@Akshay@eupolicy.social cover
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Akshay

@[email protected]

Hi! I work on EU Climate Policy for DG CLIMA @EU_Commission. I've worked on EU greenhouse gas targets, climate neutrality, transport, and now, the EU Emissions Trading System. Here, however, I'm off duty. My employer does not endorse my views.

CW: Scatterbrained news addict, highly random interests not limited to things I know about, like #EU #Climate #ClimatePolicy, but include science, world politics, hiking, piano.

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@Akshay@eupolicy.social avatar Akshay , to random

New EU rules to stop the destruction of unsold clothes and shoes

“Instead of discarding stock, companies are encouraged to manage their stock more effectively, handle returns, and explore alternatives such as resale, remanufacturing, donations, or reuse.”

https://environment.ec.europa.eu/news/new-eu-rules-stop-destruction-unsold-clothes-and-shoes-2026-02-09_en

@Akshay@eupolicy.social avatar Akshay , to random

“The Washington Post’s decision to cut a large share of its climate and environmental reporters is not just a newsroom story…

cuts to environmental journalism thin the information infrastructure societies rely on to recognize risks and respond before harm becomes harder to reverse.”

https://news.mongabay.com/2026/02/what-is-lost-when-environmental-coverage-is-cut/

@Akshay@eupolicy.social avatar Akshay , to random

Horrifying B’Tselem report on Israel’s torture centres.

Stop Western complicity and stop the genocide!

https://www.btselem.org/publications/202601_living_hell

@Akshay@eupolicy.social avatar Akshay , to random

And European politicians still won’t leave US Social Media, likely because they believe it’s where their voters are.

Preaching to the choir here, but at some point governments need to lead.

Support the alternatives with real digital industrial policy and drag society along.

@Gargron@mastodon.social avatar Gargron , to random

Today I am stepping down from my role as the CEO of . Though this has been in the works for a while, I can't say I've fully processed how I feel about it. There is a bittersweet part to it, and I think I will miss it, but it also felt necessary. It feels like a goodbye, but it isn't—I intend to stay on and continue to advise the new leadership and contribute, because Mastodon—and the fediverse—is one of the very few beacons of hope for a better web.

https://blog.joinmastodon.org/2025/11/my-next-chapter-with-mastodon/

Akshay ,
@Akshay@eupolicy.social avatar

“I have so much passion for Mastodon and the fediverse. The fediverse is an island within an increasingly dystopian capitalist hellscape”

Thank you for making it possible @Gargron !

@Akshay@eupolicy.social avatar Akshay , to random

Orbanization of the USA continues, as Teen Vogue, hilariously one of the last bastions of bluntly critical anti-GOP coverage, fires all its politics staffers.

Lex McMenamin (they/them) on Bluesky: | was laid off from Teen Vogue today along with multiple other staffers, and today is my last day. certainly more to come from me when the dust has settled more, but to my knowledge, after today, there will be no politics staffers at Teen Vogue. November 3, 2025 at 8:52 PM
ALT
@CatherineBabault@mastodon.social avatar CatherineBabault , to random

I know that some Mastodians don't appreciate those of us trying to sell our art on this platform. I'm aware of this every time I promote my photo tours, books, and prints. That's why I'm grateful to those of you who boost my posts about it. 😘

Akshay ,
@Akshay@eupolicy.social avatar

@CatherineBabault

I ❤️ people showing and selling their art on this platform!

What do the grinches want? No beauty? Only Doomscrolling?

@junesim63@mstdn.social avatar junesim63 , (edited ) to random

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    Akshay ,
    @Akshay@eupolicy.social avatar

    @junesim63

    Absolutely insane stuff, not to mention Ben-Gvir being present, WTF?

    And this heroine still tried to make the interview about the plight of Palestinian prisoners!

    @Akshay@eupolicy.social avatar Akshay , to random

    European Commission probes alleged Hungarian spy network in Brussels

    —> Brussels is a gosh darn spy nest (2nd in the world after the UN in NYC) and we don’t take cyber- or physical security seriously enough.

    —> Obviously the Commission being a entirely civilian civil service without security services is part of it. But perhaps member states like it this way, makes us easier to spy on

    https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2025/10/09/european-commission-probes-alleged-hungarian-spy-network-in-brussels

    @Akshay@eupolicy.social avatar Akshay , to random

    “US demands EU dismantle green regulations in threat to trade deal…”

    Including requirements for

    • climate transition plans
    • environmental due diligence
    • deforestation regulations
    • carbon border adjustment mechanism

    https://www.ft.com/content/678f7c25-2eff-4e98-9c7c-e0772fa69236

    @Akshay@eupolicy.social avatar Akshay , to random
    @Akshay@eupolicy.social avatar Akshay , to random

    Green heroes 💚 of Cambodia imprisoned for supporting conservation.

    In spite of winning the Right Livelihood Award.

    This documentary by @mongabay , showing these inspiring youngsters before they were imprisoned, is worth bookmarking and watching when you’ve got half an hour.

    https://news.mongabay.com/video/2025/07/young-activists-risk-all-to-defend-cambodias-environment/

    @Akshay@eupolicy.social avatar Akshay , to random

    “Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is clear: Israel is committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza and doing so with absolute impunity.”

    “Doctors can’t stop genocide, world leaders can”

    https://www.msf.org/doctors-cannot-stop-genocide-world-leaders-can

    @Akshay@eupolicy.social avatar Akshay , to random

    “More than two million people have been evacuated in Pakistan's Punjab province as floods sweep the country's eastern region..

    The floods have also wreaked havoc in neighbouring India, killing at least 30 people and affecting more than 354,000…

    Amid the latest wave of floods, Pakistani authorities this week declared a climate emergency.“

    https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn0xjd7wvy1o

    @grumpygamer@mastodon.gamedev.place avatar grumpygamer , (edited ) to random

    I guess Sept 2nd is as close to an anniversary we have for Monkey Island. I made the gold master on the 2nd but it probably didn't appear in stores until Oct. There was no "release date" back them. It annoys we when people say Monkey Island "released" today.

    https://www.grumpygamer.com/monkey25/

    Four floppy disks for Monkey Island with the date of 9/2/90 on them.
    ALT
    Akshay ,
    @Akshay@eupolicy.social avatar

    @grumpygamer

    The CD-ROM edition I played as a kid is still my favourite game experience! I was hooked from the first chords of music and the view of Melee Island, and then immediately got into the introduction of Guybrush’ motives!

    @Akshay@eupolicy.social avatar Akshay , to random

    “GHF-run food distributions in Gaza are sites of “orchestrated killing”…

    “In MSF’s nearly 54 years of operations, rarely have we seen such levels of systematic violence against unarmed civilians.””

    —> Remember “Genocide Joe” Biden and European politicians demonising and defunding the UNRWA aid organisation, in cahoots with Israel?

    https://www.msf.org/ghf-run-food-distributions-gaza-are-sites-orchestrated-killing

    @Akshay@eupolicy.social avatar Akshay , to random

    US children are 80 percent more likely to die before adulthood than children in peer nations!

    As with other “why do Americans die so young?” questions the cause is everything: (maternal) health care, guns, cars, diet, poverty, social isolation and mental health etc etc

    The root cause is a lack of social democracy.

    https://jacobin.com/2025/08/us-child-deaths-health-safety

    @Akshay@eupolicy.social avatar Akshay , to random

    Massive demonstration for Gaza and against genocide today in Brussels.

    75.000 participants according to the police, and 110.000 according to organisers.

    Inspired by the Dutch sister demo, “Draw a Red Line for Gaza” was the largest demonstration in Belgium for years.

    A massive demonstration of red-clad people extending far into the distance. In the front centre, a woman takes a selfie with the demo. Some trees and tall buildings to the side. A domed building, the Brussels Justice Palace, in the far distance centre
    ALT
    @Akshay@eupolicy.social avatar Akshay , to random

    Open letter by hundreds of British and Irish writers, denouncing Gaza genocide and calling for action.

    https://medium.com/@horatioclare/writers-demand-immediate-gaza-ceasefire-65ae44bd7241

    @Akshay@eupolicy.social avatar Akshay , to random

    “Europeans nations have grown further and further apart from one another as they became more and more culturally dominated by the United States.

    They are inundated with news from America but get no news about the countries next door to them.”

    @DaveKeating has a point here; Subjectively, I think in the Netherlands too, the media has gotten more obsessively “Anglo-Saxon” and less connected to discourse in Germany and France…

    https://davekeating.substack.com/p/as-cannes-kicks-off-in-perilous-times

    Akshay OP ,
    @Akshay@eupolicy.social avatar

    @gsymon @DaveKeating

    But do they show news and culture from nearby non-Francophone European countries?

    @EUCommission@ec.social-network.europa.eu avatar EUCommission , to random

    Every Erasmus+ experience is a step closer to a more united Europe.

    Erasmus+ has received the European Integration Award from the Cercle d’Economia.

    This recognition marks over 35 years of building a more united and inclusive Europe through education, training, and youth exchange.

    Thank you to the millions who have helped make Erasmus+ a symbol of cooperation and shared European values!

    "Text on a textured white background reads: 'ERASMUS IS THE BEGINNING OF THE REST OF YOUR LIFE' — with 'IS THE BEGINNING' highlighted in yellow. Below the text is a simple blue European Union emblem with 12 stars in a circle."
    ALT
    Akshay ,
    @Akshay@eupolicy.social avatar

    @EUCommission

    Life changing! Everybody should do Erasmus Plus!

    @Akshay@eupolicy.social avatar Akshay , to random

    The current drought in (parts of) Europe might continue, say EU scientists:

    “With forecasts up to June showing drier-than-average conditions in northern and western Europe, there are growing concerns about the impact on agriculture river transport, and ecosystems”

    https://joint-research-centre.ec.europa.eu/jrc-news-and-updates/drought-over-large-parts-europe-raises-concern-2025-05-05_en

    @Akshay@eupolicy.social avatar Akshay , to random

    “In Gaza, World Central Kitchen is among the last organizations still able to cook meals. The IDF has shut all crossings to shipments, including humanitarian relief. We are now nearing the end of our supplies—and the limits of what’s possible.”

    How can our leaders just watch children being starved on purpose? Some even delivering weapons to make it happen?

    https://mailchi.mp/wck/4-23-25-update

    @Akshay@eupolicy.social avatar Akshay , to random

    Greenhouse gas emissions under the EU emissions trading system are now 50%(!) below 2005 levels.

    The system covers electricity, power and aviation; the replacement of coal by renewables will be by far be the biggest contributor.

    https://climate.ec.europa.eu/news-your-voice/news/eu-emissions-trading-system-has-reduced-emissions-sectors-covered-50-2005-2025-04-04_en

    @Akshay@eupolicy.social avatar Akshay , to random

    Finland phases out coal, ahead of schedule:

    “Imported fossil energy has been replaced with cleaner solutions that reduce climate emissions, while consumers benefit from lower energy prices”

    “As Finland previously relied primarily on coal imported from Russia, the phase-out has also boosted Finland’s energy independence and, therefore, national security.”

    https://www.euronews.com/green/2025/04/01/finland-ahead-of-schedule-on-coal-phase-out-as-helsinkis-salmisaari-plant-closes

    @Akshay@eupolicy.social avatar Akshay , to random

    “A tidal farm featuring the world’s most powerful underwater turbines is being built off the coast of Normandy after winning EU funding.

    The NH1 tidal project from Normandie Hydroliennes will use four turbines to turn the Raz Blanchard tidal flow - Europe’s strongest tidal stream - into a source of renewable energy.”

    https://www.euronews.com/green/2025/03/18/inside-the-underwater-turbine-farm-set-to-generate-clean-energy-from-frances-tides

    @Akshay@eupolicy.social avatar Akshay , to random

    Europe must “prepare for the worst”, says von der Leyen.

    That is, sadly, exactly the language we need. And it’s not about Ukraine, who are already facing the worst.

    https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2025/03/02/eu-must-urgently-rearm-and-turn-ukraine-into-steel-porcupine-says-von-der-leyen

    @Akshay@eupolicy.social avatar Akshay , to random

    “The Italian government led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is pushing a security bill through parliament that, if enacted, could have a devastating impact on fundamental rights, including the rights to peaceful protest and freedom of expression.”

    https://www.hrw.org/news/2025/02/05/italian-security-bill-seriously-threatens-rights-freedoms

    @Akshay@eupolicy.social avatar Akshay , to random

    Microsoft secures deal to restore Amazon rainforest, to offset AI emissions.

    My Mastodon bubble will surely love this one!

    But does anyone know whether their partner Re.Green is legit in terms of ecological restoration? The latter, at least, we need.

    https://www.ft.com/content/3ac7e92f-bea5-4460-8791-23a2697d8b80

    @EUCommission@ec.social-network.europa.eu avatar EUCommission , to random

    Snowy greetings from our space sentinels! 🛰️

    Its satellites captured these breathtaking images of Europe’s snow-covered landscapes.

    🚀 , the Earth Observation component of the EU Space Programme, provides vital data on climate change, natural disasters, and environmental health, helping us make informed decisions for a more sustainable future.

    Let this be a reminder of the magic of the season and the technology helping us to understand and protect our planet.

    Satellite image of Italy captured by the Copernicus Programme, showing the Italian peninsula surrounded by the blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea. The Alps in the north and the Apennine mountain range are visible, partially covered in snow. Cloud cover is scattered across parts of the landscape and sea, with vibrant turquoise hues along some coastal areas. The image includes the Copernicus Programme and European Union logos in the top-right corner.
    Satellite image of the Alps region captured by the Copernicus Programme, showing the snow-covered mountain range stretching across parts of Europe, including northern Italy, Switzerland, Austria, and Slovenia. Surrounding areas feature green lowlands, brownish terrain, and bodies of water like the Adriatic Sea to the southeast. Cloud cover is visible over parts of the landscape and coastlines. The image includes the Copernicus Programme and European Union logos in the top-left corner.
    A satellite image showing Mount Etna, Italy, with snow-covered areas visible in white, surrounded by volcanic terrain rendered in shades of red and brown to highlight vegetation and lava flows. The striking red tones indicate infrared data used to distinguish land features. The image includes a scale and Copernicus and EU program logos.

    A satellite image showing Mount Etna, Italy, with snow-covered areas visible in white, surrounded by volcanic terrain rendered in shades of red and brown to highlight vegetation and lava flows. The striking red tones indicate infrared data used to distinguish land features. The image includes a scale and Copernicus and EU program logos.
    ALT
    Akshay ,
    @Akshay@eupolicy.social avatar

    @EUCommission

    Cool, but do you have some links? Does anyone recognise that last lone mountain?

    @Akshay@eupolicy.social avatar Akshay , to random

    Irish foreign minister on North Gaza:

    "The continuing offensive by the [IDF] in northern Gaza is utterly unacceptable and must stop immediately…

    On Friday, two of the three remaining hospitals in North Gaza were directly hit. This is an egregious attack on the most vulnerable…

    The Israeli authorities are still preventing humanitarian aid from reaching these areas…

    Some 1.8 million Gazans are facing extremely critical levels of hunger.”

    https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/711dc-statement-by-the-tanaiste-on-israeli-attacks-in-northern-gaza/

    @Akshay@eupolicy.social avatar Akshay , to random

    First legal view I’ve seen on the pager attacks:

    “Mary Ellen O’Connell, a professor of law and international peace studies at the University of Notre Dame in Indiana, said booby-traps are banned under international law. “Weaponizing an object used by civilians is strictly prohibited,” she said.”

    https://apnews.com/article/lebanon-israel-exploding-pagers-hezbollah-syria-ce6af3c2e6de0a0dddfae48634278288

    @Akshay@eupolicy.social avatar Akshay , to random

    Bernie Sanders, righteous man:

    “So tomorrow, M. President, when members of Congress give Mr. Netanyahu a standing ovation, I hope for one second they will remember the starving children in Gaza.

    I hope while they applaud, that they will think about the hundreds of aid workers killed, the dozens of hospitals bombed, the housing destroyed, and the universities obliterated.”

    https://www.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/prepared-remarks-sanders-on-prime-minister-netanyahus-upcoming-speech/

    @Akshay@eupolicy.social avatar Akshay , to random Dutch

    “Gaza war could go on for rest of 2024, says Israel PM's aide”

    = We will continue until everyone is dead or driven out (and, in the latter case, cause a war with Egypt).

    Also, beautiful burying the central ICJ order issue in the very last para, BBC!

    https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c844g02nl18o