
Tents supplied to displaced Palestinians ‘inadequate for Gaza winter’
Thousands have blown down in storms and tents from China, Egypt and Saudi Arabia found to be not waterproof
www.theguardian.com
January 3, 2026 at 12:11 PM
Tents are not suitable accommodation at all; the only reason more durable and dignified shelter can't be provided is the Israeli prevention of suitable aid materials.
If tents must be used, they should at the very least meet well established standards.
www.theguardian.com/world/2026/j...
If tents must be used, they should at the very least meet well established standards.
www.theguardian.com/world/2026/j...
Reposted by Tom Newby
Plausible worst case scenario with Venezuela in four steps:
1. Rubio and Venezuelan exiles sell the idea of decapitation strikes against Maduro to Trump as the one big thing that solves Venezuela, cartels and Cuba for the US.
1. Rubio and Venezuelan exiles sell the idea of decapitation strikes against Maduro to Trump as the one big thing that solves Venezuela, cartels and Cuba for the US.
November 24, 2025 at 10:18 PM
Plausible worst case scenario with Venezuela in four steps:
1. Rubio and Venezuelan exiles sell the idea of decapitation strikes against Maduro to Trump as the one big thing that solves Venezuela, cartels and Cuba for the US.
1. Rubio and Venezuelan exiles sell the idea of decapitation strikes against Maduro to Trump as the one big thing that solves Venezuela, cartels and Cuba for the US.
Reposted by Tom Newby
Anyone interested in EU defence and security might right now want to take a look at Dutch defence and security commitments to Curacao and other islands linked to the Netherlands just off the coast of Venezuela
January 3, 2026 at 11:32 AM
Anyone interested in EU defence and security might right now want to take a look at Dutch defence and security commitments to Curacao and other islands linked to the Netherlands just off the coast of Venezuela
Woefully inadequate response
I have spoken with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and our Ambassador in Caracas. The EU is closely monitoring the situation in Venezuela.
The EU has repeatedly stated that Mr Maduro lacks legitimacy and has defended a peaceful transition. (1/2)
The EU has repeatedly stated that Mr Maduro lacks legitimacy and has defended a peaceful transition. (1/2)
January 3, 2026 at 11:38 AM
Woefully inadequate response
Reposted by Tom Newby
The thing is that once USA is attacking a sovereign country without a reason, as Russia, there is very little to keep China from escalating the situation with Taiwan. Also, this is the most embarrasing double-standard talk ever: www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/1/...
US says Chinese military drills around Taiwan cause unnecessary tensions
US recently approved $11bn arms package for Taiwan, which condemned 'provocative' Chinese military drills.
www.aljazeera.com
January 3, 2026 at 8:51 AM
The thing is that once USA is attacking a sovereign country without a reason, as Russia, there is very little to keep China from escalating the situation with Taiwan. Also, this is the most embarrasing double-standard talk ever: www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/1/...
Reposted by Tom Newby
Unconstitutional. Illegal. Impeachable.
#BBCNews live page: www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c5...
Trump orders strikes on Caracas, officials tell CBS, as Venezuela declares national emergency
Trump orders strikes on Caracas, officials tell CBS, as Venezuela declares national emergency
Trump orders strikes on Caracas, officials tell CBS, as Venezuela declares national emergency - latest
Venezuela's government says it rejects
www.bbc.co.uk
January 3, 2026 at 9:22 AM
Unconstitutional. Illegal. Impeachable.
Reposted by Tom Newby
Reposted by Tom Newby
FIFA peace prize in action
JUST IN: Trump says the U.S. has captured Maduro and his wife and flown them out of the country.
January 3, 2026 at 9:36 AM
FIFA peace prize in action
Reposted by Tom Newby
And now, kidnapping, too?
www.theguardian.com/world/live/2...
www.theguardian.com/world/live/2...
Venezuelan president Maduro captured and flown out of country following ‘large scale’ US attack, Trump says – live
US president says: ‘the United States of America has successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela’
www.theguardian.com
January 3, 2026 at 9:37 AM
And now, kidnapping, too?
www.theguardian.com/world/live/2...
www.theguardian.com/world/live/2...