Pete Ballantine
@peteballantine.bsky.social
PhD student - rural sustainability transitions / civil servant - Crofting Commission / forest & mountain enthusiast / techno & disco aficionado / fitba, obviously / road bikes / all the wine / views my own
Pinned
I’m new here. So far enjoying the lack of sexy bots trying to be my friend and the lack of fascist voices being rammed down my throat that predominates in the other place. Looking for good chat about all the stuff in my bio (and finding plenty already)!
The Universe’s mission to troll Starmer continues…
Maccabi Tel Aviv v Hapoel Tel Aviv called off by police after disorder
The Israeli Premier League derby between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Tel Aviv is cancelled before kick-off and nine people are arrested.
www.bbc.co.uk
October 19, 2025 at 10:09 PM
The Universe’s mission to troll Starmer continues…
Reposted by Pete Ballantine
🔥 The never-ending narrative…
This week, I’ve once again heard prominent climate researchers dismiss individual action as either irrelevant or a distraction instigated by the fossil fuel industry.
Here’s a 🧵 on why this argument frustrates me to no end and why I think it misses the bigger picture.
This week, I’ve once again heard prominent climate researchers dismiss individual action as either irrelevant or a distraction instigated by the fossil fuel industry.
Here’s a 🧵 on why this argument frustrates me to no end and why I think it misses the bigger picture.
October 15, 2025 at 11:50 AM
🔥 The never-ending narrative…
This week, I’ve once again heard prominent climate researchers dismiss individual action as either irrelevant or a distraction instigated by the fossil fuel industry.
Here’s a 🧵 on why this argument frustrates me to no end and why I think it misses the bigger picture.
This week, I’ve once again heard prominent climate researchers dismiss individual action as either irrelevant or a distraction instigated by the fossil fuel industry.
Here’s a 🧵 on why this argument frustrates me to no end and why I think it misses the bigger picture.
Remember that the UK Government is choosing to maintain an energy system that shafts everyone. They could start undoing this today if they wanted to.
The UK privatised all their Fossil Fuel, Power Plants and Electricity transmission.
Norway still owns all of theirs.
The price in the UK for 1 Kwh is 26.5p.
Norway reduce their cost to 3p on Oct 1st.
9x cheaper, the ripoff is insane.
Norway still owns all of theirs.
The price in the UK for 1 Kwh is 26.5p.
Norway reduce their cost to 3p on Oct 1st.
9x cheaper, the ripoff is insane.
September 17, 2025 at 9:33 AM
Remember that the UK Government is choosing to maintain an energy system that shafts everyone. They could start undoing this today if they wanted to.
The Spanish Government has a point here. The UCI can’t fly the neutrality flag when convenient, especially given the ongoing UCI ban of Russian cyclists competing under the Russian flag. Calling out the ongoing 🇵🇸 genocide by any means obviously takes precedent over sporting spectacle
Spanish government hits back at UCI criticism over Vuelta protests
The Spanish government has issued a forceful reply to the UCI after cycling’s governing body criticised Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez in the wake of the…
www.domestiquecycling.com
September 16, 2025 at 8:46 AM
The Spanish Government has a point here. The UCI can’t fly the neutrality flag when convenient, especially given the ongoing UCI ban of Russian cyclists competing under the Russian flag. Calling out the ongoing 🇵🇸 genocide by any means obviously takes precedent over sporting spectacle
Obviously this is the next stop on football’s journey to unwatchable corporate hell product but i can’t wait for AC Milan - Como at McDiarmid Park, followed by St Johnstone - Arbroath at the San Siro.
Barcelona in Miami; Milan in Perth? Welcome to the league of anywhere | Jonathan Liew
What goes on tour, stays on tour as Uefa meets on Thursday to discuss La Liga’s and Serie A’s request to play competitive matches abroad
www.theguardian.com
September 11, 2025 at 9:14 AM
Obviously this is the next stop on football’s journey to unwatchable corporate hell product but i can’t wait for AC Milan - Como at McDiarmid Park, followed by St Johnstone - Arbroath at the San Siro.
Reposted by Pete Ballantine
The main issue facing any UK government isn't actually the number of people seeking asylum, in the grand scheme, proportionally, we aren't talking about huge figures, especially when compared per capita to countries such as France, but the constant images we see in the media. 1/
September 1, 2025 at 7:01 AM
The main issue facing any UK government isn't actually the number of people seeking asylum, in the grand scheme, proportionally, we aren't talking about huge figures, especially when compared per capita to countries such as France, but the constant images we see in the media. 1/
Reposted by Pete Ballantine
Ministry of Defence admits UK is training Israeli military IN BRITAIN
It is clearer than ever that the UK is not just complicit in Israeli genocide in Gaza: it is an active participant
www.thecanary.co/trending/202...
It is clearer than ever that the UK is not just complicit in Israeli genocide in Gaza: it is an active participant
www.thecanary.co/trending/202...
Ministry of Defence admits UK is training Israeli military IN BRITAIN
It is clearer than ever that the UK is not just complicit in Israeli genocide in Gaza: it is an active participant
www.thecanary.co
June 12, 2025 at 8:44 PM
Ministry of Defence admits UK is training Israeli military IN BRITAIN
It is clearer than ever that the UK is not just complicit in Israeli genocide in Gaza: it is an active participant
www.thecanary.co/trending/202...
It is clearer than ever that the UK is not just complicit in Israeli genocide in Gaza: it is an active participant
www.thecanary.co/trending/202...
Reposted by Pete Ballantine
Reposted by Pete Ballantine
We need council homes.
The vital question is how much of the governments spending will actually result in more council homes?
Saying big numbers is worse than meaningless if it's actually lining the pockets of property developers to build more empty unaffordable buildings.
The vital question is how much of the governments spending will actually result in more council homes?
Saying big numbers is worse than meaningless if it's actually lining the pockets of property developers to build more empty unaffordable buildings.
June 11, 2025 at 9:46 AM
We need council homes.
The vital question is how much of the governments spending will actually result in more council homes?
Saying big numbers is worse than meaningless if it's actually lining the pockets of property developers to build more empty unaffordable buildings.
The vital question is how much of the governments spending will actually result in more council homes?
Saying big numbers is worse than meaningless if it's actually lining the pockets of property developers to build more empty unaffordable buildings.
Words of condemnation are being issued now as leaders wake up to the scale of the violence being inflicted upon Palestinians and their complicity in this through continued military and logistical support and resources. Blood is on their hands and they only just noticed.
Reports from Gaza confirm that people are now literally dying of starvation.
Western leaders have issued words of condemnation, but words are not enough. They have the power to stop this genocide now.
Western leaders have issued words of condemnation, but words are not enough. They have the power to stop this genocide now.
May 24, 2025 at 7:22 AM
Words of condemnation are being issued now as leaders wake up to the scale of the violence being inflicted upon Palestinians and their complicity in this through continued military and logistical support and resources. Blood is on their hands and they only just noticed.
Reposted by Pete Ballantine
"Apologists for Israel might want to reject the charge of genocide [and] suggest its hyperbole or even antisemitic, but the actual experts on genocide know a genocide when they see one - and they see one in Gaza."
My receipts on all the experts who say Gaza *is* a genocide.
zeteo.com/subscribe
My receipts on all the experts who say Gaza *is* a genocide.
zeteo.com/subscribe
May 23, 2025 at 7:32 PM
"Apologists for Israel might want to reject the charge of genocide [and] suggest its hyperbole or even antisemitic, but the actual experts on genocide know a genocide when they see one - and they see one in Gaza."
My receipts on all the experts who say Gaza *is* a genocide.
zeteo.com/subscribe
My receipts on all the experts who say Gaza *is* a genocide.
zeteo.com/subscribe
A bit late to this but FUCK OFF! If a national park is meant to foster sustainable development you need to look at the “sustainable”part as well as the “development” part. Undemocratic, ill-judged decision making here from the Scottish Ministers (if approved)
Loch Lomond Flamingo Land resort set for approval after appeal
The theme park operator wants to build a £40m resort with a waterpark, monorail, hotel and restaurants.
www.bbc.co.uk
May 16, 2025 at 9:19 PM
A bit late to this but FUCK OFF! If a national park is meant to foster sustainable development you need to look at the “sustainable”part as well as the “development” part. Undemocratic, ill-judged decision making here from the Scottish Ministers (if approved)
The smoke is black because they chuck some old tyres from the pope mobile on the fire
May 7, 2025 at 9:50 PM
The smoke is black because they chuck some old tyres from the pope mobile on the fire
This guy nails it. If Wes Streeting is correct and Reform are now Labour’s biggest rivals, maybe actually try constructively critiquing and opposing what they are saying and doing rather than just aping them. You’ll never outflank Reform on immigration so perhaps just don’t try
May 6, 2025 at 9:34 AM
This guy nails it. If Wes Streeting is correct and Reform are now Labour’s biggest rivals, maybe actually try constructively critiquing and opposing what they are saying and doing rather than just aping them. You’ll never outflank Reform on immigration so perhaps just don’t try
Reposted by Pete Ballantine
The same Tony Blair has been paid to advise oil rich autocratic states including Azerbaijan, UAE and Kazakhstan
This should be included in *every* story about his net zero comments
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/poli...
This should be included in *every* story about his net zero comments
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/poli...
Tony Blair calls for radical reset of climate change policies in major intervention
Former PM warns climate policy has become disconnected from ‘political, public, and economic reality’ and claims COP is struggling to ‘deliver change at the speed required’
www.independent.co.uk
April 30, 2025 at 8:50 AM
The same Tony Blair has been paid to advise oil rich autocratic states including Azerbaijan, UAE and Kazakhstan
This should be included in *every* story about his net zero comments
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/poli...
This should be included in *every* story about his net zero comments
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/poli...
Huge news! It will take communities a huge amount of work to get to this point but what a confidence boost to know that success is possible www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
April 27, 2025 at 12:56 PM
Huge news! It will take communities a huge amount of work to get to this point but what a confidence boost to know that success is possible www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Pump storage seems to be going through a bit of a renaissance at the moment. How much better will battery storage be by the time the Eadha project is online? Obviously doesn’t have the wow factor of big infrastructure projects like this but will surely be much cheaper in the long run
Scottish Government gives green light to UK's 'largest-ever' pumped hydro storage project
incm.pub/4iVOvFX
incm.pub/4iVOvFX
April 7, 2025 at 9:29 PM
Pump storage seems to be going through a bit of a renaissance at the moment. How much better will battery storage be by the time the Eadha project is online? Obviously doesn’t have the wow factor of big infrastructure projects like this but will surely be much cheaper in the long run
Reposted by Pete Ballantine
Lenin discovering Alexander Kerensky has accidentally added him to the Provisional Government group chat.
March 25, 2025 at 8:37 PM
Lenin discovering Alexander Kerensky has accidentally added him to the Provisional Government group chat.
I had absolutely zero expectations for this Labour Government so it’s pretty amazing that they’ve failed to even meet them.
March 26, 2025 at 2:36 PM
I had absolutely zero expectations for this Labour Government so it’s pretty amazing that they’ve failed to even meet them.
This story is incredible. Some of the most senior members of the US administration discussing forthcoming military action in a social media group, including an accidentally invited journalist! Absolute clown behaviour
The Trump Administration Accidentally Texted Me Its War Plans
U.S. national-security leaders included me in a group chat about upcoming military strikes in Yemen. I didn’t think it could be real. Then the bombs started falling.
www.theatlantic.com
March 24, 2025 at 7:40 PM
This story is incredible. Some of the most senior members of the US administration discussing forthcoming military action in a social media group, including an accidentally invited journalist! Absolute clown behaviour
Aside from the major issues around the fairness of this trial, SLAPP-style lawsuits like this, used by the mega rich to stymie dissenting voices (particularly environment and social justice campaigners), are an unjust abomination. 1/2
Greenpeace must pay at least $660m over Dakota pipeline protests, says jury
Non-profit, which will appeal decision, says lawsuits like this are aimed at ‘destroying the right to peaceful protest’
www.theguardian.com
March 19, 2025 at 11:04 PM
Aside from the major issues around the fairness of this trial, SLAPP-style lawsuits like this, used by the mega rich to stymie dissenting voices (particularly environment and social justice campaigners), are an unjust abomination. 1/2
Reposted by Pete Ballantine
Last week, I attended an excellent workshop at @lancasteruni.bsky.social hosted by @samuelfinnerty.bsky.social on "Higher Education's Role in the #Climate Crisis: Bridging Research Culture and Action".
Here's a thread on some papers that came up in our discussion🧵
Here's a thread on some papers that came up in our discussion🧵
March 17, 2025 at 11:11 AM
Last week, I attended an excellent workshop at @lancasteruni.bsky.social hosted by @samuelfinnerty.bsky.social on "Higher Education's Role in the #Climate Crisis: Bridging Research Culture and Action".
Here's a thread on some papers that came up in our discussion🧵
Here's a thread on some papers that came up in our discussion🧵
Absolutely fuck Labour for this. Constantly punching down in pursuit of that unattainable growth wet dream is not going to work out well. Read the fucking room!
Keir Starmer to unveil drastic disability benefit cuts despite opposition
Changes could deny benefits to people who need help to wash or to remember to go to the toilet
www.theguardian.com
March 17, 2025 at 11:15 PM
Absolutely fuck Labour for this. Constantly punching down in pursuit of that unattainable growth wet dream is not going to work out well. Read the fucking room!
Reposted by Pete Ballantine
Karl Marx died on this day in 1883.
"The philosophers have only interpreted the world, in various ways. The point, however, is to change it."
"The philosophers have only interpreted the world, in various ways. The point, however, is to change it."
March 14, 2025 at 4:34 PM
Karl Marx died on this day in 1883.
"The philosophers have only interpreted the world, in various ways. The point, however, is to change it."
"The philosophers have only interpreted the world, in various ways. The point, however, is to change it."
The Microsoft authenticator app represents the absolute worst of progress in IT. There’s an evil to the mundane way it goes around fucking up your day in small but incredibly frustrating ways, over and over and over again
March 7, 2025 at 10:20 PM
The Microsoft authenticator app represents the absolute worst of progress in IT. There’s an evil to the mundane way it goes around fucking up your day in small but incredibly frustrating ways, over and over and over again