An ‘ordinary’ storm with extraordinary impacts: what made Wellington’s deluge so intense? Analysis: The storm is part of an increasingly familiar pattern reminding us that our communities and infrastructure aren't yet prepared to cope with what a warmer, wilder future holds.

Why an ordinary storm can have an extraordinary impact - a great explainer about the Wellington events by @cubaraglanguy.bsky.social www.rnz.co.nz/news/weather...

Extreme weather scientists warn of impending funding drought 'Some nerd sitting in an office' doesn't seem like exciting research to fund but it's answering urgent questions about severe weather, a climate scientist says.

Just as the impacts of climate change are really starting to bite, AoNZ as a nation is busy 'deprioritising' research funding into it. You can probably tell from some of the quotes how chill I'm feeling about this.

We're fine thus far! But we have our grab bags ready just in case x

Two bridges across the Hutt River are now closed - Melling and Kennedy Good - because of rising river levels (we're still ok) #nz

Yes, totally agree!

State of emergency declared for the Wellington region

Hutt City Council just emailed all ratepayers to say that a state of emergency has been declared for the Wellington region. This is the first time I've received an email like this in nearly 10 years of living here. Please stay safe, team ❤️

There’s a bit more info in this thread about our wilderness and how we dealt with it during my time working at National Parks. It’s not easy as these spaces are huge.

It’s beautiful out there, but as I said, it is unforgiving and dangerous if you are not prepared.

Israel escalates attacks on medics in Lebanon with deadly ‘quadruple tap’ Lebanese health ministry says killing of 91 healthcare workers shows ‘total disregard’ for international law

The Israeli army struck civilians in the Lebanese city of Mayfadoun.

And then, the Israelis double-tapped the medics who arrived onto the scene.

And then, they triple-tapped the next wave of medics.

And then, they did it one more time for good measure.

Most Of The Microplastics In Urban Air Come From Tires Particles produced from brake and tire wear now represent the majority of emissions from road transport. As the EU cracks down on them, scientists urge others to follow.

Wear particles from tyres and brakes are far more prevalent and more damaging than you might think. My latest article for @forbes.com digs into some recent research on the impact of non-exhaust emissions 🧪⚛️ 👩🏼‍🔬

www.forbes.com/sites/laurie...

Poor Rich doesn't get a look in 😂

😂😂😂

A red and white cavoodle stares directly at camera, while resting his chin on a colourful blanket

I work from home by default. When I have days where I'm not at home, this is my view all evening (he's obsessed with me 😂) #dogs

Cover of book "Dr LUCY ROGERS UP - A Scientist's Guide to the Magic Above Us" It's looking up with butterflies, condors, kites, clouds etc.

It's out now!

Please send me pics of my book (Up - a scientist's guide to the magic above us) out in the wild (be imaginative if you've got it on audio book or e-reader!)

If you hadn't yet got it, it's available at all good bookstores (UK).

uk.bookshop.org/shop/DrLucyR...

Mining on the Moon is closer than ever, but challenges remain A scientist, an engineer, an archaeologist and a lawyer break down some of the physical, environmental, ethical and legal challenges of mining on the Moon.

Could this be my finest moment?

'"Your average space billionaire probably doesn't give a rat's arse about future generations," she said'.

I'm not sure I was expecting this to be quoted!
🧪

Objection: The Online Rape Academy CNN spent months inside a hidden online world where men teach each other how to drug and rape their partners. The website at the center of it had 62 million visitors last month.

Women aren't f*cking angry enough objectioneverything.substack.com/p/objection-...

Yeah I got to visit a workshop that I've had my eye on for ages (for a writing thing)! Loved it.

A gas torch blows an orange flame onto a large glass cylinder, held in a lathe

Some days 'in the office' are better than others ☺️

We’re looking for a writer We’re hiring a writer who can make the world’s largest problems understandable to our large Our World in Data audience.

📢 We’re looking for a writer to join our team at Our World in Data!

What we’re looking for is quite unique: someone who writes excellent narrative articles on large global problems, finds memorable framings to make hard ideas easier to understand, while being genuinely obsessed w/ technical details

Oh that makes me feel very special 🥰 thank you so much x

Yep. I deliberately didn't focus on brake and tyre wear prevalence in soil or water because it would have made the article twice as long (there is a LOT of research on those environments)

Measles takes a plane to Idaho, which has worst vaccination rate in US In the 2024-2025 school year, only 78.5% of kindergartners had measles vaccination.

Idaho has the worst vaccination coverage in the United States due to their pathetic vaccine exemption policy, and someone with measles just rolled through the Boise airport.

I won’t ask what could possibly go wrong because we already know.

Another great piece by @bethmariem.bsky.social

Yep, as I said in the piece, the closer you are to the road, the greater your exposure to both brake and tyre wear particles.

As soon as I publish a story in Forbes I receive a flurry of semi-related PRs in my inbox. For this one, a "science-forward wellness brand" pitched their supplement that somehow 'supports' the gut against microplastics. And yes it had an utterly meaningly quote from an MD in there too 🙄

Bleak 😔

Absolutely true!

In two different studies, too!

Most Of The Microplastics In Urban Air Come From Tires Particles produced from brake and tire wear now represent the majority of emissions from road transport. As the EU cracks down on them, scientists urge others to follow.

Wear particles from tyres and brakes are far more prevalent and more damaging than you might think. My latest article for @forbes.com digs into some recent research on the impact of non-exhaust emissions 🧪⚛️ 👩🏼‍🔬

www.forbes.com/sites/laurie...

Extreme weather scientists warn of impending funding drought 'Some nerd sitting in an office' doesn't seem like exciting research to fund but it's answering urgent questions about severe weather, a climate scientist says.

This is a good read from Kate Newton www.rnz.co.nz/news/nationa...

Yeah it's a very difficult time for the science sector in NZ. Everyone is doing their best, despite it all!