Dan Fernbank
@decarbdan.bsky.social
Energy & Sustainability Director, @uniofreading.bsky.social. Director, Reading Community Energy @readingenergy.bsky.social
Views are my own
#EnergySky
Views are my own
#EnergySky
Pinned
Dan Fernbank
@decarbdan.bsky.social
· Mar 2
As it's taken me a while to find good UK energy and decarbonisation chat on Bluesky I've created a starter pack:
go.bsky.app/Ef5ibBs
Please follow/share and let me know who I should add #energysky
go.bsky.app/Ef5ibBs
Please follow/share and let me know who I should add #energysky
Reposted by Dan Fernbank
Huge news from the UK today: after UN climate talks in which there was a massive fight over language on fossil fuels, the UK government today announced that it will in fact be keeping many millions of barrels of oil & gas in the ground. Deeds rather than just words for a change! 🧵
November 26, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Huge news from the UK today: after UN climate talks in which there was a massive fight over language on fossil fuels, the UK government today announced that it will in fact be keeping many millions of barrels of oil & gas in the ground. Deeds rather than just words for a change! 🧵
Reposted by Dan Fernbank
Well, this is pretty terrifying. The Daily Mail is buying the Telegraph.
One massive consolidated right-wing media empire controlled by off-shore interests at a critical moment in global politics.
What could go wrong?
www.theguardian.com/media/2025/n...
One massive consolidated right-wing media empire controlled by off-shore interests at a critical moment in global politics.
What could go wrong?
www.theguardian.com/media/2025/n...
Daily Mail owner strikes £500m deal to buy Telegraph titles
Acquisition likely to trigger in-depth investigation by regulator after agreement between DMGT and Redbird IMI
www.theguardian.com
November 22, 2025 at 10:52 AM
Well, this is pretty terrifying. The Daily Mail is buying the Telegraph.
One massive consolidated right-wing media empire controlled by off-shore interests at a critical moment in global politics.
What could go wrong?
www.theguardian.com/media/2025/n...
One massive consolidated right-wing media empire controlled by off-shore interests at a critical moment in global politics.
What could go wrong?
www.theguardian.com/media/2025/n...
Reposted by Dan Fernbank
Farage earns more than any other MP for NOT being an MP. He says it’s “obviously sad” that part of his constituency is the most deprived area in England.
But everything he’s ever done, said and wanted has made sure of it.
This is the whole country if he gets into power.
(Private Eye)
But everything he’s ever done, said and wanted has made sure of it.
This is the whole country if he gets into power.
(Private Eye)
November 14, 2025 at 7:48 AM
Farage earns more than any other MP for NOT being an MP. He says it’s “obviously sad” that part of his constituency is the most deprived area in England.
But everything he’s ever done, said and wanted has made sure of it.
This is the whole country if he gets into power.
(Private Eye)
But everything he’s ever done, said and wanted has made sure of it.
This is the whole country if he gets into power.
(Private Eye)
Reposted by Dan Fernbank
Did you know you pay more fuel tax on a single car journey than a billionaire does on a private jet flight?
Right now the gov is subsidising tax breaks, when they could be using that tax to generate billions for public services.
Help us change this: https://bit.ly/43NAeFN
Right now the gov is subsidising tax breaks, when they could be using that tax to generate billions for public services.
Help us change this: https://bit.ly/43NAeFN
November 5, 2025 at 4:00 PM
Did you know you pay more fuel tax on a single car journey than a billionaire does on a private jet flight?
Right now the gov is subsidising tax breaks, when they could be using that tax to generate billions for public services.
Help us change this: https://bit.ly/43NAeFN
Right now the gov is subsidising tax breaks, when they could be using that tax to generate billions for public services.
Help us change this: https://bit.ly/43NAeFN
Reposted by Dan Fernbank
Drinking water for up to 6 million people in England may have levels of 'forever chemicals' which could "constitute a potential danger to human health"
Drinking Water Inspectorate have issued enforcement notices on water companies to reduce levels of chemicals
🧵🧵 1/4
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Drinking Water Inspectorate have issued enforcement notices on water companies to reduce levels of chemicals
🧵🧵 1/4
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Firms ordered to reduce forever chemicals in drinking water for 6m people
The persistent pollutants which build up in the environment have been linked to serious illnesses.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 3, 2025 at 7:10 AM
Drinking water for up to 6 million people in England may have levels of 'forever chemicals' which could "constitute a potential danger to human health"
Drinking Water Inspectorate have issued enforcement notices on water companies to reduce levels of chemicals
🧵🧵 1/4
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Drinking Water Inspectorate have issued enforcement notices on water companies to reduce levels of chemicals
🧵🧵 1/4
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
@greenparty.org.uk polling 2nd though, just 2 months after @zackpolanski.bsky.social was elected leader 💚
Westminster Voting Intention:
RFM: 32% (=)
GRN: 17% (+2)
CON: 16% (-1)
LAB: 16% (=)
LDM: 12% (=)
SNP: 2% (=)
Via @findoutnow.bsky.social, 29 Oct.
Changes w/ 22 Oct.
RFM: 32% (=)
GRN: 17% (+2)
CON: 16% (-1)
LAB: 16% (=)
LDM: 12% (=)
SNP: 2% (=)
Via @findoutnow.bsky.social, 29 Oct.
Changes w/ 22 Oct.
October 30, 2025 at 5:35 PM
@greenparty.org.uk polling 2nd though, just 2 months after @zackpolanski.bsky.social was elected leader 💚
Reposted by Dan Fernbank
Wind power has cut £104bn from UK energy costs since 2010, study finds
Wind power has cut £104bn from UK energy costs since 2010, study finds
Reduction comes from energy generated from windfarms and lower cost of gas owing to lower demand
Wind power has cut at least £104bn from energy costs in the UK since 2010, a study has found.
Users of gas have been among the biggest beneficiaries, the research suggested. Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
October 28, 2025 at 5:56 AM
Wind power has cut £104bn from UK energy costs since 2010, study finds
Reposted by Dan Fernbank
🚨 BREAKING 🚨
📈 Since the election of our new leadership team, our membership has doubled, now sitting at more than 140,000.
And this is just the beginning: join.greenparty.org.uk
📈 Since the election of our new leadership team, our membership has doubled, now sitting at more than 140,000.
And this is just the beginning: join.greenparty.org.uk
October 22, 2025 at 5:01 PM
🚨 BREAKING 🚨
📈 Since the election of our new leadership team, our membership has doubled, now sitting at more than 140,000.
And this is just the beginning: join.greenparty.org.uk
📈 Since the election of our new leadership team, our membership has doubled, now sitting at more than 140,000.
And this is just the beginning: join.greenparty.org.uk
Reposted by Dan Fernbank
We're ranked in the UK’s top 30 universities in THE World University Rankings 2026
We're also proud that University of Reading rose significantly in the Teaching category - up to 287th worldwide - reflecting our commitment to educational excellence.
Full story 🔗 https://rdg.ac/4q7cE0w
We're also proud that University of Reading rose significantly in the Teaching category - up to 287th worldwide - reflecting our commitment to educational excellence.
Full story 🔗 https://rdg.ac/4q7cE0w
October 9, 2025 at 9:00 AM
We're ranked in the UK’s top 30 universities in THE World University Rankings 2026
We're also proud that University of Reading rose significantly in the Teaching category - up to 287th worldwide - reflecting our commitment to educational excellence.
Full story 🔗 https://rdg.ac/4q7cE0w
We're also proud that University of Reading rose significantly in the Teaching category - up to 287th worldwide - reflecting our commitment to educational excellence.
Full story 🔗 https://rdg.ac/4q7cE0w
@samaritans.bsky.social management accused of bullying dissenting voices over objections to planned closures- www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
Samaritans accused of stifling dissent and bullying over branch closure plans
Claim comes after charity suspends a number of senior volunteers who spoke out publicly against proposals
www.theguardian.com
October 22, 2025 at 4:47 PM
@samaritans.bsky.social management accused of bullying dissenting voices over objections to planned closures- www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
Reposted by Dan Fernbank
🌍 Joint-highest Green Polling EVER (15%)
➡️ Lowest Reform Polling Since July (26%)
➡️ Lowest Reform Polling Since July (26%)
Westminster Voting Intention:
RFM: 26% (-1)
LAB: 20% (=)
CON: 17% (=)
LDM: 15% (-1)
GRN: 15% (+2)
Via @yougov.co.uk, 19-20 Oct,
Changes w/ 12-13 Oct.
RFM: 26% (-1)
LAB: 20% (=)
CON: 17% (=)
LDM: 15% (-1)
GRN: 15% (+2)
Via @yougov.co.uk, 19-20 Oct,
Changes w/ 12-13 Oct.
October 21, 2025 at 10:26 AM
🌍 Joint-highest Green Polling EVER (15%)
➡️ Lowest Reform Polling Since July (26%)
➡️ Lowest Reform Polling Since July (26%)
Britain's hidden asbestos epidemic is shocking. My dad died of mesothelioma, with no obvious clear exposure to asbestos, having been an accountant all his life. Shocking how wide spread asbestos use was until 80s, despite it's dangers being known in 19th century.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
It’s still killing people, and the government has yet to act: Britain’s hidden asbestos epidemic | Tom White
Asbestos was banned in 1999, but as materials left in our buildings deteriorate, thousands of lives are being lost every year, says writer and education worker Tom White
www.theguardian.com
October 20, 2025 at 8:33 PM
Britain's hidden asbestos epidemic is shocking. My dad died of mesothelioma, with no obvious clear exposure to asbestos, having been an accountant all his life. Shocking how wide spread asbestos use was until 80s, despite it's dangers being known in 19th century.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
A great, authentic, heartfelt album 👏
October 17, 2025 at 6:11 AM
A great, authentic, heartfelt album 👏
Reposted by Dan Fernbank
Developers of the #Rosebank oil field said nearly 250 million tonnes of planet warming gas would be released from using oil products from it.
The UK's annual emissions in 2024 were 371 million tonnes.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
#ClimateChange #Climate
The UK's annual emissions in 2024 were 371 million tonnes.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
#ClimateChange #Climate
Controversial UK oil field reveals climate impact if approved
The impact from the Rosebank oil field is estimated at nearly 250 million tonnes of planet warming CO2.
www.bbc.co.uk
October 16, 2025 at 3:54 AM
Developers of the #Rosebank oil field said nearly 250 million tonnes of planet warming gas would be released from using oil products from it.
The UK's annual emissions in 2024 were 371 million tonnes.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
#ClimateChange #Climate
The UK's annual emissions in 2024 were 371 million tonnes.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
#ClimateChange #Climate
Reposted by Dan Fernbank
Great turnout at our AGM!
We celebrated another strong year of solar generation and community impact — plus exciting new plans with Reading Buses. 🌞
Thanks to everyone helping power a greener Reading 💚
#CommunityEnergy #ReadingUK #SolarReading #InvestInSolar #RdgUK #ReadingBuses
We celebrated another strong year of solar generation and community impact — plus exciting new plans with Reading Buses. 🌞
Thanks to everyone helping power a greener Reading 💚
#CommunityEnergy #ReadingUK #SolarReading #InvestInSolar #RdgUK #ReadingBuses
October 14, 2025 at 9:30 AM
Great turnout at our AGM!
We celebrated another strong year of solar generation and community impact — plus exciting new plans with Reading Buses. 🌞
Thanks to everyone helping power a greener Reading 💚
#CommunityEnergy #ReadingUK #SolarReading #InvestInSolar #RdgUK #ReadingBuses
We celebrated another strong year of solar generation and community impact — plus exciting new plans with Reading Buses. 🌞
Thanks to everyone helping power a greener Reading 💚
#CommunityEnergy #ReadingUK #SolarReading #InvestInSolar #RdgUK #ReadingBuses
The more I hear about unlimited energy contracts, the more it concerns me that students are being taken advantage of.
New research by Reading Students Union shows students in private rented accommodation are being sold 'unlimited' utilities contracts costing £2,200 more on average than traditional energy contracts.
But a new Energy Advice Service is here to help students fight back
Read 🔗 https://rdg.ac/3VKx2qm
But a new Energy Advice Service is here to help students fight back
Read 🔗 https://rdg.ac/3VKx2qm
October 2, 2025 at 6:55 PM
The more I hear about unlimited energy contracts, the more it concerns me that students are being taken advantage of.
New Energy Advice Service for University of Reading students highlights premium cost of unlimited energy contracts -
www.reading.ac.uk/news/2025/Un...
www.reading.ac.uk/news/2025/Un...
Students paying extra for unlimited energy bills - University of Reading
www.reading.ac.uk
October 1, 2025 at 5:23 PM
New Energy Advice Service for University of Reading students highlights premium cost of unlimited energy contracts -
www.reading.ac.uk/news/2025/Un...
www.reading.ac.uk/news/2025/Un...
Reposted by Dan Fernbank
Brilliant from @kevinclimate.bsky.social as always - making abundantly clear the inconvenient truth this Govt is forever trying to duck & dodge: expanding aviation capacity is fundamentally incompatible with the UK’s climate obligations
Gatwick expansion blows another huge hole in the UK Government's already perforated climate commitments.
New article on Gatwick expansion with my @tyndallcentre.bsky.social colleague Dr Lois Pennington @loispennington.bsky.social
climateuncensored.com/gatwick-expa...
New article on Gatwick expansion with my @tyndallcentre.bsky.social colleague Dr Lois Pennington @loispennington.bsky.social
climateuncensored.com/gatwick-expa...
Gatwick Expansion: A Direct Assault on Climate Commitments - Climate Uncensored
Comment on UK Government announcement of Gatwick Airport expansion by Professor Kevin Anderson and Dr. Lois Pennington, of Tyndall Centre, University of
climateuncensored.com
September 26, 2025 at 9:56 AM
Brilliant from @kevinclimate.bsky.social as always - making abundantly clear the inconvenient truth this Govt is forever trying to duck & dodge: expanding aviation capacity is fundamentally incompatible with the UK’s climate obligations
BBC News - @samaritans.bsky.social facing volunteer exodus over proposed branch closures (and don't appear to be listening)
www.bbc.com/news/article...
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Samaritans facing volunteer exodus over proposed branch closures
Opponents fear plans to close more than100 branches could put the charity’s ability to answer calls in doubt.
www.bbc.com
September 26, 2025 at 11:15 AM
BBC News - @samaritans.bsky.social facing volunteer exodus over proposed branch closures (and don't appear to be listening)
www.bbc.com/news/article...
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Reposted by Dan Fernbank
On September 7th, our panels at Reading Uni (L022) made 68 kWh – enough for 2–3 homes in a day. That’s 142,231 kWh so far since we started.
Something big is on the horizon… register for our share offer! #CommunityEnergy #ReadingUK #SolarReading #InvestInSolar #Rdguk
Something big is on the horizon… register for our share offer! #CommunityEnergy #ReadingUK #SolarReading #InvestInSolar #Rdguk
September 9, 2025 at 9:30 AM
On September 7th, our panels at Reading Uni (L022) made 68 kWh – enough for 2–3 homes in a day. That’s 142,231 kWh so far since we started.
Something big is on the horizon… register for our share offer! #CommunityEnergy #ReadingUK #SolarReading #InvestInSolar #Rdguk
Something big is on the horizon… register for our share offer! #CommunityEnergy #ReadingUK #SolarReading #InvestInSolar #Rdguk
Reposted by Dan Fernbank
Brilliant resource from @carbonbrief.org. Setting the record straight on solar ☀️
NEW – Factcheck: 16 misleading myths about solar power
✍️ @joshgabbatiss.bsky.social @mollylempriere.carbonbrief.org
🎨 @tomoprater.carbonbrief.org @jjgoodman.bsky.social Tom Pearson
Read here: buff.ly/47kIjiZ
✍️ @joshgabbatiss.bsky.social @mollylempriere.carbonbrief.org
🎨 @tomoprater.carbonbrief.org @jjgoodman.bsky.social Tom Pearson
Read here: buff.ly/47kIjiZ
August 29, 2025 at 11:04 AM
Brilliant resource from @carbonbrief.org. Setting the record straight on solar ☀️
University of Reading publishes bold new Climate Action Plan - www.reading.ac.uk/news/2025/Un...
University of Reading Net Zero carbon plan 2040 - University of Reading
www.reading.ac.uk
August 29, 2025 at 6:23 AM
University of Reading publishes bold new Climate Action Plan - www.reading.ac.uk/news/2025/Un...
Reposted by Dan Fernbank
In the UK, commercial returns from R&D in offshore wind, tidal and CCS tech exceed those in biotechnology and AI.
This is just one reason Steve Coulter says this autumn's #ClimateActionPlan is the moment for a big swing on the green economy. 🔁 @businessgreen.bsky.social
Read them all ⤵️
This is just one reason Steve Coulter says this autumn's #ClimateActionPlan is the moment for a big swing on the green economy. 🔁 @businessgreen.bsky.social
Read them all ⤵️
The Chancellor needs growth – the green economy is where she’ll find it
It’s not easy being Chancellor when the economic mood is so glum. Rachel Reeves faces low growth and stagnating productivity. Meanwhile, the cost of servicing the national debt is rising. All…
buff.ly
August 19, 2025 at 3:10 PM
In the UK, commercial returns from R&D in offshore wind, tidal and CCS tech exceed those in biotechnology and AI.
This is just one reason Steve Coulter says this autumn's #ClimateActionPlan is the moment for a big swing on the green economy. 🔁 @businessgreen.bsky.social
Read them all ⤵️
This is just one reason Steve Coulter says this autumn's #ClimateActionPlan is the moment for a big swing on the green economy. 🔁 @businessgreen.bsky.social
Read them all ⤵️
Proud to be a part of this for the past 10 years 🌞
Hello Bluesky👋 We're Reading Community Energy ☀️ A community-owned group installing solar panels on schools & buildings across Reading. We cut carbon, lower bills & fund local projects. Follow for updates + how to get involved! #CommunityEnergy #ReadingUK #SolarReading #InvestInSolar #Rdguk
August 18, 2025 at 9:35 AM
Proud to be a part of this for the past 10 years 🌞
Reposted by Dan Fernbank
In our latest blog, @ruthchambers.bsky.social highlights the worrying trend of governments curtailing our ability to protest about their policies or inaction.
The government must reset its approach, repeal draconian laws and bring us back into compliance with the Aarhus Convention.
The government must reset its approach, repeal draconian laws and bring us back into compliance with the Aarhus Convention.
The right to protest on the environment must be restored
Five years ago, I reflected on the role that civil disobedience and protests have played in the environmental movement and the worrying direction of travel prompted by the backlash to Extinction Rebellion. What has happened since September 2020?
buff.ly
August 14, 2025 at 6:00 AM
In our latest blog, @ruthchambers.bsky.social highlights the worrying trend of governments curtailing our ability to protest about their policies or inaction.
The government must reset its approach, repeal draconian laws and bring us back into compliance with the Aarhus Convention.
The government must reset its approach, repeal draconian laws and bring us back into compliance with the Aarhus Convention.