Richard Edwards
@predwards.bsky.social
Head of Public Health, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University. Research focuses mainly on policy to achieve tobacco 'endgame' goals. Have lots of CDs (punk, reggae, blues ...)
Pinned
Richard Edwards
@predwards.bsky.social
· Nov 12
This is my first post on this platform as I migrate away from X/Twitter. I am a Public Health researcher from Aotearoa NZ who focuses on research to achieve a Smokefree Aotearoa. I co-direct the ASPIRE Aotearoa research centre at the University of Otago, Wellington. See aspireaotearoa.org.nz
Reposted by Richard Edwards
Cancer Society Tobacco Industry Interference Index shows catastrophic decline for Aotearoa, reflecting Costello's industry-friendly actions. Shameful. www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/aot...
Aotearoa plummets from 2nd to 53rd in Global Tobacco Industry Interference Index ranking
Recent policy changes have led to a dramatic drop in NZ’s global ranking for tobacco interference protection.
www.phcc.org.nz
November 11, 2025 at 8:05 PM
Cancer Society Tobacco Industry Interference Index shows catastrophic decline for Aotearoa, reflecting Costello's industry-friendly actions. Shameful. www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/aot...
Damning indictment of NZ Govt. "New Zealand recorded the most deterioration in industry interference. Besides repealing strong tobacco control policies, citing industry arguments as rationale, the current government implemented several TI-friendly policies," www.rnz.co.nz/news/politic...
'Most deteriorated' - NZ plummets in global tobacco control ranking
An anti-vaping group calls the ranking an "international disgrace".
www.rnz.co.nz
November 11, 2025 at 8:12 PM
Damning indictment of NZ Govt. "New Zealand recorded the most deterioration in industry interference. Besides repealing strong tobacco control policies, citing industry arguments as rationale, the current government implemented several TI-friendly policies," www.rnz.co.nz/news/politic...
Evaluation of schemes providing free bikes & wrap-around support in low income communities in the UK finds multiple positive benefits on health, well-being, & community connectedness. Also, hugely cost-effective with very high returns on investment. theaws.co.uk/wp-content/u...
theaws.co.uk
November 9, 2025 at 11:02 PM
Evaluation of schemes providing free bikes & wrap-around support in low income communities in the UK finds multiple positive benefits on health, well-being, & community connectedness. Also, hugely cost-effective with very high returns on investment. theaws.co.uk/wp-content/u...
Mark Daalder sets out all the actions and policies (unfortunately there are lots) the NZ Govt has taken to impede efforts to reduce emissions and address climate change. newsroom.co.nz/2025/11/07/g...
Govt's climate strategy: Let it burn
Comment: The Government has relentlessly pursued policies that boost climate pollution – even if they cost more or jeopardise NZ's reputation, Marc Daalder writes
newsroom.co.nz
November 9, 2025 at 11:55 AM
Mark Daalder sets out all the actions and policies (unfortunately there are lots) the NZ Govt has taken to impede efforts to reduce emissions and address climate change. newsroom.co.nz/2025/11/07/g...
Reposted by Richard Edwards
CO2 at 423.9ppm. "Until our leaders have the courage to put a price on carbon to bring the era of fossil fuels to a definitive end, we are adding more & more carbon to the atmosphere, compounding the physical catastrophe now unfolding all around us." www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Net zero is an insidious loophole that distracts from the scientific imperative to eliminate fossil fuels | Joëlle Gergis
History tells us that polite incrementalism and political kowtowing will prevail at Cop30 – even as catastrophe unfolds around us
www.theguardian.com
November 7, 2025 at 6:21 AM
CO2 at 423.9ppm. "Until our leaders have the courage to put a price on carbon to bring the era of fossil fuels to a definitive end, we are adding more & more carbon to the atmosphere, compounding the physical catastrophe now unfolding all around us." www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
The Maldives has passed a smokefree generation law. www.theguardian.com/world/2025/n...
Maldives becomes the only country with generational smoking ban
Indian Ocean archipelago bans anyone born after 1 January 2007 from buying or using tobacco in order to ‘promote a tobacco-free generation’
www.theguardian.com
November 1, 2025 at 8:57 AM
The Maldives has passed a smokefree generation law. www.theguardian.com/world/2025/n...
Reposted by Richard Edwards
Wow! Town Council in Tiburon (Marin County) unanimously passed a tobacco product sales ban ordinance (third in the state of California)! #MakeTobaccoHistory
#Tobacco #endgame #PublicHealthSky @ash.org @simonchapman.bsky.social @mhef.bsky.social @mikedaube.bsky.social
#Tobacco #endgame #PublicHealthSky @ash.org @simonchapman.bsky.social @mhef.bsky.social @mikedaube.bsky.social
October 16, 2025 at 3:20 AM
Wow! Town Council in Tiburon (Marin County) unanimously passed a tobacco product sales ban ordinance (third in the state of California)! #MakeTobaccoHistory
#Tobacco #endgame #PublicHealthSky @ash.org @simonchapman.bsky.social @mhef.bsky.social @mikedaube.bsky.social
#Tobacco #endgame #PublicHealthSky @ash.org @simonchapman.bsky.social @mhef.bsky.social @mikedaube.bsky.social
Paper led by Caroline Shaw modelled impact of increase in EV fleet found health gains from reduced air pollution overwhelmed by greater injury-related harm from increased car use. Key message: interventions are needed to eliminate a car-dominated transport system. jech.bmj.com/content/79/1...
October 15, 2025 at 1:05 PM
Paper led by Caroline Shaw modelled impact of increase in EV fleet found health gains from reduced air pollution overwhelmed by greater injury-related harm from increased car use. Key message: interventions are needed to eliminate a car-dominated transport system. jech.bmj.com/content/79/1...
I think this is self explanatory. Hugely concerning new data shows accelerating increase in CO2 levels (and methane and other GHGs).
Record leap in CO2 fuels fears of accelerating global heating: CO2 in air hit new high last year, with scientists concerned natural land and ocean carbon sinks are weakening Levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere soared by a record amount in 2024 to hit another high, UN data shows, de...
Record leap in CO2 fuels fears of accelerating global heating
Record leap in CO2 fuels fears of accelerating global heating: CO2 in air hit new high last year, with scientists concerned natural land and ocean carbon sinks are weakening Levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere soared by a record amount in 2024 to hit another high, UN data shows, de...
www.theguardian.com
October 15, 2025 at 12:52 PM
I think this is self explanatory. Hugely concerning new data shows accelerating increase in CO2 levels (and methane and other GHGs).
Following Yoorrook Justice Commission report, Australia’s 1st treaty between a state government & Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people introduced to Victorian parliament. Includes formal apology, reframing school curriculum & greater use of traditional names. www.theage.com.au/politics/vic...
Australia’s first treaty a turning point for nation, Indigenous leaders say
The treaty between the Victorian government and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders comprises a formal apology, reframing the school curriculum and greater use of traditional names for natural park...
www.theage.com.au
September 9, 2025 at 5:10 AM
Following Yoorrook Justice Commission report, Australia’s 1st treaty between a state government & Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people introduced to Victorian parliament. Includes formal apology, reframing school curriculum & greater use of traditional names. www.theage.com.au/politics/vic...
Reposted by Richard Edwards
"The changes announced will give power back to the alcohol industry and undermine the democracy that New Zealanders value. These changes will limit communities’ abilities to object to alcohol licences, and also undermine the ability of Local Alcohol Policies to enact change."
OPINION: It was extremely disappointing to see the announcement last month from Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee on proposed changes on licensing in the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012.⬇️
Government 'prioritising alcohol industry over health'
Opinion from Otago University: The Government's decision to reverse its support to limit the trading hours of off-licences, and also to remove the ability of communities to object to alcohol licences,...
newsroom.co.nz
September 9, 2025 at 3:42 AM
"The changes announced will give power back to the alcohol industry and undermine the democracy that New Zealanders value. These changes will limit communities’ abilities to object to alcohol licences, and also undermine the ability of Local Alcohol Policies to enact change."
Reposted by Richard Edwards
Good, careful review justifying calls for action on alcohol marketing – and also noting that in some areas such as sport and sporting events, gambling exposure and advertising were even more common than alcohol. As so often, predatory industries use similar strategies.
🧵 New Public Health Scotland review finds alcohol marketing is pervasive & harmful.
Key takeaways ⬇️
📢 Alcohol ads are everywhere – from sport to supermarkets – with children & young people heavily exposed.
📊 Evidence is consistent: marketing drives...
publichealthscotland.scot/media/34628/...
Key takeaways ⬇️
📢 Alcohol ads are everywhere – from sport to supermarkets – with children & young people heavily exposed.
📊 Evidence is consistent: marketing drives...
publichealthscotland.scot/media/34628/...
publichealthscotland.scot
September 2, 2025 at 1:35 PM
Good, careful review justifying calls for action on alcohol marketing – and also noting that in some areas such as sport and sporting events, gambling exposure and advertising were even more common than alcohol. As so often, predatory industries use similar strategies.
ASH UK: falling smoking rates not illicit trade = real threat to tobacco industry profits. "This is why they continue to do everything they can to lobby against tobacco regulations. Faux concern about illicit trade is one of many cynical tactics the industry uses to further their lobbying efforts."
Get the facts on illicit tobacco and debunk industry myths in our new blog post.
ash.org.uk/media-centre...
ash.org.uk/media-centre...
From smuggling to spin: how tobacco giants hijacked the illicit trade debate - ASH
Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) is a campaigning public health charity that works to eliminate the harm caused by tobacco.
ash.org.uk
September 1, 2025 at 12:26 PM
ASH UK: falling smoking rates not illicit trade = real threat to tobacco industry profits. "This is why they continue to do everything they can to lobby against tobacco regulations. Faux concern about illicit trade is one of many cynical tactics the industry uses to further their lobbying efforts."
Reposted by Richard Edwards
BREAKING: Big moment as CDC staff stage a mass walkout.
They have lined the street outside its HQ to greet and salute the four top officials who have resigned in protest at RFK Jr’s attack on the agency’s science base.
(🎥 AP)
They have lined the street outside its HQ to greet and salute the four top officials who have resigned in protest at RFK Jr’s attack on the agency’s science base.
(🎥 AP)
August 28, 2025 at 7:42 PM
BREAKING: Big moment as CDC staff stage a mass walkout.
They have lined the street outside its HQ to greet and salute the four top officials who have resigned in protest at RFK Jr’s attack on the agency’s science base.
(🎥 AP)
They have lined the street outside its HQ to greet and salute the four top officials who have resigned in protest at RFK Jr’s attack on the agency’s science base.
(🎥 AP)
Rosaly LaPier on the ignominious history of using forced starvation against Indigenous populations. theconversation.com/the-dark-his...
The dark history of forced starvation as a weapon of war against Indigenous peoples
An Indigenous scholar explains how starvation was used to acquire the lands of Indigenous peoples. Her great-grandparents experienced ‘starvation winter’ on the Blackfeet reservation.
theconversation.com
August 21, 2025 at 4:31 AM
Rosaly LaPier on the ignominious history of using forced starvation against Indigenous populations. theconversation.com/the-dark-his...
More cuts to public good research in NZ: $15m for Marsden fund adding to $11.5m reduction for HRC research. Science Minister states priority is: "publicly funded research to focus on solving real world problems that can be commercialised." Narrow-minded & depressing. amp.rnz.co.nz/article/7377...
Marsden Fund says it was given only a day's notice of further funding cuts
amp.rnz.co.nz
August 19, 2025 at 7:38 AM
More cuts to public good research in NZ: $15m for Marsden fund adding to $11.5m reduction for HRC research. Science Minister states priority is: "publicly funded research to focus on solving real world problems that can be commercialised." Narrow-minded & depressing. amp.rnz.co.nz/article/7377...
Brilliant new briefing & video (see end of briefing) by @laniteddy.bsky.social & @janethoek.bsky.social about new research from ASPIRE Aotearoa on how adding pack inserts with quitting tips & information could offer hope to people who smoke & support them to quit. www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/bal...
August 19, 2025 at 3:56 AM
Brilliant new briefing & video (see end of briefing) by @laniteddy.bsky.social & @janethoek.bsky.social about new research from ASPIRE Aotearoa on how adding pack inserts with quitting tips & information could offer hope to people who smoke & support them to quit. www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/bal...
No comment needed! www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
Risks of climate crisis to Australia’s economy and environment are ‘intense and scary’, unreleased government report says
Sources say delayed risk assessment includes modelling of effects of climate crisis in ways that have been little discussed in political debate so far
www.theguardian.com
August 15, 2025 at 2:17 AM
No comment needed! www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
The uncomfortable contortions of New Zealand's Minister for Climate and Energy, Simon Watts. newsroom.co.nz/2025/08/01/s...
Simon Watts’ climate and fossil fuel hats sit uncomfortably
Comment: New gas drilling turns New Zealand away from a future of clean, cheap renewable power in pursuit of a dirty, costly fossil-fuelled past.
newsroom.co.nz
August 7, 2025 at 2:52 PM
The uncomfortable contortions of New Zealand's Minister for Climate and Energy, Simon Watts. newsroom.co.nz/2025/08/01/s...
@phcc.bsky.social briefing led by @judeball.bsky.social provides new evidence on awareness and use of nicotine pouches by young people in Aotearoa/NZ, and raises concerns about the Government's intent to legalise sales of these products. www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/nic...
Nicotine pouches and young people: Evidence from Aotearoa New Zealand
Young people in Aotearoa are increasingly aware of oral nicotine pouches, but many oppose legalising their sale due to concerns about addiction and marketing targeted at youth.
www.phcc.org.nz
August 7, 2025 at 12:06 AM
@phcc.bsky.social briefing led by @judeball.bsky.social provides new evidence on awareness and use of nicotine pouches by young people in Aotearoa/NZ, and raises concerns about the Government's intent to legalise sales of these products. www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/nic...
Report based on leaked Cabinet paper suggests NZ Government caved in to alcohol industry lobbying & dropped restrictions on alcohol sales hours that were predicted to reduce violent crime. Plus ca change ...... www.rnz.co.nz/news/in-dept...
Cabinet paper leak suggests Minister Nicole McKee's U-turn on alcohol sales reform
It appears ACT's Nicole McKee wanted to cut off-licence hours. But now, she's scrapped that and wants to 'focus on reducing red tape' instead.
www.rnz.co.nz
August 5, 2025 at 10:48 PM
Report based on leaked Cabinet paper suggests NZ Government caved in to alcohol industry lobbying & dropped restrictions on alcohol sales hours that were predicted to reduce violent crime. Plus ca change ...... www.rnz.co.nz/news/in-dept...
Reposted by Richard Edwards
There is encouraging news indicating a shift in young people's perceptions of vaping, with many young people seeing vaping as embarrassing and no longer perceiving it as a 'healthy alternative' to cigarettes.
July 30, 2025 at 5:06 AM
There is encouraging news indicating a shift in young people's perceptions of vaping, with many young people seeing vaping as embarrassing and no longer perceiving it as a 'healthy alternative' to cigarettes.
Reposted by Richard Edwards
this is a realy good piece and I can confirm that the strangest thing to me about living in America was how normalised the idea that gun violence was an intractable problem had become .
The idea that there was no way to stop the mass shooting in New York is insane. A few years ago, I wrote this essay, showing international comparisons and debunking many of the key pro-gun arguments. The US *chooses* to be an international outlier. That's it. It's a choice.
It's the Guns.
America is the only rich democracy that features the routine mass slaughter of its citizens with guns. Why does this happen? The data show a really clear picture: It's the guns. Yes, it's that simple.
www.forkingpaths.co
July 30, 2025 at 8:19 AM
this is a realy good piece and I can confirm that the strangest thing to me about living in America was how normalised the idea that gun violence was an intractable problem had become .
Reposted by Richard Edwards
“Such disasters cause grief, distress, anger, solastalgia and ecological mourning. These impacts are increasingly recognised as a substantial mental health issue.”
www.croakey.org/health-exper...
www.croakey.org/health-exper...
Experts sound health alarm on algal bloom crisis, calling for climate action and comprehensive responses
The algal bloom crisis across South Australia should be treated as a disaster for health and a clear warning about
www.croakey.org
July 28, 2025 at 6:38 AM