Gus
@gustavelester.bsky.social
Historian of science, environment, & empire, esp. 19th century. Working on the long history of "critical minerals” & the US.
Postdoctoral Researcher at the Center for Anthropocene History in Stockholm.
Postdoctoral Researcher at the Center for Anthropocene History in Stockholm.
Pinned
Gus
@gustavelester.bsky.social
· Nov 12
Happy to share that my article, "Land, Fur, and Copper: The Union of Settler Colonialism and Industrial Capitalism in the Great Lakes Region, 1815-1842," was selected as this year's Ronald Rainger Early Career Award in History of the Earth and Environmental Sciences by the History of Science Society
I am organizing a workshop on “critical mineral histories” in March 2026. If you or someone you know might be interested in participating, please see the following CfP for more information on the concept and how to submit a proposal (by 10 January, if possible). Thanks! www.kth.se/anthropocene...
Workshop: Critical Mineral Histories | KTH
www.kth.se
December 11, 2025 at 3:51 PM
I am organizing a workshop on “critical mineral histories” in March 2026. If you or someone you know might be interested in participating, please see the following CfP for more information on the concept and how to submit a proposal (by 10 January, if possible). Thanks! www.kth.se/anthropocene...
Reposted by Gus
“I’ve been amazed by the groundswell of grassroots, bipartisan opposition to this....everyone is affected by this, the opposition has been across the political spectrum. A lot of people don’t see the benefits coming from AI and feel they will be paying for it"
More than 200 environmental groups demand halt to new US datacenters
Exclusive: Congress urged to act against energy-hungry facilities blamed for increasing bills and worsening climate crisis
www.theguardian.com
December 8, 2025 at 7:45 PM
“I’ve been amazed by the groundswell of grassroots, bipartisan opposition to this....everyone is affected by this, the opposition has been across the political spectrum. A lot of people don’t see the benefits coming from AI and feel they will be paying for it"
Reposted by Gus
We all want to move on with our lives, yet the violence continues. The killing continues. The occupation continues. The colonisation continues. More than 9,000 Palestinian hostages are still in Israeli detention. /1
December 6, 2025 at 1:22 PM
We all want to move on with our lives, yet the violence continues. The killing continues. The occupation continues. The colonisation continues. More than 9,000 Palestinian hostages are still in Israeli detention. /1
"the Pentagon is stockpiling huge stores of critical minerals that are needed for a range of climate technologies ... for use in military hardware – from precision-guided weaponry and advanced communication systems to .. 'AI-driven autonomous warfare platforms.'"
The arms race is undermining the green transition as critical minerals are diverted for the military.
Our briefing on the Pentagon’s return to stockpiling from Lorah Steichen in @theguardian.com.
www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/dec/04/critical-minerals-military-us-pentagon-climate-crisis
Our briefing on the Pentagon’s return to stockpiling from Lorah Steichen in @theguardian.com.
www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/dec/04/critical-minerals-military-us-pentagon-climate-crisis
Global race to secure critical minerals for weapons threatens climate, warns report
Study reveals US earmarked billions to stockpile critical minerals for military use, including precision-guided weaponry and AI-driven warfare
www.theguardian.com
December 4, 2025 at 12:27 PM
"the Pentagon is stockpiling huge stores of critical minerals that are needed for a range of climate technologies ... for use in military hardware – from precision-guided weaponry and advanced communication systems to .. 'AI-driven autonomous warfare platforms.'"
Reposted by Gus
5 more days to get your submissions in on the topic “Critical Minerals and Media Technologies.” We can't wait to read your submissions!
@mediaenviron.bsky.social @gustavelester.bsky.social
@mediaenviron.bsky.social @gustavelester.bsky.social
**CALL FOR PAPERS** It’s been a hot minute! We are seeking proposals for another new stream on “Critical Minerals and Media Technologies,” edited by @siobhanangus.bsky.social and @gustavelester.bsky.social. The deadline for submissions is November 15, 2025. mediaenviron.org/post/3478-ca...
Call For Papers: Critical Minerals and Media Technologies | Published by Media+Environment
We invite contributions for a forthcoming stream of the UC Press open access journal Media+Environment entitled “Critical Minerals and Media Technologies,” edited by Siobhan Angus and Gustave Lester.
mediaenviron.org
November 10, 2025 at 10:11 PM
5 more days to get your submissions in on the topic “Critical Minerals and Media Technologies.” We can't wait to read your submissions!
@mediaenviron.bsky.social @gustavelester.bsky.social
@mediaenviron.bsky.social @gustavelester.bsky.social
CONVERSATION with Thea Riofrancos: “The term ‘critical minerals’ can trick us into thinking something is scarce”
open.substack.com/pub/breakdow...
open.substack.com/pub/breakdow...
CONVERSATION with Thea Riofrancos: “The term ‘critical minerals’ can trick us into thinking something is scarce”
Read a sneak preview from Issue #2 — out 22 September ⛏️🌱
open.substack.com
October 23, 2025 at 9:17 AM
CONVERSATION with Thea Riofrancos: “The term ‘critical minerals’ can trick us into thinking something is scarce”
open.substack.com/pub/breakdow...
open.substack.com/pub/breakdow...
Reposted by Gus
Very happy to be included in the new issue of @gliamericanhistory.bsky.social History Now, with @mkn.bsky.social, @catherinemcneur.bsky.social, Keith Pluymers, Lauret Savoy, and Sara Dant www.gilderlehrman.org/history-now/...
The Natural Resources of the United States in the Shaping of History | Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History
The Natural Resources of the United States in the Shaping of History | | SPECIAL FEATURE A pair of recent Book Breaks episodes featuring contributors to History Now 76: “Saving Yellowstone: Exploratio...
www.gilderlehrman.org
October 8, 2025 at 11:23 AM
Very happy to be included in the new issue of @gliamericanhistory.bsky.social History Now, with @mkn.bsky.social, @catherinemcneur.bsky.social, Keith Pluymers, Lauret Savoy, and Sara Dant www.gilderlehrman.org/history-now/...
Reposted by Gus
**CALL FOR PAPERS** It’s been a hot minute! We are seeking proposals for another new stream on “Critical Minerals and Media Technologies,” edited by @siobhanangus.bsky.social and @gustavelester.bsky.social. The deadline for submissions is November 15, 2025. mediaenviron.org/post/3478-ca...
Call For Papers: Critical Minerals and Media Technologies | Published by Media+Environment
We invite contributions for a forthcoming stream of the UC Press open access journal Media+Environment entitled “Critical Minerals and Media Technologies,” edited by Siobhan Angus and Gustave Lester.
mediaenviron.org
October 7, 2025 at 1:01 PM
**CALL FOR PAPERS** It’s been a hot minute! We are seeking proposals for another new stream on “Critical Minerals and Media Technologies,” edited by @siobhanangus.bsky.social and @gustavelester.bsky.social. The deadline for submissions is November 15, 2025. mediaenviron.org/post/3478-ca...
Very excited to see the launch of the digital history project "Petrodelphia: America's First Petrochemical Corridor," showcasing Philadelphia’s relationship to petrochemical industries. I co-authored the entry "Pennsylvania Coal and Philadelphia,” for anyone interested: petrodelphia.org
Home, Petrodelphia: America's First Petrochemical Corridor
This website provides you—and others who care about the past and future of Philadelphia—a rich collection of sources about the South Philadelphia refinery complex and other petrochemical sites along t...
petrodelphia.org
October 7, 2025 at 11:39 AM
Very excited to see the launch of the digital history project "Petrodelphia: America's First Petrochemical Corridor," showcasing Philadelphia’s relationship to petrochemical industries. I co-authored the entry "Pennsylvania Coal and Philadelphia,” for anyone interested: petrodelphia.org
Reposted by Gus
The Swedish UPPSALA DECLARATION now has 2,557 signatories. The EUROPEAN DECLARATION is catching up with 2,458 from EU/EEA/UK/CH. All signatories refuse to collaborate with Israeli institutions complicit in illegal occupation, apartheid, genocide, and other violations of international law.
September 30, 2025 at 7:43 PM
The Swedish UPPSALA DECLARATION now has 2,557 signatories. The EUROPEAN DECLARATION is catching up with 2,458 from EU/EEA/UK/CH. All signatories refuse to collaborate with Israeli institutions complicit in illegal occupation, apartheid, genocide, and other violations of international law.
Reposted by Gus
Want a preview of our book, The Price of Gold, with @mcgillqueensup.bsky.social ? Check out our article in @theconversation.com today:
theconversation.com/yellowknifes...
theconversation.com/yellowknifes...
Yellowknife’s Giant Mine: Canada downplayed arsenic exposure as an Indigenous community was poisoned
Colonialism, corporate greed and lax regulation led to widespread pollution, particularly affecting Yellowknives Dene communities.
theconversation.com
July 22, 2025 at 9:46 PM
Want a preview of our book, The Price of Gold, with @mcgillqueensup.bsky.social ? Check out our article in @theconversation.com today:
theconversation.com/yellowknifes...
theconversation.com/yellowknifes...
Reposted by Gus
I’m in @financialtimes.com on Trump’s recent move to make the Pentagon the top shareholder in the US only rare earths mine. This is the “worst of all worlds” resource nationalism: a toxic mix of environmental harm, militarism, Big Tech, financial de-risking, and asset appreciation. Link below ⬇️
September 3, 2025 at 3:37 PM
I’m in @financialtimes.com on Trump’s recent move to make the Pentagon the top shareholder in the US only rare earths mine. This is the “worst of all worlds” resource nationalism: a toxic mix of environmental harm, militarism, Big Tech, financial de-risking, and asset appreciation. Link below ⬇️
Reposted by Gus
#uppsaladeclaration now has more than 2,000 signatories. We refuse to collaborate with Israeli institutions complicit in illegal occupation, apartheid, genocide, and other violations of international law. Faculty and staff in Swedish higher education and research can sign at uppsaladeclaration.se
June 9, 2025 at 8:58 AM
#uppsaladeclaration now has more than 2,000 signatories. We refuse to collaborate with Israeli institutions complicit in illegal occupation, apartheid, genocide, and other violations of international law. Faculty and staff in Swedish higher education and research can sign at uppsaladeclaration.se
Reposted by Gus
By me: Climate cost of Israel’s war on Gaza will exceed the annual greenhouse gas emissions of >100 countries - exacerbating planetary catastrophe on top of the horrific death toll and suffering of Palestinians
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/m...
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/m...
Carbon footprint of Israel’s war on Gaza exceeds that of many entire countries
Exclusive: The climate cost is more than than the combined 2023 emissions of Costa Rica and Estonia, study finds
www.theguardian.com
May 30, 2025 at 7:45 AM
By me: Climate cost of Israel’s war on Gaza will exceed the annual greenhouse gas emissions of >100 countries - exacerbating planetary catastrophe on top of the horrific death toll and suffering of Palestinians
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/m...
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/m...
Reposted by Gus
The Secretary of the Interior has ordered the National Park Service and other agencies under his jurisdiction to produce "official" versions of American history. It is, in effect, a propaganda order--and is shameful.
www.doi.gov/document-lib...
www.doi.gov/document-lib...
SO 3431 - Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History | U.S. Department of the Interior
SO 3431
www.doi.gov
May 27, 2025 at 2:50 PM
The Secretary of the Interior has ordered the National Park Service and other agencies under his jurisdiction to produce "official" versions of American history. It is, in effect, a propaganda order--and is shameful.
www.doi.gov/document-lib...
www.doi.gov/document-lib...
Reposted by Gus
#uppsaladeclaration now has more than 1,300 signatories. We refuse to collaborate with Israeli state institutions complicit in human rights violations including illegal occupation, apartheid, and genocide. Faculty and staff in Swedish higher education and research can sign at uppsaladeclaration.se
May 20, 2025 at 9:53 AM
#uppsaladeclaration now has more than 1,300 signatories. We refuse to collaborate with Israeli state institutions complicit in human rights violations including illegal occupation, apartheid, and genocide. Faculty and staff in Swedish higher education and research can sign at uppsaladeclaration.se
Reposted by Gus
NSF grant terminations are disproportionately affecting underrepresented scientists. 58% of canceled grants have women PIs, despite making up only 34% of awards. 17% of canceled grants have Black PIs (versus 4% of the pool). Hispanic and disabled PIs are twice as likely to have NSF grants canceled.
Trump officials take steps toward a radically different NSF
Efforts to shrink staff, budget, and focus have alarmed members of Congress
www.science.org
May 14, 2025 at 3:31 PM
NSF grant terminations are disproportionately affecting underrepresented scientists. 58% of canceled grants have women PIs, despite making up only 34% of awards. 17% of canceled grants have Black PIs (versus 4% of the pool). Hispanic and disabled PIs are twice as likely to have NSF grants canceled.
Reposted by Gus
Read the below article, watch this panel, Environment and War: Historical Perspectives and Modern Challenges - niche-canada.org/2025/03/19/r...
#envhist #environment #war #militarism
#envhist #environment #war #militarism
April 28, 2025 at 3:45 PM
Read the below article, watch this panel, Environment and War: Historical Perspectives and Modern Challenges - niche-canada.org/2025/03/19/r...
#envhist #environment #war #militarism
#envhist #environment #war #militarism
Fossil fuel companies ‘poisoned the well’ of public debate with climate disinformation. theconversation.com/fossil-fuel-...
Fossil fuel companies ‘poisoned the well’ of public debate with climate disinformation. Here’s how Australia can break free
The US has obstructed climate action for decades – largely due to damaging actions by the powerful fossil fuel industry. But Australia has a chance now to lead.
theconversation.com
April 21, 2025 at 10:46 PM
Fossil fuel companies ‘poisoned the well’ of public debate with climate disinformation. theconversation.com/fossil-fuel-...
Reposted by Gus
The AHA recognizes that our colleagues in the federal government are facing unprecedented workforce reductions & has compiled resources in support, & are offering one year of free membership in the AHA to former employees of the federal govt. who have been terminated or resigned since January 20. 🗃️
Resources for Federal Historians - AHA
The American Historical Association supports historians employed by the federal government. We appreciate the important work they do every day to preserve, chronicle, and interpret American history. T...
www.historians.org
March 24, 2025 at 8:20 PM
The AHA recognizes that our colleagues in the federal government are facing unprecedented workforce reductions & has compiled resources in support, & are offering one year of free membership in the AHA to former employees of the federal govt. who have been terminated or resigned since January 20. 🗃️
Reposted by Gus
happy to announce the paperback edition of #TheBigMyth is out today!
www.bloomsbury.com/us/big-myth-...
Only $21.59 from publisher, or at your local independent book store or via the great bookshop.org
bookshop.org/p/books/the-...
www.bloomsbury.com/us/big-myth-...
Only $21.59 from publisher, or at your local independent book store or via the great bookshop.org
bookshop.org/p/books/the-...
The Big Myth
“An immense scholarly feat.”-New Yorker * “[A] scorching indictment of free market fundamentalism . . . and how we can change, before it's too late.”-EsquireWit…
www.bloomsbury.com
March 4, 2025 at 8:43 PM
happy to announce the paperback edition of #TheBigMyth is out today!
www.bloomsbury.com/us/big-myth-...
Only $21.59 from publisher, or at your local independent book store or via the great bookshop.org
bookshop.org/p/books/the-...
www.bloomsbury.com/us/big-myth-...
Only $21.59 from publisher, or at your local independent book store or via the great bookshop.org
bookshop.org/p/books/the-...
Reposted by Gus
Looking forward to this exciting talk next week from Karl Nycklemoe on 'Legal Avulsions: River Rights on the Upper Mississippi in the 1830s'. Join us 11/02 at 1400 GMT.
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1227572023...
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1227572023...
Legal Avulsions: River Rights on the Upper Mississippi in the 1830s
NEHN February: Karl Nycklemoe will speak on Legal Avulsions: River Rights on the Upper Mississippi in the 1830s
www.eventbrite.co.uk
February 3, 2025 at 2:55 PM
Looking forward to this exciting talk next week from Karl Nycklemoe on 'Legal Avulsions: River Rights on the Upper Mississippi in the 1830s'. Join us 11/02 at 1400 GMT.
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1227572023...
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1227572023...