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
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.
Reposted by Dr Ben King 🌍
Masking and protecting yourself from a virus that has killed 30 million people is so “extreme” bro
For most people, the pandemic days of masking are behind us. In certain corners of the Winter Olympics, though, things still look a lot like they did in Covid times. Some athletes are taking extreme measures to stay healthy. n.pr/4akK70l
Olympic Covid restrictions are gone, but some athletes still self-quarantining
For most people, the pandemic days of masking are behind us. In certain corners of the Winter Olympics, though, things still look a lot like they did in Covid times. Some athletes are taking extreme measures to stay healthy.
n.pr
February 10, 2026 at 6:35 AM
Masking and protecting yourself from a virus that has killed 30 million people is so “extreme” bro
Reposted by Dr Ben King 🌍
Just checking, it's now ok to flee your homeland, because you're afraid for your safety, and seek refuge in another Country?
Glad we've cleared that up. Let's hear no more about immigration and refugees then.
Glad we've cleared that up. Let's hear no more about immigration and refugees then.
February 14, 2026 at 7:55 AM
Just checking, it's now ok to flee your homeland, because you're afraid for your safety, and seek refuge in another Country?
Glad we've cleared that up. Let's hear no more about immigration and refugees then.
Glad we've cleared that up. Let's hear no more about immigration and refugees then.
Reposted by Dr Ben King 🌍
Confident that I can make it walking all the way to town, for the first time in months.
The sunny weather is helping.
#Pacing to avoid overexertion and #PEM associated with #LongCovid
The sunny weather is helping.
#Pacing to avoid overexertion and #PEM associated with #LongCovid
February 14, 2026 at 12:35 PM
Confident that I can make it walking all the way to town, for the first time in months.
The sunny weather is helping.
#Pacing to avoid overexertion and #PEM associated with #LongCovid
The sunny weather is helping.
#Pacing to avoid overexertion and #PEM associated with #LongCovid
Confident that I can make it walking all the way to town, for the first time in months.
The sunny weather is helping.
#Pacing to avoid overexertion and #PEM associated with #LongCovid
The sunny weather is helping.
#Pacing to avoid overexertion and #PEM associated with #LongCovid
February 14, 2026 at 12:35 PM
Confident that I can make it walking all the way to town, for the first time in months.
The sunny weather is helping.
#Pacing to avoid overexertion and #PEM associated with #LongCovid
The sunny weather is helping.
#Pacing to avoid overexertion and #PEM associated with #LongCovid
“There needs to be unbelievably harsh, unprecedented cuts” that will affect water users in major ways.....Mother Nature is not going to bail us out.”
Ultimately, on a hotter planet, this entire region of the US has no future
Better get used to it
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
Ultimately, on a hotter planet, this entire region of the US has no future
Better get used to it
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
Western US states fail to negotiate crucial Colorado River deal: ‘Mother nature isn’t going to bail us out’
Negotiators disbanded on Friday without a plan for the basin supplying water to 40m people, thrusting the region into uncertainty
www.theguardian.com
February 14, 2026 at 11:32 AM
Reposted by Dr Ben King 🌍
Life comes at you fast
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
Healthcare group urges RFK Jr to resign after remarks on cocaine and toilet seats
President of Protect Our Care issues one-word statement to US health and human services secretary: ‘Resign’
www.theguardian.com
February 14, 2026 at 10:55 AM
Life comes at you fast
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
Reposted by Dr Ben King 🌍
The Trump admin is an antiscience regime. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Six possible outcomes of Trump's climate policy change
The announcement on Thursday removes the legal bedrock for much of US environmental legislation.
www.bbc.co.uk
February 14, 2026 at 10:58 AM
The Trump admin is an antiscience regime. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Dr Ben King 🌍
And here is what he said about the Voyager 1 photo.
3/5
3/5
February 14, 2026 at 10:14 AM
And here is what he said about the Voyager 1 photo.
3/5
3/5
Reposted by Dr Ben King 🌍
Sagan was a brilliant science communicator.
In 1985 he had explained climate change and the threats ahead in basic terms.
2/n
allouryesterdays.info/2022/12/09/d...
In 1985 he had explained climate change and the threats ahead in basic terms.
2/n
allouryesterdays.info/2022/12/09/d...
December 10, 1985 - Carl Sagan testified to US Senators on #climate danger - All Our Yesterdays
On this day, December 10 1985, scientist Carl Sagan testified in front of a US senate hearing. He explained the basic physics of carbon dioxide build up and its consequences “I’d like to stress that t...
allouryesterdays.info
February 14, 2026 at 10:13 AM
Sagan was a brilliant science communicator.
In 1985 he had explained climate change and the threats ahead in basic terms.
2/n
allouryesterdays.info/2022/12/09/d...
In 1985 he had explained climate change and the threats ahead in basic terms.
2/n
allouryesterdays.info/2022/12/09/d...
Reposted by Dr Ben King 🌍
I was clutching at straws, trying to understand my symptoms (of de-oxygenation and apparent #hypoxia) 👇
Staff at Torbay Hospital A&E measured my SATs but found my blood oxygen to be OK after I had sat still, breathing deeply into my 'good' lung.
I was sent home from A&E repeatedly, for days.
Staff at Torbay Hospital A&E measured my SATs but found my blood oxygen to be OK after I had sat still, breathing deeply into my 'good' lung.
I was sent home from A&E repeatedly, for days.
February 14, 2026 at 7:47 AM
I was clutching at straws, trying to understand my symptoms (of de-oxygenation and apparent #hypoxia) 👇
Staff at Torbay Hospital A&E measured my SATs but found my blood oxygen to be OK after I had sat still, breathing deeply into my 'good' lung.
I was sent home from A&E repeatedly, for days.
Staff at Torbay Hospital A&E measured my SATs but found my blood oxygen to be OK after I had sat still, breathing deeply into my 'good' lung.
I was sent home from A&E repeatedly, for days.
Reposted by Dr Ben King 🌍
Just went past my 4-year #Clotiversary...
It was scary.
'Tight' lungs because I had blood clots in my right lung; clots that had arrived there via my heart.
All I could do was lie down as still as possible.
Healthcare workers were not able to identify a problem 😌
#Covid19 #PulmonaryEmbolism
It was scary.
'Tight' lungs because I had blood clots in my right lung; clots that had arrived there via my heart.
All I could do was lie down as still as possible.
Healthcare workers were not able to identify a problem 😌
#Covid19 #PulmonaryEmbolism
February 14, 2026 at 7:32 AM
Just went past my 4-year #Clotiversary...
It was scary.
'Tight' lungs because I had blood clots in my right lung; clots that had arrived there via my heart.
All I could do was lie down as still as possible.
Healthcare workers were not able to identify a problem 😌
#Covid19 #PulmonaryEmbolism
It was scary.
'Tight' lungs because I had blood clots in my right lung; clots that had arrived there via my heart.
All I could do was lie down as still as possible.
Healthcare workers were not able to identify a problem 😌
#Covid19 #PulmonaryEmbolism
Reposted by Dr Ben King 🌍
Very important article in the BMJ on #LongCovid #PostExertionalMalaise #PEM
bjsm.bmj.com/content/earl...
bjsm.bmj.com/content/earl...
Post-exertional malaise and the myth of cardiac deconditioning: rethinking the pathophysiology of long covid
While the number of fatal acute SARS-CoV-2 infections has declined since 2020, the proportion of these infections that result in persisting symptoms has not reduced significantly.1 The continuity or d...
bjsm.bmj.com
February 14, 2026 at 9:12 AM
Very important article in the BMJ on #LongCovid #PostExertionalMalaise #PEM
bjsm.bmj.com/content/earl...
bjsm.bmj.com/content/earl...
Very important article in the BMJ on #LongCovid #PostExertionalMalaise #PEM
bjsm.bmj.com/content/earl...
bjsm.bmj.com/content/earl...
Post-exertional malaise and the myth of cardiac deconditioning: rethinking the pathophysiology of long covid
While the number of fatal acute SARS-CoV-2 infections has declined since 2020, the proportion of these infections that result in persisting symptoms has not reduced significantly.1 The continuity or d...
bjsm.bmj.com
February 14, 2026 at 9:12 AM
Very important article in the BMJ on #LongCovid #PostExertionalMalaise #PEM
bjsm.bmj.com/content/earl...
bjsm.bmj.com/content/earl...
Big rotational slide has taken down part of the SW coast path at Stonebarrow, just east of #Charmouth. See #CharmouthFossils on Facebook...
February 14, 2026 at 9:04 AM
Big rotational slide has taken down part of the SW coast path at Stonebarrow, just east of #Charmouth. See #CharmouthFossils on Facebook...
Just went past my 4-year #Clotiversary...
It was scary.
'Tight' lungs because I had blood clots in my right lung; clots that had arrived there via my heart.
All I could do was lie down as still as possible.
Healthcare workers were not able to identify a problem 😌
#Covid19 #PulmonaryEmbolism
It was scary.
'Tight' lungs because I had blood clots in my right lung; clots that had arrived there via my heart.
All I could do was lie down as still as possible.
Healthcare workers were not able to identify a problem 😌
#Covid19 #PulmonaryEmbolism
February 14, 2026 at 7:32 AM
Just went past my 4-year #Clotiversary...
It was scary.
'Tight' lungs because I had blood clots in my right lung; clots that had arrived there via my heart.
All I could do was lie down as still as possible.
Healthcare workers were not able to identify a problem 😌
#Covid19 #PulmonaryEmbolism
It was scary.
'Tight' lungs because I had blood clots in my right lung; clots that had arrived there via my heart.
All I could do was lie down as still as possible.
Healthcare workers were not able to identify a problem 😌
#Covid19 #PulmonaryEmbolism
Reposted by Dr Ben King 🌍
Breaking news: ICE expects to spend $38.3 billion on its plan to acquire warehouses across the U.S. and retrofit them into immigrant detention centers that can hold tens of thousands of people, according to agency documents.
ICE plans to spend $38.3 billion turning warehouses into detention centers
ICE plans to spend $38.3 billion converting warehouses into detention centers, according to planning documents, more than the annual budgets of 22 states.
www.washingtonpost.com
February 13, 2026 at 5:33 PM
Breaking news: ICE expects to spend $38.3 billion on its plan to acquire warehouses across the U.S. and retrofit them into immigrant detention centers that can hold tens of thousands of people, according to agency documents.
Reposted by Dr Ben King 🌍
Intercropping is not a new trend; it's an ancient wisdom passed down through generations. It’s the way our grandparents farmed—in tune with nature, not fighting against it.
Planting beans with corn isn't just efficient; it's a deep, respectful partnership with the land.
Planting beans with corn isn't just efficient; it's a deep, respectful partnership with the land.
February 14, 2026 at 4:28 AM
Intercropping is not a new trend; it's an ancient wisdom passed down through generations. It’s the way our grandparents farmed—in tune with nature, not fighting against it.
Planting beans with corn isn't just efficient; it's a deep, respectful partnership with the land.
Planting beans with corn isn't just efficient; it's a deep, respectful partnership with the land.