Michael Borgas
@michaelborgas.bsky.social
Ex CSIRO Atmospheric Scientist. Head of CSIRO Staff Union 15 Years. AVID volunteer in Mongolia working on Air Pollution. Educated at Cambridge Uni, Trinity College, Applied Maths and Theoretical Physics. Adelaide University, Augusta Park HS, Willsden PS
Reposted by Michael Borgas
Federal science is under attack—again.
Join UCS for a virtual briefing on how to defend scientific integrity in the face of political interference. Thursday, June 5 | 5–6pm ET.
#savesciencesavelives #ScientificIntegrity
Register:
Join UCS for a virtual briefing on how to defend scientific integrity in the face of political interference. Thursday, June 5 | 5–6pm ET.
#savesciencesavelives #ScientificIntegrity
Register:
Protecting Public Science: How to Defend Scientific Integrity in a New Era of Interference
The Union of Concerned Scientists invites you to attend a virtual event on the Scientific Integrity Act to protect federal scientists and their work from political interference and overreach. Thursday, June 5, 7:00–8:00 p.m. ET.
secure.ucs.org
May 27, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Federal science is under attack—again.
Join UCS for a virtual briefing on how to defend scientific integrity in the face of political interference. Thursday, June 5 | 5–6pm ET.
#savesciencesavelives #ScientificIntegrity
Register:
Join UCS for a virtual briefing on how to defend scientific integrity in the face of political interference. Thursday, June 5 | 5–6pm ET.
#savesciencesavelives #ScientificIntegrity
Register:
Reposted by Michael Borgas
The US remains a global leader in science. But leadership is not a trophy. It is a discipline. It is earned and re-earned every year. America faces a choice. #auspol #USpol
Trump’s attack on science risks dismantling a century of innovation
Restrictive visa policies, rhetoric targeting academic institutions and proposed budget cuts to scientific agencies mark the start of US retreat.
johnmenadue.com
May 17, 2025 at 10:16 PM
Reposted by Michael Borgas
"Science should play an essential role in informing policies that protect public health, the environment & technological progress. Science cannot fulfill this role if science advisory committees are dismantled on the specious pretense of cutting bureaucracy..."—UCS's Melissa Finucane.
Eliminating US science advisory committees will harm the public and open the door to special interests
In recent weeks, the landscape of science advisory committees in the United States federal government has changed significantly as agencies eliminate committees to follow an executive order from Presi...
thebulletin.org
May 12, 2025 at 4:05 PM
"Science should play an essential role in informing policies that protect public health, the environment & technological progress. Science cannot fulfill this role if science advisory committees are dismantled on the specious pretense of cutting bureaucracy..."—UCS's Melissa Finucane.
Reposted by Michael Borgas
Will Australia’s new government listen to the science?
“Our national environmental legislation has largely failed to protect biodiversity, including many threatened plants, animals and ecological communities.”
theconversation.com/5-things-we-...
“Our national environmental legislation has largely failed to protect biodiversity, including many threatened plants, animals and ecological communities.”
theconversation.com/5-things-we-...
5 things we need to see in Australia’s new nature laws
A group of prominent environmental scientists devised this list of 5 things we must see in Australia’s new national environmental laws, if we are to avoid calamity and hasten recovery.
theconversation.com
May 4, 2025 at 3:53 AM
Will Australia’s new government listen to the science?
“Our national environmental legislation has largely failed to protect biodiversity, including many threatened plants, animals and ecological communities.”
theconversation.com/5-things-we-...
“Our national environmental legislation has largely failed to protect biodiversity, including many threatened plants, animals and ecological communities.”
theconversation.com/5-things-we-...
Reposted by Michael Borgas
May 1, 2025 at 6:59 PM
Reposted by Michael Borgas
Woodside AGM, Thu, May 8, 2025 9:00 AM
“Woodside is ripping off communities, fueling climate disasters, and driving species to extinction. The Burrup Hub gas project that they’re trying to get approved will threaten the beautiful Scott Reef, a feeding ground…”
www.eventbrite.com.au/e/woodside-a...
“Woodside is ripping off communities, fueling climate disasters, and driving species to extinction. The Burrup Hub gas project that they’re trying to get approved will threaten the beautiful Scott Reef, a feeding ground…”
www.eventbrite.com.au/e/woodside-a...
Woodside AGM Action 2025
Come along to hold this massive polluter to account!
www.eventbrite.com.au
April 30, 2025 at 8:38 AM
Woodside AGM, Thu, May 8, 2025 9:00 AM
“Woodside is ripping off communities, fueling climate disasters, and driving species to extinction. The Burrup Hub gas project that they’re trying to get approved will threaten the beautiful Scott Reef, a feeding ground…”
www.eventbrite.com.au/e/woodside-a...
“Woodside is ripping off communities, fueling climate disasters, and driving species to extinction. The Burrup Hub gas project that they’re trying to get approved will threaten the beautiful Scott Reef, a feeding ground…”
www.eventbrite.com.au/e/woodside-a...
Reposted by Michael Borgas
The world knows that this is untrue. I’d sue.
Also the Murdochs are recognised the world over, and especially Rupert, as the most damaging to democracy.
Also the Murdochs are recognised the world over, and especially Rupert, as the most damaging to democracy.
i ask you to judge me by the enemies i have made and the unhinged things they say about me on sky news.
(the irony that the CEO of an astroturf misinformation vehicle would say these words on rupert murdoch’s network is not lost on me.)
(the irony that the CEO of an astroturf misinformation vehicle would say these words on rupert murdoch’s network is not lost on me.)
April 27, 2025 at 10:39 AM
The world knows that this is untrue. I’d sue.
Also the Murdochs are recognised the world over, and especially Rupert, as the most damaging to democracy.
Also the Murdochs are recognised the world over, and especially Rupert, as the most damaging to democracy.
Reposted by Michael Borgas
It’s time to eliminate our dependance on the U.S. for high-cost nuclear tech & climate-damaging fossil gas!
Say YES to expanding Ontario’s east-west grid for low-cost, renewable, #CANADIAN : www.cleanairalliance.org/independence/
#BuyCanadian #🇨🇦 #onpoli #phaseoutgas #tradewar #Cdnpoli
Say YES to expanding Ontario’s east-west grid for low-cost, renewable, #CANADIAN : www.cleanairalliance.org/independence/
#BuyCanadian #🇨🇦 #onpoli #phaseoutgas #tradewar #Cdnpoli
April 26, 2025 at 12:51 AM
It’s time to eliminate our dependance on the U.S. for high-cost nuclear tech & climate-damaging fossil gas!
Say YES to expanding Ontario’s east-west grid for low-cost, renewable, #CANADIAN : www.cleanairalliance.org/independence/
#BuyCanadian #🇨🇦 #onpoli #phaseoutgas #tradewar #Cdnpoli
Say YES to expanding Ontario’s east-west grid for low-cost, renewable, #CANADIAN : www.cleanairalliance.org/independence/
#BuyCanadian #🇨🇦 #onpoli #phaseoutgas #tradewar #Cdnpoli
Reposted by Michael Borgas
If even the most faithful fossil fuel, nuclear, and bioenergy advocates don't see the writing on the wall that their products are totally unnecessary and will eventually be relegated to the annals of history, they are deceiving themselves.
Incredible battery records set in California on Mon 4/21/25
A peak of 9.72 GW and total of 42.6 GWh was discharged on the California ISO grid, meeting 8.4% of 24-h demand
Prev record: 8.35 GW/41.5 GWh
Also, 38th straight and 79th of 111 days in 2025 with >100% WWS on grid
Gas is down 45% in 2y
A peak of 9.72 GW and total of 42.6 GWh was discharged on the California ISO grid, meeting 8.4% of 24-h demand
Prev record: 8.35 GW/41.5 GWh
Also, 38th straight and 79th of 111 days in 2025 with >100% WWS on grid
Gas is down 45% in 2y
April 22, 2025 at 3:41 PM
If even the most faithful fossil fuel, nuclear, and bioenergy advocates don't see the writing on the wall that their products are totally unnecessary and will eventually be relegated to the annals of history, they are deceiving themselves.
Reposted by Michael Borgas
The Trump admin plans to gut climate research at NOAA and NASA. In her new blog, UCS’s Erika Spanger recalls the moments in history that proved pivotal for many, including her, in fostering a commitment to understanding and responding to the mounting climate crisis.
Dear Climate Movement: They've Come for Our Climate Science. We Have to Stop Them.
They can't take it from us if we refuse to let it go.
blog.ucs.org
April 21, 2025 at 8:00 PM
The Trump admin plans to gut climate research at NOAA and NASA. In her new blog, UCS’s Erika Spanger recalls the moments in history that proved pivotal for many, including her, in fostering a commitment to understanding and responding to the mounting climate crisis.
Reposted by Michael Borgas
Reality check for those pushing useless fossil fuels and nuclear:
Solar and wind contribute 98% of new U.S. electrical generating capacity in January and February this year
www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2025/04/sola...
Solar and wind contribute 98% of new U.S. electrical generating capacity in January and February this year
www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2025/04/sola...
Solar and wind contribute 98% of new U.S. electrical generating capacity in January and February this year
Solar and wind accounted for almost 98% of new U.S. electrical generating capacity added in the first two months of the year, according to data released
www.solarpowerworldonline.com
April 21, 2025 at 3:57 PM
Reality check for those pushing useless fossil fuels and nuclear:
Solar and wind contribute 98% of new U.S. electrical generating capacity in January and February this year
www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2025/04/sola...
Solar and wind contribute 98% of new U.S. electrical generating capacity in January and February this year
www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2025/04/sola...
Reposted by Michael Borgas
Dutton refers to the CSIRO as a "green environmental group". Does he think it's an insult to call Australia's pre-eminent science org environmentally responsible?! Under Dutton, the Coalition is no better than Pauline Hanson's One Nation. #auspol #AusVotes25 #science #Climate #environmentalism
April 15, 2025 at 5:09 PM
Dutton refers to the CSIRO as a "green environmental group". Does he think it's an insult to call Australia's pre-eminent science org environmentally responsible?! Under Dutton, the Coalition is no better than Pauline Hanson's One Nation. #auspol #AusVotes25 #science #Climate #environmentalism
Reposted by Michael Borgas
Cubs rout reigning champs 16-0 in Dodgers’ worst-ever home shutout
Cubs rout reigning champs 16-0 in Dodgers’ worst-ever home shutout
The Chicago Cubs had a big night against the defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers, who collapsed after a promising start from Roki Sasaki
www.theguardian.com
April 13, 2025 at 2:01 PM
Cubs rout reigning champs 16-0 in Dodgers’ worst-ever home shutout
Reposted by Michael Borgas
Fernando Tormos-Aponte writes in Nature how lessons from the environmental movement can help researchers protect scientific integrity. “Elected officials will not be compelled to protect scientific institutions if scientists take no steps to defend them.” 🧪
‘Now is not the time for despair’ — how scientists can take a stand against political interference
Lessons from environmental and other social movements can help researchers to protect scientific integrity from attack.
go.nature.com
April 12, 2025 at 7:27 PM
Fernando Tormos-Aponte writes in Nature how lessons from the environmental movement can help researchers protect scientific integrity. “Elected officials will not be compelled to protect scientific institutions if scientists take no steps to defend them.” 🧪
Reposted by Michael Borgas
🧪"At least, such was my initial hope for DOGE. In reality, however, [...]".
Yup, reality is the core problem here.
Yup, reality is the core problem here.
“Virtually no one thinks that we are making the best use of scientists’ time.”
DOGE, however, isn’t fixing that—it’s cancelling grants, firing scientists, and causing chaos. If efficiency were the goal, we wouldn’t be here, argues Stuart Buck.
DOGE, however, isn’t fixing that—it’s cancelling grants, firing scientists, and causing chaos. If efficiency were the goal, we wouldn’t be here, argues Stuart Buck.
Science Under Threat in the United States: How to make science more efficient
DOGE needs to completely rethink its efforts to increase the efficiency of the federal agencies that fund research in the US.
elifesciences.org
April 12, 2025 at 8:01 PM
🧪"At least, such was my initial hope for DOGE. In reality, however, [...]".
Yup, reality is the core problem here.
Yup, reality is the core problem here.
Reposted by Michael Borgas
Bookmark these resources! The Trump admin’s corrupt, illegal, and anti-science actions are causing harm to people and communities across the country. These trackers document that harm, including NIH cuts, illegal DOGE activities, and litigation currently underway to stop the damage. (A thread 🧵)
April 11, 2025 at 4:43 PM
Bookmark these resources! The Trump admin’s corrupt, illegal, and anti-science actions are causing harm to people and communities across the country. These trackers document that harm, including NIH cuts, illegal DOGE activities, and litigation currently underway to stop the damage. (A thread 🧵)
Reposted by Michael Borgas
🤝🏼 Send this thread to a friend or share UCS’s Jen Jones latest blog:
#DefendScience #PublicHealth #StandUpForScience #ProtectDemocracy #ScienceNotSilence
#DefendScience #PublicHealth #StandUpForScience #ProtectDemocracy #ScienceNotSilence
Keeping Track: Mapping the Trump Administration’s Attacks on Science and Health
The Trump administration is corrupt, incompetent and breaking the law. There is plenty of data and evidence to back up this fact—but there’s so much going on that it takes diligent effort to monitor i...
blog.ucs.org
April 11, 2025 at 4:43 PM
🤝🏼 Send this thread to a friend or share UCS’s Jen Jones latest blog:
#DefendScience #PublicHealth #StandUpForScience #ProtectDemocracy #ScienceNotSilence
#DefendScience #PublicHealth #StandUpForScience #ProtectDemocracy #ScienceNotSilence
Reposted by Michael Borgas
I’d guess most taxpayers are unaware how much they’ve already invested in creating the scientific workforce, which is now being thrown away.
Maybe $500,000 per scientist?
Talk about waste.
Maybe $500,000 per scientist?
Talk about waste.
April 4, 2025 at 8:19 PM
I’d guess most taxpayers are unaware how much they’ve already invested in creating the scientific workforce, which is now being thrown away.
Maybe $500,000 per scientist?
Talk about waste.
Maybe $500,000 per scientist?
Talk about waste.
Reposted by Michael Borgas
The Trump administration has rescinded the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) scientific integrity policy, and that’s a bad sign for public confidence in government science. Why do scientific integrity policies matter? Science Network's @lizborkowski.bsky.social explains in her blog.
Trump’s NIH Ditches Its Scientific Integrity Policy. That’s Bad News for Public Trust in Government Science
The Trump administration has rescinded the scientific integrity policy of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and it’s a bad sign for public confidence in government science. At a time when Texas...
blog.ucs.org
April 4, 2025 at 5:00 PM
The Trump administration has rescinded the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) scientific integrity policy, and that’s a bad sign for public confidence in government science. Why do scientific integrity policies matter? Science Network's @lizborkowski.bsky.social explains in her blog.
Reposted by Michael Borgas
Wind power, which now supplies 25% of Finland's electricity, puts the lid on coal's coffin in Finland by bringing coal's output down from 23% in 2003 to <1% this week with the closure of the Salmisaari coal plant.
www.renewableenergymagazine.com/wind/finland... @christianonre.bsky.social
www.renewableenergymagazine.com/wind/finland... @christianonre.bsky.social
Finland replaces coal with wind power, boosting energy security and competitiveness
The Salmisaari coal power plant in Helsinki has now officially closed, bring coal generation in Finland to below 1 percent, but by putting in place clear policies, the Finnish government ha...
www.renewableenergymagazine.com
April 2, 2025 at 9:39 PM
Wind power, which now supplies 25% of Finland's electricity, puts the lid on coal's coffin in Finland by bringing coal's output down from 23% in 2003 to <1% this week with the closure of the Salmisaari coal plant.
www.renewableenergymagazine.com/wind/finland... @christianonre.bsky.social
www.renewableenergymagazine.com/wind/finland... @christianonre.bsky.social
Reposted by Michael Borgas
Let’s be clear about what’s being proposed here: massive new subsidies for the climate-heating gas industry. #auspol www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
Coalition says it will allow gas producers to access $4bn net zero fund for critical minerals
Shadow resources minister tells Sydney conference Coalition would give gas the same status as a critical mineral to boost industry funding
www.theguardian.com
April 2, 2025 at 9:16 PM
Let’s be clear about what’s being proposed here: massive new subsidies for the climate-heating gas industry. #auspol www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
Reposted by Michael Borgas
EPA Admin Lee Zeldin is attempting to torch vital EPA safeguards that protect our health and our communities, by every means possible, and all part of a polluter-first agenda.
Here’s a sample from this last month alone ⬇️:
Here’s a sample from this last month alone ⬇️:
March 31, 2025 at 7:53 PM
EPA Admin Lee Zeldin is attempting to torch vital EPA safeguards that protect our health and our communities, by every means possible, and all part of a polluter-first agenda.
Here’s a sample from this last month alone ⬇️:
Here’s a sample from this last month alone ⬇️:
Reposted by Michael Borgas
BREAKING: The National Treasury Employees Union, representing 150,000 workers, is suing Trump over his executive order to end collective bargaining rights for federal workers.
March 31, 2025 at 6:47 PM
BREAKING: The National Treasury Employees Union, representing 150,000 workers, is suing Trump over his executive order to end collective bargaining rights for federal workers.