Ana C. Afonso Silva
@acafonsosilva.bsky.social
Currently a data analyst for @beyondfossilfuels.bsky.social. Used to be an evolutionary biologist who worked in skinks phylogeography, micro-macro in mammals and ants speciation genomics
Reposted by Ana C. Afonso Silva
Excited to share our new paper where we find that the rise, decline and fall of clades is not explained by the usual suspects (diversity-dependence, ecological opportunities) but rather by species' insidious loss of macroevolutionary fitness: www.nature.com/articles/s41... 1/3
Loss of macroevolutionary species fitness explains the rise and fall of clades - Nature Ecology & Evolution
The interplay between speciation and extinction rates shapes clade diversity dynamics. Using a novel phylogenetic model that includes living and fossil lineages, the authors estimate speciation and ex...
www.nature.com
October 17, 2025 at 9:12 AM
Excited to share our new paper where we find that the rise, decline and fall of clades is not explained by the usual suspects (diversity-dependence, ecological opportunities) but rather by species' insidious loss of macroevolutionary fitness: www.nature.com/articles/s41... 1/3
Reposted by Ana C. Afonso Silva
Spatial planning & Renewable Acceleration areas can be the game changer for the EU’s energy transition ⚡
So how are Member States doing in implementing these measures? 🤔
Take a look at our progress tracker below and find the facts behind the stats in our new report 👇
caneurope.org/spatial-plan...
So how are Member States doing in implementing these measures? 🤔
Take a look at our progress tracker below and find the facts behind the stats in our new report 👇
caneurope.org/spatial-plan...
October 1, 2025 at 7:22 AM
Spatial planning & Renewable Acceleration areas can be the game changer for the EU’s energy transition ⚡
So how are Member States doing in implementing these measures? 🤔
Take a look at our progress tracker below and find the facts behind the stats in our new report 👇
caneurope.org/spatial-plan...
So how are Member States doing in implementing these measures? 🤔
Take a look at our progress tracker below and find the facts behind the stats in our new report 👇
caneurope.org/spatial-plan...
Reposted by Ana C. Afonso Silva
This year we've been really swinging for the fences.
Our latest video is our biggest one yet, nearly an hour long and involving half a dozen experts.
Asking "Should lying about climate change be illegal?" and, if so, how do we make it so?
youtu.be/FKtCuwfUCJg
Our latest video is our biggest one yet, nearly an hour long and involving half a dozen experts.
Asking "Should lying about climate change be illegal?" and, if so, how do we make it so?
youtu.be/FKtCuwfUCJg
Should lying about climate change be illegal?
YouTube video by Simon Clark
youtu.be
September 24, 2025 at 4:14 PM
This year we've been really swinging for the fences.
Our latest video is our biggest one yet, nearly an hour long and involving half a dozen experts.
Asking "Should lying about climate change be illegal?" and, if so, how do we make it so?
youtu.be/FKtCuwfUCJg
Our latest video is our biggest one yet, nearly an hour long and involving half a dozen experts.
Asking "Should lying about climate change be illegal?" and, if so, how do we make it so?
youtu.be/FKtCuwfUCJg
Reposted by Ana C. Afonso Silva
Hybridization and introgression are major evolutionary processes. Since the 1940s, the prevailing view has been that they shape plants far more than animals. In our new study (www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
), we find the opposite: animals exchange genes more, and for longer, than plants
), we find the opposite: animals exchange genes more, and for longer, than plants
September 12, 2025 at 7:55 AM
Hybridization and introgression are major evolutionary processes. Since the 1940s, the prevailing view has been that they shape plants far more than animals. In our new study (www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
), we find the opposite: animals exchange genes more, and for longer, than plants
), we find the opposite: animals exchange genes more, and for longer, than plants
Reposted by Ana C. Afonso Silva
Yes, at German discount supermarkets, you can purchase a do-it-yourself 'Balkonsolar' system and battery. Simply plug it in and you're ready to go.
However, Aldi Australia offers complete systems: 6 kW solar, a 5.5 kW inverter and a 10 kWh LFP battery, fully installed for AU$7,000 (€4,000)!
However, Aldi Australia offers complete systems: 6 kW solar, a 5.5 kW inverter and a 10 kWh LFP battery, fully installed for AU$7,000 (€4,000)!
Supermarket giant expands rooftop solar and battery offer
Budget supermarket chain Aldi is expanding its residential solar business, opening up sales of its rooftop PV and battery energy storage packages to customers in Australia’s eastern states after a tri...
www.pv-magazine-australia.com
September 10, 2025 at 6:47 PM
Yes, at German discount supermarkets, you can purchase a do-it-yourself 'Balkonsolar' system and battery. Simply plug it in and you're ready to go.
However, Aldi Australia offers complete systems: 6 kW solar, a 5.5 kW inverter and a 10 kWh LFP battery, fully installed for AU$7,000 (€4,000)!
However, Aldi Australia offers complete systems: 6 kW solar, a 5.5 kW inverter and a 10 kWh LFP battery, fully installed for AU$7,000 (€4,000)!
The list of each carbon majors for each analysed heatwave can be found in the supplementary table www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Very nice overview of the article from Carbon Brief www.carbonbrief.org/study-links-...
And a 10 min podcast overview from Nature www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Very nice overview of the article from Carbon Brief www.carbonbrief.org/study-links-...
And a 10 min podcast overview from Nature www.nature.com/articles/d41...
September 11, 2025 at 11:05 AM
The list of each carbon majors for each analysed heatwave can be found in the supplementary table www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Very nice overview of the article from Carbon Brief www.carbonbrief.org/study-links-...
And a 10 min podcast overview from Nature www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Very nice overview of the article from Carbon Brief www.carbonbrief.org/study-links-...
And a 10 min podcast overview from Nature www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Great to see this published! Thanks @selfishmeme.bsky.social for leading the team and for including me in this project 😁
A common type of ant in Europe breaks a fundamental rule in biology: its queens can produce male offspring that are a whole different species
go.nature.com/4mOb5T9
go.nature.com/4mOb5T9
‘Almost unimaginable’: these ants are different species but share a mother
Ant queens of one species clone ants of another to create hybrid workers that do their bidding.
go.nature.com
September 3, 2025 at 6:11 PM
Great to see this published! Thanks @selfishmeme.bsky.social for leading the team and for including me in this project 😁
Reposted by Ana C. Afonso Silva
🚨📢 New IRENA data shows that in 2024, 91% of newly commissioned renewable power capacity delivered electricity at a lower cost than the cheapest fossil fuel-fired option.
Renewables remain cost competitive while supporting energy security and economic stability. Read: bit.ly/3TSg6gE
Renewables remain cost competitive while supporting energy security and economic stability. Read: bit.ly/3TSg6gE
91% of New Renewable Projects Now Cheaper Than Fossil Fuels Alternatives
Renewables maintain their cost leadership in global power markets, IRENA’s new report on Renewable Power Generation Costs in 2024 confirms.
bit.ly
July 22, 2025 at 1:21 PM
🚨📢 New IRENA data shows that in 2024, 91% of newly commissioned renewable power capacity delivered electricity at a lower cost than the cheapest fossil fuel-fired option.
Renewables remain cost competitive while supporting energy security and economic stability. Read: bit.ly/3TSg6gE
Renewables remain cost competitive while supporting energy security and economic stability. Read: bit.ly/3TSg6gE
Reposted by Ana C. Afonso Silva
49 days after the blackout in the Iberian Peninsula, the Spanish government issued a report yesterday blaming both conventional power plant generators and the transmission operator (TSO), Red Eléctrica, for the power outage.
Our statement below.
elpais.com/economia/202...
Our statement below.
elpais.com/economia/202...
June 18, 2025 at 8:26 AM
49 days after the blackout in the Iberian Peninsula, the Spanish government issued a report yesterday blaming both conventional power plant generators and the transmission operator (TSO), Red Eléctrica, for the power outage.
Our statement below.
elpais.com/economia/202...
Our statement below.
elpais.com/economia/202...
Reposted by Ana C. Afonso Silva
In 2023, a record marine heatwave in the North Atlantic, caused by weak winds and a shallow mixed layer, led to severe weather across Europe and beyond. Exacerbated by climate change and reduced ship emissions, this heatwave is a warning for future extreme weather. 🌊🧪
Unprecedented heat in the North Atlantic Ocean kickstarted Europe’s hellish 2023 summer. Now we know what caused it
Parts of the Atlantic Ocean are again much warmer than normal, priming Europe for more extreme heat this summer.
theconversation.com
June 5, 2025 at 5:54 AM
In 2023, a record marine heatwave in the North Atlantic, caused by weak winds and a shallow mixed layer, led to severe weather across Europe and beyond. Exacerbated by climate change and reduced ship emissions, this heatwave is a warning for future extreme weather. 🌊🧪
Reposted by Ana C. Afonso Silva
"No more crumbs for the corporate table" - a fantastic thread in support of community energy here --->>>
🧵 REVEALED: Community energy projects in Scotland are generating 100x more local wealth than privately-owned wind farms.
But just 0.5% of the renewable power is community-owned. Why this staggering imbalance?
But just 0.5% of the renewable power is community-owned. Why this staggering imbalance?
May 28, 2025 at 9:20 AM
"No more crumbs for the corporate table" - a fantastic thread in support of community energy here --->>>
Reposted by Ana C. Afonso Silva
🚨 working paper (w. @morganlcj.bsky.social @markuswagner.bsky.social): Protesters are not judged equally - even if tactics of groups are similar.
We ran an experiment in 🇩🇪 testing how people react to farmers vs. climate activists blocking roads.
What we find is disturbing:
osf.io/preprints/os...
We ran an experiment in 🇩🇪 testing how people react to farmers vs. climate activists blocking roads.
What we find is disturbing:
osf.io/preprints/os...
May 16, 2025 at 12:59 PM
🚨 working paper (w. @morganlcj.bsky.social @markuswagner.bsky.social): Protesters are not judged equally - even if tactics of groups are similar.
We ran an experiment in 🇩🇪 testing how people react to farmers vs. climate activists blocking roads.
What we find is disturbing:
osf.io/preprints/os...
We ran an experiment in 🇩🇪 testing how people react to farmers vs. climate activists blocking roads.
What we find is disturbing:
osf.io/preprints/os...
Reposted by Ana C. Afonso Silva
“Seldom have I heard the leader of a state so clearly outline a plan that fits legal definition of genocide”
- Josep Borrell on Israel’s Holocaust.
1 in 2 bombs dropped on #Gaza is sourced in Europe.
Von der Leyen & many others have blood on their hands.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/m...
- Josep Borrell on Israel’s Holocaust.
1 in 2 bombs dropped on #Gaza is sourced in Europe.
Von der Leyen & many others have blood on their hands.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/m...
Israel committing genocide in Gaza, says EU’s former top diplomat
Josep Borrell also criticises EU response to what he calls largest ethnic cleansing operation since second world war
www.theguardian.com
May 10, 2025 at 10:01 AM
“Seldom have I heard the leader of a state so clearly outline a plan that fits legal definition of genocide”
- Josep Borrell on Israel’s Holocaust.
1 in 2 bombs dropped on #Gaza is sourced in Europe.
Von der Leyen & many others have blood on their hands.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/m...
- Josep Borrell on Israel’s Holocaust.
1 in 2 bombs dropped on #Gaza is sourced in Europe.
Von der Leyen & many others have blood on their hands.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/m...
Reposted by Ana C. Afonso Silva
BREAKING: An EU climate fund has been subsidising fossil gas to the tune of billions, according to our new report.
Since 2021, the Modernisation Fund has directed at least EUR 4.2 billion – more than a quarter of its total funding – to everything from waste incinerators to gas-fired power plants. 🧵
Since 2021, the Modernisation Fund has directed at least EUR 4.2 billion – more than a quarter of its total funding – to everything from waste incinerators to gas-fired power plants. 🧵
May 8, 2025 at 10:10 AM
BREAKING: An EU climate fund has been subsidising fossil gas to the tune of billions, according to our new report.
Since 2021, the Modernisation Fund has directed at least EUR 4.2 billion – more than a quarter of its total funding – to everything from waste incinerators to gas-fired power plants. 🧵
Since 2021, the Modernisation Fund has directed at least EUR 4.2 billion – more than a quarter of its total funding – to everything from waste incinerators to gas-fired power plants. 🧵
Reposted by Ana C. Afonso Silva
🧵 1/4 Europe’s announcement that it will stop importing Russian fossil gas, oil and nuclear power by the end 2027 must not open the back door to imports from other countries, such as the US, leaving it susceptible to future shocks and locking it into fossil fuel dependency.
May 7, 2025 at 10:28 AM
🧵 1/4 Europe’s announcement that it will stop importing Russian fossil gas, oil and nuclear power by the end 2027 must not open the back door to imports from other countries, such as the US, leaving it susceptible to future shocks and locking it into fossil fuel dependency.
Reposted by Ana C. Afonso Silva
The @iea.org finds that abandoned coal mines emitted nearly 5 Mt of #methane in 2024, more than abandoned oil and gas wells (3 Mt)
Coal mines can continue to emit methane for DECADES after closure unless they are sealed or flooded
www.theguardian.com/...
Coal mines can continue to emit methane for DECADES after closure unless they are sealed or flooded
www.theguardian.com/...
Abandoned infrastructure one of the biggest polluters in the world – report
Emissions from abandoned coalmines, oil and gas wells globally are larger than any single country except China, the US and Russia
www.theguardian.com
May 7, 2025 at 12:00 PM
The @iea.org finds that abandoned coal mines emitted nearly 5 Mt of #methane in 2024, more than abandoned oil and gas wells (3 Mt)
Coal mines can continue to emit methane for DECADES after closure unless they are sealed or flooded
www.theguardian.com/...
Coal mines can continue to emit methane for DECADES after closure unless they are sealed or flooded
www.theguardian.com/...
Reposted by Ana C. Afonso Silva
Lovely to talk to @akshatrathi.bsky.social about the meta-narrative around blackouts, energy transition and engineering - South Australia is an instructive and optimistic case of where clever decision making and deft technological skill won out, despite the *REALLY* wild political debate
Spain May Find Valuable Lessons From South Australia’s 2016 Blackout
The world is waiting to hear from the Spanish grid operator for answers on what caused a nationwide blackout last week, but that hasn’t stopped speculation that a high share of solar power on the grid...
www.bloomberg.com
May 5, 2025 at 11:26 AM
Lovely to talk to @akshatrathi.bsky.social about the meta-narrative around blackouts, energy transition and engineering - South Australia is an instructive and optimistic case of where clever decision making and deft technological skill won out, despite the *REALLY* wild political debate
Reposted by Ana C. Afonso Silva
One week on from Spain's blackout - and media outlets can talk about is solar power. So I decided to look into Spain's nuclear fleet, and discovered that in April, it was operating at its lowest levels in ten years
Why? Here's a hefty piece digging into that, for you:
ketanjoshi.co/2025/05/05/w...
Why? Here's a hefty piece digging into that, for you:
ketanjoshi.co/2025/05/05/w...
May 5, 2025 at 8:30 AM
One week on from Spain's blackout - and media outlets can talk about is solar power. So I decided to look into Spain's nuclear fleet, and discovered that in April, it was operating at its lowest levels in ten years
Why? Here's a hefty piece digging into that, for you:
ketanjoshi.co/2025/05/05/w...
Why? Here's a hefty piece digging into that, for you:
ketanjoshi.co/2025/05/05/w...
France is ready to hold fast fashion accountable with a new eco-label. But the EU might stop it and push a weaker system shaped by big brands. Join the action to protect people and the planet 🌏❗ action.wemove.eu/petition/202...
End fast-fashion’s impunity!
France is ready to hold fast fashion accountable with a new eco-label. But the EU might stop it and push a weaker system shaped by big brands. Join the action to protect people and the planet 🌏❗
action.wemove.eu
May 5, 2025 at 11:20 AM
France is ready to hold fast fashion accountable with a new eco-label. But the EU might stop it and push a weaker system shaped by big brands. Join the action to protect people and the planet 🌏❗ action.wemove.eu/petition/202...
Reposted by Ana C. Afonso Silva
This week’s power outage across Spain, Portugal, & parts of southern France triggered intense speculation about its causes, but it's well-established that power system failures are overwhelmingly rooted in grid weaknesses, not generation shortages.
Our take 👉 beyondfossilfuels.org/2025/04/30/i...
Our take 👉 beyondfossilfuels.org/2025/04/30/i...
April 30, 2025 at 8:46 AM
This week’s power outage across Spain, Portugal, & parts of southern France triggered intense speculation about its causes, but it's well-established that power system failures are overwhelmingly rooted in grid weaknesses, not generation shortages.
Our take 👉 beyondfossilfuels.org/2025/04/30/i...
Our take 👉 beyondfossilfuels.org/2025/04/30/i...