Niko Jaakkola
@nikoecon.bsky.social
Associate Prof, Uni Bologna, Economics of climate & natural resources. Tweeting also as citizen, 🇫🇮/🇪🇺 and as resident 🇮🇹. Views are mine, most likely borrowed from somewhere.
Suomeksi @nikoekon.bsky.social
https://sites.google.com/view/jaakkola
Suomeksi @nikoekon.bsky.social
https://sites.google.com/view/jaakkola
Pinned
Niko Jaakkola
@nikoecon.bsky.social
· Nov 23
“Big Push” Green Industrial Policy
Carbon pricing is a central part of climate policy, but is politically difficult while the economy is still reliant on fossil fuels
The long-lived green investments required to break the carbon lock-...
www.cesifo.org
I wrote a policy piece for the EconPol Forum, together with Rick van der Ploeg and Tony Venables. We argue that decisive 'big push' green industrial policy is needed to convince firms & households that, without a doubt, the green transition is going to happen. 1/N
Sole authority to launch US nuclear weapons held by person whose policy statements on nuclear weapons are, um, very unclear to the top officials supposed to execute them.
www.economist.com/united-state...
www.economist.com/united-state...
November 8, 2025 at 9:08 AM
Sole authority to launch US nuclear weapons held by person whose policy statements on nuclear weapons are, um, very unclear to the top officials supposed to execute them.
www.economist.com/united-state...
www.economist.com/united-state...
Reposted by Niko Jaakkola
In recent years, several second cousins once removed of Russian dictator Vladimir Putin have taken jobs in state-affiliated institutions, marking the emergence of a third generation of the Putin family within Russia’s governing class, according to an investigation titled Fathers and Sons.
Putin’s third generation rises to power, family now dominates state-linked posts — investigation
In recent years, several second cousins once removed of
Russian dictator Vladimir Putin have taken jobs in state-affiliated
institutions, marking the emergence of a third generation of the Putin famil...
english.nv.ua
November 6, 2025 at 4:25 PM
In recent years, several second cousins once removed of Russian dictator Vladimir Putin have taken jobs in state-affiliated institutions, marking the emergence of a third generation of the Putin family within Russia’s governing class, according to an investigation titled Fathers and Sons.
Reposted by Niko Jaakkola
A fun question. In 5 years time, what looks better? The US’s enormous bet & capex on AI? Or China’s equally enormous bet and capex on renewables?
China has made cheap, clean energy available in huge quantities. The world should take the win econ.st/4oqFszB
Photo: Eyevine
Photo: Eyevine
November 7, 2025 at 7:10 AM
A fun question. In 5 years time, what looks better? The US’s enormous bet & capex on AI? Or China’s equally enormous bet and capex on renewables?
Reposted by Niko Jaakkola
“There’s a combination of economic threats, as well as very personal delegate-level threats, including threats to visas.”
“They went from delegation to delegation . . .threatening them. Telling them to go back & speak to their capitals, warning what would happen if they didn’t change their minds”.
“They went from delegation to delegation . . .threatening them. Telling them to go back & speak to their capitals, warning what would happen if they didn’t change their minds”.
US accused of ‘bully-boy’ tactics to sink climate deal
Officials say ‘threats’ used to derail net zero deal for shipping industry ripped up rules of global diplomacy
on.ft.com
November 3, 2025 at 6:47 AM
“There’s a combination of economic threats, as well as very personal delegate-level threats, including threats to visas.”
“They went from delegation to delegation . . .threatening them. Telling them to go back & speak to their capitals, warning what would happen if they didn’t change their minds”.
“They went from delegation to delegation . . .threatening them. Telling them to go back & speak to their capitals, warning what would happen if they didn’t change their minds”.
Reposted by Niko Jaakkola
#China #UK #universities #Uyghur #Uighur #censorship
Human rights research halted after pressure from China
Leading professor at Sheffield Hallam told to cease research on supply chains and forced labour in China after demands from authorities
via AmyHawkins
www.theguardian.com/education/20...
Human rights research halted after pressure from China
Leading professor at Sheffield Hallam told to cease research on supply chains and forced labour in China after demands from authorities
via AmyHawkins
www.theguardian.com/education/20...
UK university halted human rights research after pressure from China
Exclusive: Leading professor at Sheffield Hallam was told to cease research on supply chains and forced labour in China after demands from authorities
www.theguardian.com
November 3, 2025 at 6:24 AM
#China #UK #universities #Uyghur #Uighur #censorship
Human rights research halted after pressure from China
Leading professor at Sheffield Hallam told to cease research on supply chains and forced labour in China after demands from authorities
via AmyHawkins
www.theguardian.com/education/20...
Human rights research halted after pressure from China
Leading professor at Sheffield Hallam told to cease research on supply chains and forced labour in China after demands from authorities
via AmyHawkins
www.theguardian.com/education/20...
Reposted by Niko Jaakkola
Looks like extraordinary cowardice. "...following pressure from the Chinese state and a separate defamation law suit against the university, Sheffield Hallam decided not to publish a final piece of research by Prof Murphy and her team into forced labour." www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
November 3, 2025 at 6:29 AM
Looks like extraordinary cowardice. "...following pressure from the Chinese state and a separate defamation law suit against the university, Sheffield Hallam decided not to publish a final piece of research by Prof Murphy and her team into forced labour." www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Astounding by @pmdfoster.bsky.social @attractamooney.bsky.social @kayewiggins.ft.com: the US resorts to personal threats against the negotiating civil servants (and other dirty tactics) to torpedo a climate deal. Time for other countries to band together against this kind of nonsense!
US accused of ‘bully-boy’ tactics to sink climate deal
Officials say ‘threats’ used to derail net zero deal for shipping industry ripped up rules of global diplomacy
www.ft.com
November 3, 2025 at 6:38 AM
Astounding by @pmdfoster.bsky.social @attractamooney.bsky.social @kayewiggins.ft.com: the US resorts to personal threats against the negotiating civil servants (and other dirty tactics) to torpedo a climate deal. Time for other countries to band together against this kind of nonsense!
Reposted by Niko Jaakkola
This is from Autocracy, Inc, about how modern autocratic propaganda works.
I consider this every time I decide what to share and how to frame it.
I consider this every time I decide what to share and how to frame it.
November 2, 2025 at 12:04 PM
This is from Autocracy, Inc, about how modern autocratic propaganda works.
I consider this every time I decide what to share and how to frame it.
I consider this every time I decide what to share and how to frame it.
I've nothing to say about Carney / Canadian politics. But we all use a model when we do *anything* in this world, whether we think we do or not. A model may be an explicit mathematical simplification of the world, or it may be a casual, plain English prediction of "what would happen if I did X?"
The key to understanding Carney‘s politics is, as an economist, he sees the world in terms of models. That’s what he meant when he promised to “govern in econometrics.” But that only works when a) your model somewhat reflects reality, and b) one remembers that models are simplifications of reality.
Will Carney’s budget finally reveal where the prime minister is taking Canada?
The Liberals won the election on Carney’s promise to “win” the trade war with Trump. So now what?
www.thestar.com
November 2, 2025 at 2:21 PM
I've nothing to say about Carney / Canadian politics. But we all use a model when we do *anything* in this world, whether we think we do or not. A model may be an explicit mathematical simplification of the world, or it may be a casual, plain English prediction of "what would happen if I did X?"
Reposted by Niko Jaakkola
What the WaPo has become:
"The White House cannot simply be a museum to the past. Like America, it must evolve with the times to maintain its greatness. Strong leaders reject calcification."
The MAGAfication of the language.
"The White House cannot simply be a museum to the past. Like America, it must evolve with the times to maintain its greatness. Strong leaders reject calcification."
The MAGAfication of the language.
Opinion | In defense of the White House ballroom
Donald Trump vs. the NIMBYs
www.washingtonpost.com
October 26, 2025 at 2:02 AM
What the WaPo has become:
"The White House cannot simply be a museum to the past. Like America, it must evolve with the times to maintain its greatness. Strong leaders reject calcification."
The MAGAfication of the language.
"The White House cannot simply be a museum to the past. Like America, it must evolve with the times to maintain its greatness. Strong leaders reject calcification."
The MAGAfication of the language.
This is shocking but not very surprising. Farage's right hand man *caught* being on Russia's payroll. Should keep in mind that Farage himself has been a regular visitor on Russia Today. These guys should be kept as far from Westminster as possible.
Reform UK, the Russian spy & rolls of Kremlin cash: the inside story of Nathan Gill
www.theguardian.com/news/ng-inte...
By me, @lukeharding1968.bsky.social
@peterwalker99.bsky.social
& Artem Mazhulin
www.theguardian.com/news/ng-inte...
By me, @lukeharding1968.bsky.social
@peterwalker99.bsky.social
& Artem Mazhulin
Reform UK, the Russian spy and rolls of Kremlin cash: the inside story of Nathan Gill
How did a former Mormon bishop end up pleading guilty to taking bribes to make statements in favour of Russia in the European parliament?
www.theguardian.com
November 1, 2025 at 6:16 PM
This is shocking but not very surprising. Farage's right hand man *caught* being on Russia's payroll. Should keep in mind that Farage himself has been a regular visitor on Russia Today. These guys should be kept as far from Westminster as possible.
Please let oil pieces go down because of falling demand. Good for climate, bad for Russians massacring Ukrainians.
"The global oil market may be at a tipping point as signs of a significant supply glut emerge" writes the IEA.
Tepid demand due to "subpar economic conditions, increasing vehicle efficiencies, & robust electric vehicle sales in many markets." 😮
www.iea.org/commentaries...
Tepid demand due to "subpar economic conditions, increasing vehicle efficiencies, & robust electric vehicle sales in many markets." 😮
www.iea.org/commentaries...
As oil market surplus keeps rising, something’s got to give – Analysis - IEA
As oil market surplus keeps rising, something’s got to give - A commentary by Toril Bosoni
www.iea.org
November 1, 2025 at 1:02 PM
Please let oil pieces go down because of falling demand. Good for climate, bad for Russians massacring Ukrainians.
Reposted by Niko Jaakkola
"The global oil market may be at a tipping point as signs of a significant supply glut emerge" writes the IEA.
Tepid demand due to "subpar economic conditions, increasing vehicle efficiencies, & robust electric vehicle sales in many markets." 😮
www.iea.org/commentaries...
Tepid demand due to "subpar economic conditions, increasing vehicle efficiencies, & robust electric vehicle sales in many markets." 😮
www.iea.org/commentaries...
As oil market surplus keeps rising, something’s got to give – Analysis - IEA
As oil market surplus keeps rising, something’s got to give - A commentary by Toril Bosoni
www.iea.org
October 27, 2025 at 7:24 AM
"The global oil market may be at a tipping point as signs of a significant supply glut emerge" writes the IEA.
Tepid demand due to "subpar economic conditions, increasing vehicle efficiencies, & robust electric vehicle sales in many markets." 😮
www.iea.org/commentaries...
Tepid demand due to "subpar economic conditions, increasing vehicle efficiencies, & robust electric vehicle sales in many markets." 😮
www.iea.org/commentaries...
This, so many times this by @economist.com.
Europe needs to understand that is is stronger than Russia, as long as it acts together. Funding Ukraine's defence only seems expensive if you don't compare it to the available alternative options. This is also the fiscally conservative choice.
Europe needs to understand that is is stronger than Russia, as long as it acts together. Funding Ukraine's defence only seems expensive if you don't compare it to the available alternative options. This is also the fiscally conservative choice.
Why funding Ukraine is a giant opportunity for Europe
The bill will be huge. It is also a historic bargain
www.economist.com
October 31, 2025 at 11:47 AM
This, so many times this by @economist.com.
Europe needs to understand that is is stronger than Russia, as long as it acts together. Funding Ukraine's defence only seems expensive if you don't compare it to the available alternative options. This is also the fiscally conservative choice.
Europe needs to understand that is is stronger than Russia, as long as it acts together. Funding Ukraine's defence only seems expensive if you don't compare it to the available alternative options. This is also the fiscally conservative choice.
Gunvor seems like a blatantly obvious Kremlin front, no? What's the deal with not sanctioning it?
Lukoil agrees sale of international assets to Gunvor after US sanctions
Buyer has close ties to Russia and was co-founded by one of Vladimir Putin’s closest associates
www.ft.com
October 30, 2025 at 9:45 AM
Gunvor seems like a blatantly obvious Kremlin front, no? What's the deal with not sanctioning it?
Reposted by Niko Jaakkola
1/n - Trump says something about nuclear weapons tests...It’s hard to know what he means. As usual, he’s unclear, all over the map, and wrong.
1. The United States has more Nuclear Weapons than any other country.
Wrong. Russia has more nuclear weapons than the United States.
1. The United States has more Nuclear Weapons than any other country.
Wrong. Russia has more nuclear weapons than the United States.
October 30, 2025 at 6:22 AM
1/n - Trump says something about nuclear weapons tests...It’s hard to know what he means. As usual, he’s unclear, all over the map, and wrong.
1. The United States has more Nuclear Weapons than any other country.
Wrong. Russia has more nuclear weapons than the United States.
1. The United States has more Nuclear Weapons than any other country.
Wrong. Russia has more nuclear weapons than the United States.
Reposted by Niko Jaakkola
“In my work with the (Nuremberg Trial) defendants, I was searching for the nature of evil, and I now think I have come close to defining it. A lack of empathy... a genuine incapacity to feel with their fellow men. Evil, I think, is the absence of empathy.”
- Captain G.M. Gilbert, US Army
- Captain G.M. Gilbert, US Army
October 29, 2025 at 9:37 PM
“In my work with the (Nuremberg Trial) defendants, I was searching for the nature of evil, and I now think I have come close to defining it. A lack of empathy... a genuine incapacity to feel with their fellow men. Evil, I think, is the absence of empathy.”
- Captain G.M. Gilbert, US Army
- Captain G.M. Gilbert, US Army
Reposted by Niko Jaakkola
None of this is correct. Good thing we have a steady hand on "nuclear"
October 30, 2025 at 1:17 AM
None of this is correct. Good thing we have a steady hand on "nuclear"
Reposted by Niko Jaakkola
Telling scary stories around the campfire to young people:
"...and you had no way of knowing who was calling. You just had to pick it up."
"...co...couldn't you put it on silent?"
"There was no silent. And anyone in the house could answer. Even if the call was for you."
"...and you had no way of knowing who was calling. You just had to pick it up."
"...co...couldn't you put it on silent?"
"There was no silent. And anyone in the house could answer. Even if the call was for you."
October 28, 2025 at 5:36 PM
Telling scary stories around the campfire to young people:
"...and you had no way of knowing who was calling. You just had to pick it up."
"...co...couldn't you put it on silent?"
"There was no silent. And anyone in the house could answer. Even if the call was for you."
"...and you had no way of knowing who was calling. You just had to pick it up."
"...co...couldn't you put it on silent?"
"There was no silent. And anyone in the house could answer. Even if the call was for you."
This is very true. China will be watching carefully, when making its calculations over Taiwan, how much resolve Western democracies display in their support for Ukraine. It is no exaggeration to say that peace is the entire world is at stake.
‘China is watching’: Finland warns defeating Russia’s invasion of Ukraine key to stability in Indo-Pacific
Defence minister says Xi Jinping should note resolve to stay the course by global democratic alliance, including Australia
www.theguardian.com
October 28, 2025 at 8:42 AM
This is very true. China will be watching carefully, when making its calculations over Taiwan, how much resolve Western democracies display in their support for Ukraine. It is no exaggeration to say that peace is the entire world is at stake.
We knew this, here's the UN confirming it. Russia = barbarism.
UN report confirms that Russia is using drones to systematically target civilians in Ukraine.
“These attacks have a devastating impact on the civilian population living in the affected areas. They have caused extensive damage and destruction, leaving entire localities unliveable”
“These attacks have a devastating impact on the civilian population living in the affected areas. They have caused extensive damage and destruction, leaving entire localities unliveable”
UN Commission says Russian drones target civilians and destroy infrastructure, making localities in frontline provinces of Ukraine unliveable
GENEVA / VIENNA – Russian armed forces have targeted civilians and a wide array of civilian objects using short-range drones in localities stretching over 300 kilometres along the right bank of the Dn...
www.ohchr.org
October 28, 2025 at 8:24 AM
We knew this, here's the UN confirming it. Russia = barbarism.
JFC. Italian pacifists blocking expansion of Rheinmetall explosives plant in Sardinia.
Right now, the best way to peace is demonstrating to Putin that war doesn't pay.
Right now, the best way to peace is demonstrating to Putin that war doesn't pay.
Italian pacifists stymie Europe’s plan to boost ammunition production
Anti-establishment politicians oppose expansion of Rheinmetall plant in Sardinia
www.ft.com
October 28, 2025 at 7:33 AM
JFC. Italian pacifists blocking expansion of Rheinmetall explosives plant in Sardinia.
Right now, the best way to peace is demonstrating to Putin that war doesn't pay.
Right now, the best way to peace is demonstrating to Putin that war doesn't pay.
Reposted by Niko Jaakkola
Italian Senator Carlo Calenda left Jeffrey Sachs literally speechless and shocked by calling him a liar and someone who repeats Russian propaganda narratives.
I believe this is exactly how public accountability should work - when a liar is called a liar.
I believe this is exactly how public accountability should work - when a liar is called a liar.
October 26, 2025 at 3:00 PM
Italian Senator Carlo Calenda left Jeffrey Sachs literally speechless and shocked by calling him a liar and someone who repeats Russian propaganda narratives.
I believe this is exactly how public accountability should work - when a liar is called a liar.
I believe this is exactly how public accountability should work - when a liar is called a liar.
Reposted by Niko Jaakkola
Awful and must be marked: imprisoned for “nothing more than providing scientific evidence about the impact of krill fishing on the Antarctic ecosystem”.
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Russia arrests Ukrainian biologist for backing curbs on Antarctic krill fishing
‘Trumped-up’ charges spark diplomatic row as scientists express fears for health of 70-year-old Leonid Pshenichnov
www.theguardian.com
October 26, 2025 at 4:36 PM
Awful and must be marked: imprisoned for “nothing more than providing scientific evidence about the impact of krill fishing on the Antarctic ecosystem”.
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
www.theguardian.com/environment/...