And now for some #goodNews on how the ocean can recover when it is given a chance to and how indigenous led initiatives can be the way forward for ocean protection.
Bit by bit a huge shift is happening in europe, even in highly americanised countries (holland, germany) and it's amazing to see.
Countries forbidding US social media for children, universities switching from the big 5 to open source, forums popping up with EU substitutes, governments creating their own EU clouds and much much more.
"The team at Toronto General that does the adult-live-donor program had asked that we put a post out basically thanking everybody and saying they don’t need any more applications because of the astonishing amount of turnout,” said Ryan Wagg, father of Lily Wagg, 12."
TL;DR Most EV batteries will last longer than the cars they’re in. Battery degradation is at better (meaning: lower) rates than expected. Slow charging is better. Drive EV and don’t worry about your battery.
„Our 2025 analysis of over 22,700 electric vehicles, covering 21 different vehicle models, confirms that overall, modern EV batteries are robust and built to last beyond a typical vehicle’s service life.“
Average degradation rate: The average annual electric vehicle degradation rate is 2.3%.
Power: High-power DC fast charging (>100kW) is the single largest stressor, leading to degradation rates up to twice that of the low power charging group (3.0% vs 1.5% per year).
Climate: Hot climates impose a penalty on battery life, with vehicles operating in hot conditions degrading 0.4% faster per year than those in mild climates.
Utilization: The increase in degradation from high daily use is a measurable but worthwhile trade-off for the gains in fleet productivity and ROI.
State of charge (SOC): For most EV use, there's no need to worry about avoiding fully charging or emptying the battery. Degradation only speeds up when vehicles spend over 80% of their total time at or near-full or nearly empty charge levels.
China has completed the ratification process for the Global Ocean Treaty, confirming it will be bound by the landmark ocean protection agreement when it officially enters into force on January 17, 2026.
It's highly significant because China is so influential in global fisheries and in multilateral fora, and because it shows that progress is still possible!
A bit of hopeful environmental news: In Kosciuszko National Park, the reduction of thousands of feral horses has allowed fragile alpine ecosystems to begin recovering. Native plants are returning, wetlands are healing, and wildlife habitats are slowly being restored.
It's a meaningful reminder that with careful management and respect for balance, nature can regenerate. Good news for biodiversity and for future generations.
Hey, remember that awkward and antisocial #Tesla diner that opened in LA last July, where they built giant screens that blocked the view from the apartments next door?
It’s a ghost town. The crowds are gone. The chef resigned in November.
Given that the food is mediocre and overpriced, and the atmosphere is basically “corporate diner”, the only reason people would want to go there is to be associated with the Tesla brand. And since the brand has gone toxic, well…there’s not really any reason to be there any more, is there?
Switzerland said "no" to Palantir after 7 years of Palantir lobbying
Journalists FOIA'd and published this
Now other nations are looking into the extraordinary pressure and whether it might not be prudent to let a USA-aligned corp handle citizens' most private data (medical, tax, residence, assets, etc).
we must have made them very nervous, since lawmakers in Germany and UK are questioning the contracts. It is possible that authorities are hesitating to sign new contracts. So we have triggered something that they are starting this PR campaign against us (I don't remember another media company being mentioned on their blog).
All of this thread https://infosec.exchange/@adfichter/115826298160548686 is encouraging! Now while the story is hot, it is a great time to email your local journos and ask if maybe your municipality, state/dept/province, or nation is being pressured to work with Palantir or other authoritarian-aligned corporations!
🗒 "Chinese researchers have developed a biodegradable bamboo plastic that not only rivals but surpasses traditional petroleum-based plastics in strength and thermal stability while decomposing naturally within 50 days."
This solstice marks the shortest day north of the equator and the longest day in the south.
Northern Hemisphere: Your shadow will be the longest it will be all year at solar noon.
Southern Hemisphere: Your shadow will be the shortest it will be all year at solar noon.
In July Helsinki marked an entire year without a single traffic death. The Finnish capital, which has a population of 690,000, achieved the feat through lower speed limits, improved street design and investing in pedestrian and cycling infrastructure. More than half of Helsinki’s streets have a speed limit of 30km/h (18-19mph) and roads have been narrowed with trees.
WaPo: Washington Post
This man carries shelter dogs to help get them adopted
"Bryan Reisberg spends one day a week taking shelter dogs out of their kennels. He puts them in a backpack that says "adopt me" and shows them around New York..."
Die Menschen in Deutschland halten ihr Geld zusammen. Nach Daten des Handelsverbandes Deutschland ist die Konsumstimmung auf ein Jahrestief gefallen. Das dürfte das Weihnachtsgeschäft belasten.
Two of my favourite people in the world are getting married this month: Void and their partner.
International marriage, immigration and international moves are expensive projects.
If you happen to know them from the Fediverse or you just want to help two really good people start off their life together, there are details in how you can pitch in for the wedding and move fund in the thread at the link below.
🐢🏠 #Conservation biologist Maurice Rodrigues co-founded the Turtle Conservancy's #NewJersey sanctuary that cares for hundreds of illegally trafficked #turtles confiscated annually at JFK Airport.