Thorfinn Stainforth
@bxlthor.bsky.social
Senior Policy Manager, Environmental Defense Fund Europe. Focused on climate, transport, and urban policy. Brussels based. Opinions are my own.
Reposted by Thorfinn Stainforth
Canada’s First Giga-scale Battery Plant is Under Construction. Why That’s Important
VW’s gigafactory is proof Canada’s critical minerals strategy is finally becoming real.
energi.media/markham-on-e...
VW’s gigafactory is proof Canada’s critical minerals strategy is finally becoming real.
energi.media/markham-on-e...
Canada's First Giga-scale Battery Plant is Under Construction. Why That's Important - Thoughtful Journalism About Energy's Future
Canada has begun building its first giga-scale EV battery plant in Ontario—an anchor project that finally connects mining, refining, cell manufacturing, and pack assembly into a domestic clean-energy ...
energi.media
November 17, 2025 at 7:21 PM
Canada’s First Giga-scale Battery Plant is Under Construction. Why That’s Important
VW’s gigafactory is proof Canada’s critical minerals strategy is finally becoming real.
energi.media/markham-on-e...
VW’s gigafactory is proof Canada’s critical minerals strategy is finally becoming real.
energi.media/markham-on-e...
Reposted by Thorfinn Stainforth
Banning of cyclists on boulevard Anspach making international headlines... #Brussels #Mobility
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Brussels’ Pedestrian Zone Is So Crowded It’s Restricting Bikes
The Pietonnier’s popularity has led to frequent clashes between walkers and riders.
www.bloomberg.com
November 16, 2025 at 8:21 PM
Banning of cyclists on boulevard Anspach making international headlines... #Brussels #Mobility
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Reposted by Thorfinn Stainforth
At one level today has been professionally good - it's rare to be quoted in FT www.ft.com/content/1405... and The Guardian www.theguardian.com/world/2025/n...
But the Commission's high speed rail plan leaves me rather unimpressed - and I'm the only one daring say so jonworth.eu/when-a-plans...
But the Commission's high speed rail plan leaves me rather unimpressed - and I'm the only one daring say so jonworth.eu/when-a-plans...
When a plan's not a plan, and a revolution isn't a revolution - European High Speed Rail - Jon Worth
Today the European Commission released its “plan to accelerate high-speed rail across Europe” (press release here). Only it’s not a plan. And Community of European Railways (CER), the state owned rail...
jonworth.eu
November 5, 2025 at 7:48 PM
At one level today has been professionally good - it's rare to be quoted in FT www.ft.com/content/1405... and The Guardian www.theguardian.com/world/2025/n...
But the Commission's high speed rail plan leaves me rather unimpressed - and I'm the only one daring say so jonworth.eu/when-a-plans...
But the Commission's high speed rail plan leaves me rather unimpressed - and I'm the only one daring say so jonworth.eu/when-a-plans...
Reposted by Thorfinn Stainforth
Green light for the mixed commission ✅ MERCI & DANK JE WEL & THANK YOU to every single one who supported the citizen proposal for the last 9 months. Let’s get this done now 💪🏼 bx1.be/categories/n...
Une commission mixte citoyens-parlementaires sur la propreté sera créée à Bruxelles - BX1
Dépôts clandestins, canettes jonchant le sol, mégots… Face à la malpropreté persistante de la capitale, le collectif citoyen Brussel (Pou)belle vient d’obtenir gain de cause : une commission mixte réu...
bx1.be
November 5, 2025 at 9:46 PM
Green light for the mixed commission ✅ MERCI & DANK JE WEL & THANK YOU to every single one who supported the citizen proposal for the last 9 months. Let’s get this done now 💪🏼 bx1.be/categories/n...
Reposted by Thorfinn Stainforth
The operation of a coal plant in Michigan that the Trump Administration has ordered to remain open is costing taxpayers $615,000 — a day — and harming public health & air quality thru the Midwest.
With clean energy cheaper & more abundant than ever, why is this admin... 1/2
With clean energy cheaper & more abundant than ever, why is this admin... 1/2
November 4, 2025 at 7:26 PM
The operation of a coal plant in Michigan that the Trump Administration has ordered to remain open is costing taxpayers $615,000 — a day — and harming public health & air quality thru the Midwest.
With clean energy cheaper & more abundant than ever, why is this admin... 1/2
With clean energy cheaper & more abundant than ever, why is this admin... 1/2
Reposted by Thorfinn Stainforth
The Economist has a short article on Europe's need to invest in grids and batteries (as well as helpful note on the need to end first-come first-served connections). 1/
www.economist.com/europe/2025/...
www.economist.com/europe/2025/...
Europe’s need for green electricity is blowing fuses
Grid operators plan to spend hundreds of billions to keep up
www.economist.com
November 3, 2025 at 10:59 AM
The Economist has a short article on Europe's need to invest in grids and batteries (as well as helpful note on the need to end first-come first-served connections). 1/
www.economist.com/europe/2025/...
www.economist.com/europe/2025/...
Reposted by Thorfinn Stainforth
💡 Why should everyone involved in reuse systems use the ReuSe Vanguard Project (RSVP) Reuse Blueprint?
✅ See below why @ellenmacarthurfdn.bsky.social, Danmarks Naturfredningsforening & the Environmental Defense Fund endorse the Reuse Blueprint, and read the whole thing by yourself at zurl.co/kVPbH
✅ See below why @ellenmacarthurfdn.bsky.social, Danmarks Naturfredningsforening & the Environmental Defense Fund endorse the Reuse Blueprint, and read the whole thing by yourself at zurl.co/kVPbH
November 4, 2025 at 9:28 AM
💡 Why should everyone involved in reuse systems use the ReuSe Vanguard Project (RSVP) Reuse Blueprint?
✅ See below why @ellenmacarthurfdn.bsky.social, Danmarks Naturfredningsforening & the Environmental Defense Fund endorse the Reuse Blueprint, and read the whole thing by yourself at zurl.co/kVPbH
✅ See below why @ellenmacarthurfdn.bsky.social, Danmarks Naturfredningsforening & the Environmental Defense Fund endorse the Reuse Blueprint, and read the whole thing by yourself at zurl.co/kVPbH
Reposted by Thorfinn Stainforth
Absolutely amazing: they've got so much solar in Australia that they need more people to use more of it, so the gov't has instructed energy retailers to offer *at least three hours of free power* during the middle of the day.
Meanwhile fossil-addled US struggles with an energy-price crisis ...
Meanwhile fossil-addled US struggles with an energy-price crisis ...
Energy retailers to be directed to offer free power three hours a day
Saying there is enough solar power for everyone in the daytime, Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen will direct retailers to provide three hours of free power every day to consumers.
www.abc.net.au
November 3, 2025 at 8:18 PM
Absolutely amazing: they've got so much solar in Australia that they need more people to use more of it, so the gov't has instructed energy retailers to offer *at least three hours of free power* during the middle of the day.
Meanwhile fossil-addled US struggles with an energy-price crisis ...
Meanwhile fossil-addled US struggles with an energy-price crisis ...
Reposted by Thorfinn Stainforth
The energy crisis over, right? So why are household electricity bills not going down? Ask your finance minister!
Free: www.euractiv.com/news/tobacco...
Free: www.euractiv.com/news/tobacco...
Tobacco-like taxes on electricity keep Europe in energy permacrisis | Euractiv
Finance ministers' love for electricity taxes is keeping prices high
www.euractiv.com
October 30, 2025 at 8:01 AM
The energy crisis over, right? So why are household electricity bills not going down? Ask your finance minister!
Free: www.euractiv.com/news/tobacco...
Free: www.euractiv.com/news/tobacco...
Reposted by Thorfinn Stainforth
What happened?
Last night’s “Dutch voters reject Wilders!” storyline has been broken.
The final result is incredibly close - they’re still counting but there’s 1200 votes nationwide between PVV and D66. It’s a real Bush/Gore nail biter.
Last night’s “Dutch voters reject Wilders!” storyline has been broken.
The final result is incredibly close - they’re still counting but there’s 1200 votes nationwide between PVV and D66. It’s a real Bush/Gore nail biter.
October 30, 2025 at 8:08 AM
What happened?
Last night’s “Dutch voters reject Wilders!” storyline has been broken.
The final result is incredibly close - they’re still counting but there’s 1200 votes nationwide between PVV and D66. It’s a real Bush/Gore nail biter.
Last night’s “Dutch voters reject Wilders!” storyline has been broken.
The final result is incredibly close - they’re still counting but there’s 1200 votes nationwide between PVV and D66. It’s a real Bush/Gore nail biter.
Reposted by Thorfinn Stainforth
Secret documents. Never-before-seen photos. A mysterious vinyl record.
For the first time, The Lever is exposing the secret plot that legalized corruption.
You think you know this story, but you don’t because it’s all been secret — until now👇
For the first time, The Lever is exposing the secret plot that legalized corruption.
You think you know this story, but you don’t because it’s all been secret — until now👇
October 15, 2025 at 11:49 PM
Secret documents. Never-before-seen photos. A mysterious vinyl record.
For the first time, The Lever is exposing the secret plot that legalized corruption.
You think you know this story, but you don’t because it’s all been secret — until now👇
For the first time, The Lever is exposing the secret plot that legalized corruption.
You think you know this story, but you don’t because it’s all been secret — until now👇
Reposted by Thorfinn Stainforth
The Omnibus I deal has just been voted down. It is clear: a stable majority requires support of the Greens, not the far right.
My group remains open to negotiate a better deal that truly safeguards sustainability and human rights in the CSRD and CSDDD.
My group remains open to negotiate a better deal that truly safeguards sustainability and human rights in the CSRD and CSDDD.
October 22, 2025 at 11:07 AM
The Omnibus I deal has just been voted down. It is clear: a stable majority requires support of the Greens, not the far right.
My group remains open to negotiate a better deal that truly safeguards sustainability and human rights in the CSRD and CSDDD.
My group remains open to negotiate a better deal that truly safeguards sustainability and human rights in the CSRD and CSDDD.
Reposted by Thorfinn Stainforth
Deep dive into the surge in US pedestrian deaths:
"It’s not that more pedestrians are getting hit by vehicles; it’s that the ones that are getting hit are more likely to die."
"[That] seems like fairly strong evidence for the theory that the rise in large SUVs is behind the uptick in ped deaths."
"It’s not that more pedestrians are getting hit by vehicles; it’s that the ones that are getting hit are more likely to die."
"[That] seems like fairly strong evidence for the theory that the rise in large SUVs is behind the uptick in ped deaths."
Why Are So Many Pedestrians Killed by Cars in the US?
It’s unfortunately not uncommon for pedestrians to be killed by cars in the US.
www.construction-physics.com
October 11, 2025 at 1:53 PM
Deep dive into the surge in US pedestrian deaths:
"It’s not that more pedestrians are getting hit by vehicles; it’s that the ones that are getting hit are more likely to die."
"[That] seems like fairly strong evidence for the theory that the rise in large SUVs is behind the uptick in ped deaths."
"It’s not that more pedestrians are getting hit by vehicles; it’s that the ones that are getting hit are more likely to die."
"[That] seems like fairly strong evidence for the theory that the rise in large SUVs is behind the uptick in ped deaths."
Reposted by Thorfinn Stainforth
The EU relies on fossil imports for over half of its energy, among the highest globally.
This makes Europe highly vulnerable to price shocks and supply disruptions.
Homegrown power and electrification offer a resilient path ⚡️
https://loom.ly/wss-sI0
This makes Europe highly vulnerable to price shocks and supply disruptions.
Homegrown power and electrification offer a resilient path ⚡️
https://loom.ly/wss-sI0
October 16, 2025 at 2:05 PM
The EU relies on fossil imports for over half of its energy, among the highest globally.
This makes Europe highly vulnerable to price shocks and supply disruptions.
Homegrown power and electrification offer a resilient path ⚡️
https://loom.ly/wss-sI0
This makes Europe highly vulnerable to price shocks and supply disruptions.
Homegrown power and electrification offer a resilient path ⚡️
https://loom.ly/wss-sI0
Reposted by Thorfinn Stainforth
If you want an explanation of why China is kicking the EU car industry to the curb, look no further than the criminally knuckle dragging EU car makers demanding new loopholes so they don't have to meet any meaningful low emission targets for cars in the EU.
www.ft.com/cIfontent/5a...
www.ft.com/cIfontent/5a...
Carmakers demand EU eases ‘rigid’ 2035 petrol car ban
Environmental groups say carmakers’ demands risk halving electric vehicle sales in Europe
www.ft.com
October 10, 2025 at 10:52 AM
If you want an explanation of why China is kicking the EU car industry to the curb, look no further than the criminally knuckle dragging EU car makers demanding new loopholes so they don't have to meet any meaningful low emission targets for cars in the EU.
www.ft.com/cIfontent/5a...
www.ft.com/cIfontent/5a...
Reposted by Thorfinn Stainforth
What happens when fishermen, scientists, and policymakers work together? In the U.S., fisheries were brought back from near collapse, proving that collaboration can help us tackle even the toughest challenges.
More from EDF's Amanda Leland: www.forbes.com/sites/edfene...
More from EDF's Amanda Leland: www.forbes.com/sites/edfene...
How This Innovative Strategy Turned Around A Troubled Industry
Catch shares already led the most dramatic ‘business turnaround story’ you’ve never heard of — American fisheries.
www.forbes.com
October 6, 2025 at 6:45 PM
What happens when fishermen, scientists, and policymakers work together? In the U.S., fisheries were brought back from near collapse, proving that collaboration can help us tackle even the toughest challenges.
More from EDF's Amanda Leland: www.forbes.com/sites/edfene...
More from EDF's Amanda Leland: www.forbes.com/sites/edfene...
this seems like positive news for train travelers in Belgium? Overall reductions in costs for frequent travelers, weekends, and bikes... What's the catch? #belgium #trains #rail #sustainabletravel
Voyager en train deviendra moins cher pour 70 à 80% des passagers, surtout en heures creuses et durant le week-end, ainsi que pour les voyageurs fréquents.
La SNCB annonce sa “plus grande réforme tarifaire des 30 dernières années” : voici ce qui va changer
bx1.be
October 6, 2025 at 12:04 PM
this seems like positive news for train travelers in Belgium? Overall reductions in costs for frequent travelers, weekends, and bikes... What's the catch? #belgium #trains #rail #sustainabletravel
pedestrianisation almost always boosts business. amazing that there is still resistance on the grounds of sales. Usually, the problem is actually the opposite - increasing rents due to the attractiveness of the area.
These new figures prove that when people are put at the heart of Oxford Street, the area thrives and businesses benefit.
That’s why I am moving forward with the next stage of my proposals to pedestrianise Oxford Street and revitalise the area as quickly as I can. www.cityam.com/oxford-stree...
That’s why I am moving forward with the next stage of my proposals to pedestrianise Oxford Street and revitalise the area as quickly as I can. www.cityam.com/oxford-stree...
Oxford Street pedestrianisation boosts sales, survey finds
Oxford Street was closed to traffic for eight hours on Sunday 21st September in a pilot test to fully pedestrianise the high street.
www.cityam.com
October 6, 2025 at 10:50 AM
pedestrianisation almost always boosts business. amazing that there is still resistance on the grounds of sales. Usually, the problem is actually the opposite - increasing rents due to the attractiveness of the area.
This is pretty sobering. People are in denial about the dire state of biodiversity in Europe.
🌿 On #WorldHabitatsDay Europe’s habitats are in trouble.
📉 81% of habitats protected under EU law are in poor or bad condition — and most are still declining.
We need full implementation of environmental law, shows #EuropesEnvironment2025: www.eea.europa.eu/en/europe-en...
📉 81% of habitats protected under EU law are in poor or bad condition — and most are still declining.
We need full implementation of environmental law, shows #EuropesEnvironment2025: www.eea.europa.eu/en/europe-en...
October 6, 2025 at 10:28 AM
This is pretty sobering. People are in denial about the dire state of biodiversity in Europe.
Reposted by Thorfinn Stainforth
🧑🤝🧑 Clean tech employment data are hard to estimate but crucial to understand.
Thanks to work by @prognos.com we include them in our Tracker tinyurl.com/bdm3e96n
👉 One stand-out message. The EU mid-2010s tariffs on solar panels hurt employment. Solar jobs are in installation not manufacturing.
Thanks to work by @prognos.com we include them in our Tracker tinyurl.com/bdm3e96n
👉 One stand-out message. The EU mid-2010s tariffs on solar panels hurt employment. Solar jobs are in installation not manufacturing.
October 6, 2025 at 7:38 AM
🧑🤝🧑 Clean tech employment data are hard to estimate but crucial to understand.
Thanks to work by @prognos.com we include them in our Tracker tinyurl.com/bdm3e96n
👉 One stand-out message. The EU mid-2010s tariffs on solar panels hurt employment. Solar jobs are in installation not manufacturing.
Thanks to work by @prognos.com we include them in our Tracker tinyurl.com/bdm3e96n
👉 One stand-out message. The EU mid-2010s tariffs on solar panels hurt employment. Solar jobs are in installation not manufacturing.
Reposted by Thorfinn Stainforth
1. More Americans work at the Cheesecake Factory than in the entire coal industry, and that won't change. It's because of automation, not snooty libs.
2. Coal energy is now more expensive than wind and solar.
3. So this means: higher energy prices, more pollution, no jobs benefit. Genius!
2. Coal energy is now more expensive than wind and solar.
3. So this means: higher energy prices, more pollution, no jobs benefit. Genius!
Energy Secretary Chris Wright on Fox: "We're announcing today expanded programs to help the American coal industry. We're helping it because for years it has been under assault. It was out of fashion with the chardonnay set in San Francisco, Boulder, and NYC ... coal just makes the world go round."
September 29, 2025 at 2:11 PM
1. More Americans work at the Cheesecake Factory than in the entire coal industry, and that won't change. It's because of automation, not snooty libs.
2. Coal energy is now more expensive than wind and solar.
3. So this means: higher energy prices, more pollution, no jobs benefit. Genius!
2. Coal energy is now more expensive than wind and solar.
3. So this means: higher energy prices, more pollution, no jobs benefit. Genius!
Reposted by Thorfinn Stainforth
More than two hours after leaving the gate #U24652 from Copenhagen to Paris is headed back as authorities continue to investigate reported drone sightings near the airport. The airfield remains closed until 2300 UTC (tentative).
fr24.com/EJU12UJ/3c54...
fr24.com/EJU12UJ/3c54...
September 22, 2025 at 8:41 PM
More than two hours after leaving the gate #U24652 from Copenhagen to Paris is headed back as authorities continue to investigate reported drone sightings near the airport. The airfield remains closed until 2300 UTC (tentative).
fr24.com/EJU12UJ/3c54...
fr24.com/EJU12UJ/3c54...
Reposted by Thorfinn Stainforth
EXTRAORDINARY HEAT WAVE IN EUROPE
Hundreds of records brutalized everywhere with up to 4/5c margins, it's arguably one the most extreme events Europe has ever seen
>33C in Poland,tropical nights at 1800m in Austria,all time records smashed..👇
Never happened anything like this in September.
Hundreds of records brutalized everywhere with up to 4/5c margins, it's arguably one the most extreme events Europe has ever seen
>33C in Poland,tropical nights at 1800m in Austria,all time records smashed..👇
Never happened anything like this in September.
September 20, 2025 at 7:03 PM
EXTRAORDINARY HEAT WAVE IN EUROPE
Hundreds of records brutalized everywhere with up to 4/5c margins, it's arguably one the most extreme events Europe has ever seen
>33C in Poland,tropical nights at 1800m in Austria,all time records smashed..👇
Never happened anything like this in September.
Hundreds of records brutalized everywhere with up to 4/5c margins, it's arguably one the most extreme events Europe has ever seen
>33C in Poland,tropical nights at 1800m in Austria,all time records smashed..👇
Never happened anything like this in September.
Insightful view of Russia's current motives
Russia’s drone incursion into Poland signals deliberate escalation: Moscow is testing NATO’s resolve, reframing stalemate in Ukraine as a global clash with the West
New #IAICommentary by @nonamikhelidze.bsky.social ➡️ https://www.iai.it/en/node/20552
New #IAICommentary by @nonamikhelidze.bsky.social ➡️ https://www.iai.it/en/node/20552
September 18, 2025 at 10:00 AM
Insightful view of Russia's current motives
Reposted by Thorfinn Stainforth
Reminders for following a breaking news story like the shooting of Charlie Kirk in Utah ⤵️
⚠️ Bad actors & opportunists often use such moments when information is being gathered & fact-checked to recklessly push unverified claims & conspiracy theories.
🔗 Download the poster: bit.ly/BreakingNews...
⚠️ Bad actors & opportunists often use such moments when information is being gathered & fact-checked to recklessly push unverified claims & conspiracy theories.
🔗 Download the poster: bit.ly/BreakingNews...
September 10, 2025 at 7:07 PM
Reminders for following a breaking news story like the shooting of Charlie Kirk in Utah ⤵️
⚠️ Bad actors & opportunists often use such moments when information is being gathered & fact-checked to recklessly push unverified claims & conspiracy theories.
🔗 Download the poster: bit.ly/BreakingNews...
⚠️ Bad actors & opportunists often use such moments when information is being gathered & fact-checked to recklessly push unverified claims & conspiracy theories.
🔗 Download the poster: bit.ly/BreakingNews...