Dr Ben King 🌍
@benking01.bsky.social
Long Covid & PE recovery.
GeographyTeacher.
Sustainability & Climate Change.
BSc Env Science & Physics (Stirling).
Soil Erosion PhD & Geog PGCE (Exeter).
Tuba player.
Devon, UK
GeographyTeacher.
Sustainability & Climate Change.
BSc Env Science & Physics (Stirling).
Soil Erosion PhD & Geog PGCE (Exeter).
Tuba player.
Devon, UK
Pinned
Orchestra rehearsal was really enjoyable last night #Sibelius #Finlandia 🙏
I've played my #tuba for around 13 hours this week - Rehearsal with Devon Philharmonic Orchestra last weekend, then with Britannia Royal Naval College Volunteer Band; Torbay Symphony Orchestra last night.
#TubaPlayer
I've played my #tuba for around 13 hours this week - Rehearsal with Devon Philharmonic Orchestra last weekend, then with Britannia Royal Naval College Volunteer Band; Torbay Symphony Orchestra last night.
#TubaPlayer
6 years ago. I was taken away on holiday - a flight to #Athens - and I felt the #flygskam (Flight Shame).
3 years ago was my 50th Birthday treat to #Santorini.
We've taken no flights since then, yet I still feel the #FlightShame, considering their big impact on #GlobalHeating 🤔
#GreenhouseGases
3 years ago was my 50th Birthday treat to #Santorini.
We've taken no flights since then, yet I still feel the #FlightShame, considering their big impact on #GlobalHeating 🤔
#GreenhouseGases
February 15, 2026 at 4:55 PM
6 years ago. I was taken away on holiday - a flight to #Athens - and I felt the #flygskam (Flight Shame).
3 years ago was my 50th Birthday treat to #Santorini.
We've taken no flights since then, yet I still feel the #FlightShame, considering their big impact on #GlobalHeating 🤔
#GreenhouseGases
3 years ago was my 50th Birthday treat to #Santorini.
We've taken no flights since then, yet I still feel the #FlightShame, considering their big impact on #GlobalHeating 🤔
#GreenhouseGases
Reposted by Dr Ben King 🌍
Three years ago, around a year into my #LongCovid experience, I *thought* I was pacing appropriately.
Looking back at this thread, I clearly wasn't!
But I was being treated to a once-in-a-lifetime trip to #Santorini ❤️
Looking back at this thread, I clearly wasn't!
But I was being treated to a once-in-a-lifetime trip to #Santorini ❤️
February 15, 2026 at 2:09 PM
Three years ago, around a year into my #LongCovid experience, I *thought* I was pacing appropriately.
Looking back at this thread, I clearly wasn't!
But I was being treated to a once-in-a-lifetime trip to #Santorini ❤️
Looking back at this thread, I clearly wasn't!
But I was being treated to a once-in-a-lifetime trip to #Santorini ❤️
Three years ago, around a year into my #LongCovid experience, I *thought* I was pacing appropriately.
Looking back at this thread, I clearly wasn't!
But I was being treated to a once-in-a-lifetime trip to #Santorini ❤️
Looking back at this thread, I clearly wasn't!
But I was being treated to a once-in-a-lifetime trip to #Santorini ❤️
February 15, 2026 at 2:09 PM
Three years ago, around a year into my #LongCovid experience, I *thought* I was pacing appropriately.
Looking back at this thread, I clearly wasn't!
But I was being treated to a once-in-a-lifetime trip to #Santorini ❤️
Looking back at this thread, I clearly wasn't!
But I was being treated to a once-in-a-lifetime trip to #Santorini ❤️
Reposted by Dr Ben King 🌍
Remarkable that climate change isn't mentioned anywhere in this article on the fragility of the Dawlish stretch of the SW main line
BBC News - The saga of a £165m rail line that keeps causing travel chaos
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
BBC News - The saga of a £165m rail line that keeps causing travel chaos
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Fresh fears for South West's rail link in Dawlish after storms
Taxpayer money has flowed into fixing the rail line connecting Cornwall with the rest of the UK - but the elements have other ideas.
www.bbc.co.uk
February 15, 2026 at 1:59 PM
Remarkable that climate change isn't mentioned anywhere in this article on the fragility of the Dawlish stretch of the SW main line
BBC News - The saga of a £165m rail line that keeps causing travel chaos
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
BBC News - The saga of a £165m rail line that keeps causing travel chaos
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Dr Ben King 🌍
Tweet from exactly 4 years ago.
I was in limbo post-Pulmonary-Embolism and confused with what on Earth had happened with my body.
A&E had turned me away; deep breathing into my functioning left lung raised my SpO2 (blood oxygen levels).
#Covid19 #BloodClots #PulmonaryEmbolism
I was in limbo post-Pulmonary-Embolism and confused with what on Earth had happened with my body.
A&E had turned me away; deep breathing into my functioning left lung raised my SpO2 (blood oxygen levels).
#Covid19 #BloodClots #PulmonaryEmbolism
February 15, 2026 at 11:35 AM
Tweet from exactly 4 years ago.
I was in limbo post-Pulmonary-Embolism and confused with what on Earth had happened with my body.
A&E had turned me away; deep breathing into my functioning left lung raised my SpO2 (blood oxygen levels).
#Covid19 #BloodClots #PulmonaryEmbolism
I was in limbo post-Pulmonary-Embolism and confused with what on Earth had happened with my body.
A&E had turned me away; deep breathing into my functioning left lung raised my SpO2 (blood oxygen levels).
#Covid19 #BloodClots #PulmonaryEmbolism
Reposted by Dr Ben King 🌍
February 15, 2026 at 12:16 PM
Reposted by Dr Ben King 🌍
Glad you survived! 🫂
February 15, 2026 at 12:42 PM
Glad you survived! 🫂
Reposted by Dr Ben King 🌍
“At least 34 children have been infected by a "fast-spreading" measles outbreak in several north London schools, health officials have said.”
North London measles outbreak hits several schools with at least 34 children infected
A number of children have been hospitalised as officials urge families to check they are up to date with their vaccines.
www.bbc.co.uk
February 15, 2026 at 12:14 PM
“At least 34 children have been infected by a "fast-spreading" measles outbreak in several north London schools, health officials have said.”
February 15, 2026 at 12:16 PM
Reposted by Dr Ben King 🌍
That was such a weird time. Seems like a lifetime ago and yet only yesterday.
February 15, 2026 at 11:39 AM
That was such a weird time. Seems like a lifetime ago and yet only yesterday.
Tweet from exactly 4 years ago.
I was in limbo post-Pulmonary-Embolism and confused with what on Earth had happened with my body.
A&E had turned me away; deep breathing into my functioning left lung raised my SpO2 (blood oxygen levels).
#Covid19 #BloodClots #PulmonaryEmbolism
I was in limbo post-Pulmonary-Embolism and confused with what on Earth had happened with my body.
A&E had turned me away; deep breathing into my functioning left lung raised my SpO2 (blood oxygen levels).
#Covid19 #BloodClots #PulmonaryEmbolism
February 15, 2026 at 11:35 AM
Tweet from exactly 4 years ago.
I was in limbo post-Pulmonary-Embolism and confused with what on Earth had happened with my body.
A&E had turned me away; deep breathing into my functioning left lung raised my SpO2 (blood oxygen levels).
#Covid19 #BloodClots #PulmonaryEmbolism
I was in limbo post-Pulmonary-Embolism and confused with what on Earth had happened with my body.
A&E had turned me away; deep breathing into my functioning left lung raised my SpO2 (blood oxygen levels).
#Covid19 #BloodClots #PulmonaryEmbolism
Reposted by Dr Ben King 🌍
But it's the first Sunday morning of the Half-Term break; so I stayed in bed and rested for another 3 hours.
Result! 😄
#EliteHRV Readines back up to 8 out of 10, with much better balance between PNS & SNS ✔️
RMSSD much reduced and back to 'normal' ✔️
PNN50 still high 🤔
MANAGING my #LongCovid 🙏
Result! 😄
#EliteHRV Readines back up to 8 out of 10, with much better balance between PNS & SNS ✔️
RMSSD much reduced and back to 'normal' ✔️
PNN50 still high 🤔
MANAGING my #LongCovid 🙏
February 15, 2026 at 10:02 AM
But it's the first Sunday morning of the Half-Term break; so I stayed in bed and rested for another 3 hours.
Result! 😄
#EliteHRV Readines back up to 8 out of 10, with much better balance between PNS & SNS ✔️
RMSSD much reduced and back to 'normal' ✔️
PNN50 still high 🤔
MANAGING my #LongCovid 🙏
Result! 😄
#EliteHRV Readines back up to 8 out of 10, with much better balance between PNS & SNS ✔️
RMSSD much reduced and back to 'normal' ✔️
PNN50 still high 🤔
MANAGING my #LongCovid 🙏
Reposted by Dr Ben King 🌍
...This morning I woke up with signs of a #ParasympatheticSwing; this happens after over-exertion.
[Continues...]
[Continues...]
February 15, 2026 at 9:51 AM
...This morning I woke up with signs of a #ParasympatheticSwing; this happens after over-exertion.
[Continues...]
[Continues...]
Reposted by Dr Ben King 🌍
Sunday:
Despite keeping within my daily *Total Movement* envelope (as measured using my #KiActiv smartwatch data)...
[Below 60 minutes of 'Moderate' movement in the day; below 4000 calories of movement energy expended]
...and despite keeping well-within my #VisibleHealth PacePoints budget...
Despite keeping within my daily *Total Movement* envelope (as measured using my #KiActiv smartwatch data)...
[Below 60 minutes of 'Moderate' movement in the day; below 4000 calories of movement energy expended]
...and despite keeping well-within my #VisibleHealth PacePoints budget...
February 15, 2026 at 9:49 AM
Sunday:
Despite keeping within my daily *Total Movement* envelope (as measured using my #KiActiv smartwatch data)...
[Below 60 minutes of 'Moderate' movement in the day; below 4000 calories of movement energy expended]
...and despite keeping well-within my #VisibleHealth PacePoints budget...
Despite keeping within my daily *Total Movement* envelope (as measured using my #KiActiv smartwatch data)...
[Below 60 minutes of 'Moderate' movement in the day; below 4000 calories of movement energy expended]
...and despite keeping well-within my #VisibleHealth PacePoints budget...
Reposted by Dr Ben King 🌍
"Data not available"?
How many centuries ago did we establish that it's a good idea to have accurate, timely data on factors that can contribute to major infectious disease outbreaks?
How many centuries ago did we establish that it's a good idea to have accurate, timely data on factors that can contribute to major infectious disease outbreaks?
London has the lowest rates of MMR immunisation in the country. Map via @houseofcommons.parliament.uk library.
February 15, 2026 at 9:53 AM
"Data not available"?
How many centuries ago did we establish that it's a good idea to have accurate, timely data on factors that can contribute to major infectious disease outbreaks?
How many centuries ago did we establish that it's a good idea to have accurate, timely data on factors that can contribute to major infectious disease outbreaks?
Reposted by Dr Ben King 🌍
Just mind-boggling that climate breakdown isn't even mentioned in this piece
Despite the fact that it is driving more powerful storms, higher sea level, bigger waves and more intense rainfall
People - apparently even the reporting journalist - still don't get it
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Despite the fact that it is driving more powerful storms, higher sea level, bigger waves and more intense rainfall
People - apparently even the reporting journalist - still don't get it
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Fresh fears for South West's rail link in Dawlish after storms
Taxpayer money has flowed into fixing the rail line connecting Cornwall with the rest of the UK - but the elements have other ideas.
www.bbc.co.uk
February 15, 2026 at 9:58 AM
Just mind-boggling that climate breakdown isn't even mentioned in this piece
Despite the fact that it is driving more powerful storms, higher sea level, bigger waves and more intense rainfall
People - apparently even the reporting journalist - still don't get it
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Despite the fact that it is driving more powerful storms, higher sea level, bigger waves and more intense rainfall
People - apparently even the reporting journalist - still don't get it
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Dr Ben King 🌍
Reposted by Dr Ben King 🌍
Reposted by Dr Ben King 🌍
MMR rates in Hackney (not far from the Enfield schools with the current outbreak) are at a shockingly low 60 per cent. It's seriously worrying
This matters because London has among the lowest vaccination rates for measles in England - there are many pockets of unvaccinated communities that could be at significant risk from a runaway outbreak:
🚨 EXCLUSIVE: Health officials are racing to contain a growing measles outbreak in London, which has struck down dozens of young children and affected 7 schools and a nursery.
UKHSA has warned an outbreak across London could see 40,000 - 160,000 cases:
www.thetimes.com/uk/healthcar...
UKHSA has warned an outbreak across London could see 40,000 - 160,000 cases:
www.thetimes.com/uk/healthcar...
February 14, 2026 at 7:01 PM
MMR rates in Hackney (not far from the Enfield schools with the current outbreak) are at a shockingly low 60 per cent. It's seriously worrying
Reposted by Dr Ben King 🌍
This matters because London has among the lowest vaccination rates for measles in England - there are many pockets of unvaccinated communities that could be at significant risk from a runaway outbreak:
🚨 EXCLUSIVE: Health officials are racing to contain a growing measles outbreak in London, which has struck down dozens of young children and affected 7 schools and a nursery.
UKHSA has warned an outbreak across London could see 40,000 - 160,000 cases:
www.thetimes.com/uk/healthcar...
UKHSA has warned an outbreak across London could see 40,000 - 160,000 cases:
www.thetimes.com/uk/healthcar...
London measles outbreak: more than 60 children infected
Cases are spreading between children in Enfield as the virus exploits low MMR vaccination rates, medical experts say
www.thetimes.com
February 14, 2026 at 6:49 PM
This matters because London has among the lowest vaccination rates for measles in England - there are many pockets of unvaccinated communities that could be at significant risk from a runaway outbreak:
Reposted by Dr Ben King 🌍
Greenhouse gas concentrations keep rising. The planet keeps warming in response. And that added heat shows up in the extremes and impacts. This is really basic stuff.
Data from gml.noaa.gov/ccgg/trends/
Data from gml.noaa.gov/ccgg/trends/
February 14, 2026 at 7:22 PM
Greenhouse gas concentrations keep rising. The planet keeps warming in response. And that added heat shows up in the extremes and impacts. This is really basic stuff.
Data from gml.noaa.gov/ccgg/trends/
Data from gml.noaa.gov/ccgg/trends/
Reposted by Dr Ben King 🌍
I wonder if it wouldn’t make more sense to speak of fossil fuels and biofuels as ‘single-use fuels’?
It is what makes them economically inferior to renewables, including for those who insist on ignoring or belittling global warming.
It is what makes them economically inferior to renewables, including for those who insist on ignoring or belittling global warming.
February 14, 2026 at 5:44 PM
I wonder if it wouldn’t make more sense to speak of fossil fuels and biofuels as ‘single-use fuels’?
It is what makes them economically inferior to renewables, including for those who insist on ignoring or belittling global warming.
It is what makes them economically inferior to renewables, including for those who insist on ignoring or belittling global warming.
Reposted by Dr Ben King 🌍
Keir Starmer has branded Reform UK as 'pro-Putin' at the Munich Security Conference
28% of Britons see Reform UK as pro-Russia, making them the only party the public see as more pro-Russia than anti-Russia
yougov.co.uk/politics/art...
28% of Britons see Reform UK as pro-Russia, making them the only party the public see as more pro-Russia than anti-Russia
yougov.co.uk/politics/art...
February 14, 2026 at 11:09 AM
Keir Starmer has branded Reform UK as 'pro-Putin' at the Munich Security Conference
28% of Britons see Reform UK as pro-Russia, making them the only party the public see as more pro-Russia than anti-Russia
yougov.co.uk/politics/art...
28% of Britons see Reform UK as pro-Russia, making them the only party the public see as more pro-Russia than anti-Russia
yougov.co.uk/politics/art...
Reposted by Dr Ben King 🌍
Walked all the way to town. All the way up the steep High Street. Sat and rested regularly. Am almost home and I'm still walking, rather than having to catch the bus 😊
Step-counter just *congratulated* me for reaching 6000 steps.
And I've only use FOUR #VisibleHealth PacePoints 😮
Feels good 🙏
Step-counter just *congratulated* me for reaching 6000 steps.
And I've only use FOUR #VisibleHealth PacePoints 😮
Feels good 🙏
February 14, 2026 at 4:03 PM
Walked all the way to town. All the way up the steep High Street. Sat and rested regularly. Am almost home and I'm still walking, rather than having to catch the bus 😊
Step-counter just *congratulated* me for reaching 6000 steps.
And I've only use FOUR #VisibleHealth PacePoints 😮
Feels good 🙏
Step-counter just *congratulated* me for reaching 6000 steps.
And I've only use FOUR #VisibleHealth PacePoints 😮
Feels good 🙏
Reposted by Dr Ben King 🌍
While responding to the #KCSIE2026 consultation is exhausting, it's a necessary act. As a trans climate science communicator deeply invested in safeguarding children, I needed to voice what I think where it’s strong, where it risks harm, and what I’m asking you to support.
Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2026 Consultation: An exhausting but necessary process
Reflecting on an exhausting experience responding to the KCSIE 2026 consultation, emphasising the need for safeguarding reform. Key concerns include the treatment of "gender-questioning" students and the omission of climate-related issues.
geogramblings.com
February 14, 2026 at 4:02 PM
While responding to the #KCSIE2026 consultation is exhausting, it's a necessary act. As a trans climate science communicator deeply invested in safeguarding children, I needed to voice what I think where it’s strong, where it risks harm, and what I’m asking you to support.