Erica Gies / SlowWater.world
@ericagies.bsky.social
Author of "Water Always Wins," National Geographic, Explorer, TEDx speaker, independent journalist for Scientific American, Nature, NYT, the Atlantic, bioGraphic, and others. Fan of critters, plants, democracy, kindness.
Pinned
Climate science and the case of the missing moisture
Nature Water - Expected air moisture is missing over drier areas worldwide, possibly because climate models undervalue the effects of plants and other life. This finding could be a fingerprint of...
rdcu.be
Do plants affect global climate through water? Some climate scientists say yes, but others say plants' effect is only local or regional. If the plant-power proponents are right, it means, to solve climate, we need more than the energy transition. We also need to restore land to health. My story:
Reposted by Erica Gies / SlowWater.world
One group is now proposing “Abundance” on the Colorado River by building a “coordinated suite of desalination plants.”
“At some point, doesn’t it seem just a little bit easier, and a hell of a lot less expensive, to live within our means?” @landdesk.bsky.social
www.landdesk.org/p/abundance-...
“At some point, doesn’t it seem just a little bit easier, and a hell of a lot less expensive, to live within our means?” @landdesk.bsky.social
www.landdesk.org/p/abundance-...
"Abundance" comes to the Colorado; Lee attacks public lands again; Billionaires buy real estate
And more tidbits
www.landdesk.org
February 6, 2026 at 4:10 PM
One group is now proposing “Abundance” on the Colorado River by building a “coordinated suite of desalination plants.”
“At some point, doesn’t it seem just a little bit easier, and a hell of a lot less expensive, to live within our means?” @landdesk.bsky.social
www.landdesk.org/p/abundance-...
“At some point, doesn’t it seem just a little bit easier, and a hell of a lot less expensive, to live within our means?” @landdesk.bsky.social
www.landdesk.org/p/abundance-...
Reposted by Erica Gies / SlowWater.world
Friday night news dump: Trump just opened a marine national monument to commercial fishing.
Environmentalists worry that fishing in the area could damage sensitive ecosystems and habitats for endangered whales and other species. Gift link: www.nytimes.com/2026/02/06/c...
Environmentalists worry that fishing in the area could damage sensitive ecosystems and habitats for endangered whales and other species. Gift link: www.nytimes.com/2026/02/06/c...
Trump Opens Marine National Monument in Atlantic to Commercial Fishing
www.nytimes.com
February 7, 2026 at 2:01 AM
Friday night news dump: Trump just opened a marine national monument to commercial fishing.
Environmentalists worry that fishing in the area could damage sensitive ecosystems and habitats for endangered whales and other species. Gift link: www.nytimes.com/2026/02/06/c...
Environmentalists worry that fishing in the area could damage sensitive ecosystems and habitats for endangered whales and other species. Gift link: www.nytimes.com/2026/02/06/c...
Reposted by Erica Gies / SlowWater.world
1. It was not an accident.
2. It was not a staffer.
3. While the president may have dementia his racism is not due to dementia.
4. He isn’t sorry. He means every racist thought he shares.
5. His base agrees with him.
6. He will do it again.
7. No one in power will hold him accountable.
2. It was not a staffer.
3. While the president may have dementia his racism is not due to dementia.
4. He isn’t sorry. He means every racist thought he shares.
5. His base agrees with him.
6. He will do it again.
7. No one in power will hold him accountable.
February 6, 2026 at 5:42 PM
1. It was not an accident.
2. It was not a staffer.
3. While the president may have dementia his racism is not due to dementia.
4. He isn’t sorry. He means every racist thought he shares.
5. His base agrees with him.
6. He will do it again.
7. No one in power will hold him accountable.
2. It was not a staffer.
3. While the president may have dementia his racism is not due to dementia.
4. He isn’t sorry. He means every racist thought he shares.
5. His base agrees with him.
6. He will do it again.
7. No one in power will hold him accountable.
Aww, I really loved that resource. A geography encyclopedia
The CIA just stopped publishing their World Factbook and took every page, including the archived copies of previous versions!
This sucks. It was public domain, so I recovered the 2020 edition (the last one published as a zip file) and shared it to GitHub simonwillison.net/2026/Feb/5/t...
This sucks. It was public domain, so I recovered the 2020 edition (the last one published as a zip file) and shared it to GitHub simonwillison.net/2026/Feb/5/t...
Spotlighting The World Factbook as We Bid a Fond Farewell
Somewhat devastating news today from the CIA: One of CIA’s oldest and most recognizable intelligence publications, The World Factbook, has sunset. There's not even a hint as to why they …
simonwillison.net
February 5, 2026 at 6:45 AM
Aww, I really loved that resource. A geography encyclopedia
Reposted by Erica Gies / SlowWater.world
If Jeff Bezos could afford to spend $75 million on the Melania movie & $500 million for a yacht to sail off to his $55 million wedding to give his wife a $5 million ring, please don't tell me he needed to fire one-third of the Washington Post staff.
Democracy dies in oligarchy.
Democracy dies in oligarchy.
February 5, 2026 at 12:16 AM
If Jeff Bezos could afford to spend $75 million on the Melania movie & $500 million for a yacht to sail off to his $55 million wedding to give his wife a $5 million ring, please don't tell me he needed to fire one-third of the Washington Post staff.
Democracy dies in oligarchy.
Democracy dies in oligarchy.
Reposted by Erica Gies / SlowWater.world
So, now they're asking . . .
February 1, 2026 at 6:30 AM
So, now they're asking . . .
ICE out San Francisco
January 30, 2026 at 11:46 PM
ICE out San Francisco
Reposted by Erica Gies / SlowWater.world
www.nature.com/articles/d41.... Why a walk in the woods is good for you. @ericagies.bsky.social
How ‘forest bathing’ keeps lungs healthy
Wooded environments release organic compounds that seem to improve respiratory health, but the magnitude and mechanism of the effect remains unclear.
www.nature.com
January 30, 2026 at 9:46 PM
www.nature.com/articles/d41.... Why a walk in the woods is good for you. @ericagies.bsky.social
Most human cultures believe nature is good for us. Now scientists are studying biochemical compounds emitted by plants to protect themselves from insects, bacteria, protozoa and fungi -- which seem to be protective medicine for people too. My story for Nature Outlook: www.nature.com/articles/d41...
How ‘forest bathing’ keeps lungs healthy
Wooded environments release organic compounds that seem to improve respiratory health, but the magnitude and mechanism of the effect remains unclear.
www.nature.com
January 29, 2026 at 9:33 PM
Most human cultures believe nature is good for us. Now scientists are studying biochemical compounds emitted by plants to protect themselves from insects, bacteria, protozoa and fungi -- which seem to be protective medicine for people too. My story for Nature Outlook: www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Reposted by Erica Gies / SlowWater.world
This is really excellent - ACLU lawyers are carefully explaining the rights of legal observers and providing guidance for reducing risk. 80,000 people currently viewing.
Registration link for the training: www.mobilize.us/nokings/even...
January 27, 2026 at 1:40 AM
This is really excellent - ACLU lawyers are carefully explaining the rights of legal observers and providing guidance for reducing risk. 80,000 people currently viewing.
Reposted by Erica Gies / SlowWater.world
The Trump administration gave the OK for California’s Sites Reservoir on Friday, clearing a major hurdle for what would be the state’s largest water project in decades. #cawater www.sfchronicle.com/california/a...
Trump administration signs off on plan for California’s biggest reservoir in decades
The proposed reservoir would boost water storage for cities and farms. It’s a rare point of agreement for the Trump administration and Gov. Gavin Newsom.
www.sfchronicle.com
January 26, 2026 at 6:02 PM
The Trump administration gave the OK for California’s Sites Reservoir on Friday, clearing a major hurdle for what would be the state’s largest water project in decades. #cawater www.sfchronicle.com/california/a...
Reposted by Erica Gies / SlowWater.world
I’m on national public radio again this weekend talking about my icy 25 year photo project
Living on Earth has been airing this a lot, see instagram for my latest images in the series, www.instagram.com/erikhoffner
Tried to say a lot about ephemeral beauty in just a few minutes ❄️ ❄️
Listen here:
Living on Earth has been airing this a lot, see instagram for my latest images in the series, www.instagram.com/erikhoffner
Tried to say a lot about ephemeral beauty in just a few minutes ❄️ ❄️
Listen here:
Living on Earth: Ice Visions
As winter settles in over the northern hemisphere people find creative ways to get outside and enjoy nature. For environmental journalist and photographer Erik Hoffner, winter is a time for ice skatin...
www.loe.org
January 24, 2026 at 1:42 PM
I’m on national public radio again this weekend talking about my icy 25 year photo project
Living on Earth has been airing this a lot, see instagram for my latest images in the series, www.instagram.com/erikhoffner
Tried to say a lot about ephemeral beauty in just a few minutes ❄️ ❄️
Listen here:
Living on Earth has been airing this a lot, see instagram for my latest images in the series, www.instagram.com/erikhoffner
Tried to say a lot about ephemeral beauty in just a few minutes ❄️ ❄️
Listen here:
Reposted by Erica Gies / SlowWater.world
Certain forms of mainstream news are sedative. Here's one. Yesterday in Minneapolis was a big day for this country's history and the current crisis and a heroic demonstration of will, solidarity, and bravery. NYT leads with shopping.
#FrontPage comparison
NYT editors are entrusted by their readers to prioritize what’s important. Their editorial decisions such as layout of the #FrontPage contribute to public memory.
Democracywashing Minnesota under siege by Federal agents and #Minneapolis community mobilizing in frigid temps
👇
NYT editors are entrusted by their readers to prioritize what’s important. Their editorial decisions such as layout of the #FrontPage contribute to public memory.
Democracywashing Minnesota under siege by Federal agents and #Minneapolis community mobilizing in frigid temps
👇
January 24, 2026 at 4:55 PM
Certain forms of mainstream news are sedative. Here's one. Yesterday in Minneapolis was a big day for this country's history and the current crisis and a heroic demonstration of will, solidarity, and bravery. NYT leads with shopping.
Reposted by Erica Gies / SlowWater.world
From this moment forward (and before, but clearly now):
-If you work for ICE.
-If you vote for money for ICE.
You are complicit. This is the gestapo. You're on the wrong side. You can't pretend not to know.
-If you work for ICE.
-If you vote for money for ICE.
You are complicit. This is the gestapo. You're on the wrong side. You can't pretend not to know.
January 24, 2026 at 5:07 PM
From this moment forward (and before, but clearly now):
-If you work for ICE.
-If you vote for money for ICE.
You are complicit. This is the gestapo. You're on the wrong side. You can't pretend not to know.
-If you work for ICE.
-If you vote for money for ICE.
You are complicit. This is the gestapo. You're on the wrong side. You can't pretend not to know.
Reposted by Erica Gies / SlowWater.world
The problem with this take is that Trump is literally doing things no president has done before because the republican congress is capitulating and the Supreme Court wants a king. It's not just the 33% of Americans who voted for him who failed. It's a full failure across our institutions.
Which of those dictators were democratically elected by the population? Twice, with a gap of 4 years?
I don’t blame people from North Korea for Kim Jong Un, but I can blame the American people (as a voting bloc) for voting for him.
“Not all Americans” is as stupid as “not all men” as a defence.
I don’t blame people from North Korea for Kim Jong Un, but I can blame the American people (as a voting bloc) for voting for him.
“Not all Americans” is as stupid as “not all men” as a defence.
January 21, 2026 at 6:52 PM
The problem with this take is that Trump is literally doing things no president has done before because the republican congress is capitulating and the Supreme Court wants a king. It's not just the 33% of Americans who voted for him who failed. It's a full failure across our institutions.
Reposted by Erica Gies / SlowWater.world
People talk about California as an entertainment state, but it’s quietly one of the most powerful scientific engines on Earth. From climate modeling to biotech to space, an absurd amount of the modern world is figured out here. We don’t really talk about that enough. 🧪 substack.com/@californiac...
California Curated | Substack
We are a new project dedicated to everything science and discovery in the Golden State. Overlooked news, stories, and adventures in California.
substack.com
January 21, 2026 at 5:36 PM
People talk about California as an entertainment state, but it’s quietly one of the most powerful scientific engines on Earth. From climate modeling to biotech to space, an absurd amount of the modern world is figured out here. We don’t really talk about that enough. 🧪 substack.com/@californiac...
The word "scrumptious" is icky. It gives me the ick. Do you have a word that makes your skin crawl?
January 21, 2026 at 5:18 PM
The word "scrumptious" is icky. It gives me the ick. Do you have a word that makes your skin crawl?
Reposted by Erica Gies / SlowWater.world
"Every critical ecosystem is on a pathway to collapse" - wow, the wording in this isn't pulling its punches
🚨 BREAKING 🚨
The UK Govt has quietly published - without announcement - the Joint Intelligence Committee/DEFRA report it suppressed last October. They tried to sneak it out in the midst of crisis. Read and share:
“Global Biodiversity Loss, Ecosystem Collapse & National Security.”
(link below)
The UK Govt has quietly published - without announcement - the Joint Intelligence Committee/DEFRA report it suppressed last October. They tried to sneak it out in the midst of crisis. Read and share:
“Global Biodiversity Loss, Ecosystem Collapse & National Security.”
(link below)
January 20, 2026 at 6:08 PM
"Every critical ecosystem is on a pathway to collapse" - wow, the wording in this isn't pulling its punches
Thanks for sharing, @nearlywild.bsky.social !
World better listen to Zach Weiss and Erica Gies @ericagies.bsky.social
January 21, 2026 at 1:59 AM
Thanks for sharing, @nearlywild.bsky.social !
Good story by @katiesurma.bsky.social @insideclimatenews.org about a key factor in Iran's unrest: environmental degradation: insideclimatenews.org/news/1401202...
Iran’s Regime Has Survived War, Sanctions and Uprising. Environmental Crises May Bring It Down. - Inside Climate News
Decades of water depletion, dam building and repression of scientists and environmentalists have driven Iran toward ecological crises that are fueling protests rocking the country.
insideclimatenews.org
January 20, 2026 at 1:23 AM
Good story by @katiesurma.bsky.social @insideclimatenews.org about a key factor in Iran's unrest: environmental degradation: insideclimatenews.org/news/1401202...
Reposted by Erica Gies / SlowWater.world
COW TOOLS COW TOOLS COW TOOLS
Back-scratching bovine leads scientists to reassess intelligence of cows
Brown Swiss in Austria has been discovered using tools in multiple ways – something only ever seen in humans and chimpanzees
www.theguardian.com
January 19, 2026 at 4:06 PM
COW TOOLS COW TOOLS COW TOOLS
Reposted by Erica Gies / SlowWater.world
Reposted by Erica Gies / SlowWater.world
A group of young kestrels is startled by the presence of a butterfly. 🤣🤣🤣
January 9, 2026 at 5:36 PM
A group of young kestrels is startled by the presence of a butterfly. 🤣🤣🤣
The Case of the Disappearing Lake: by @selenaross.bsky.social This fascinating story of a lake that disappeared seemingly overnight features hydrologist Younes Alila. The culprit was likely logging. www.theguardian.com/world/2026/j...
Quebec’s Lake Rouge vanished – but was it a freak natural event or caused by human actions?
Experts and community trying to untangle mystery of outburst that saw water travel almost 10km overland into a bigger lake
www.theguardian.com
January 11, 2026 at 6:20 PM
The Case of the Disappearing Lake: by @selenaross.bsky.social This fascinating story of a lake that disappeared seemingly overnight features hydrologist Younes Alila. The culprit was likely logging. www.theguardian.com/world/2026/j...