Rafe Smyth
@rafe-s.bsky.social
Climate, infrastructure(s), nature, interdisciplinary, radical pragmatism, solutions
Based in London, UK. Don't see DMs.
Based in London, UK. Don't see DMs.
Reposted by Rafe Smyth
Our information space is dominated by a system that demands and rewards continous and immediate emotional gratification, so you can't even begin to have a discussion about complex issues. It's a bright cancer that spreads and multiplies with every interaction.
It's part of the electionification of everything, which is why we as a country are failing to have a proper conversation about our actual problems. It's bad for the left *and* the right.
It's such a bizarre framing. Labour MPs think taking 450k kids out of poverty is putting the country first! That's why they wanted it to happen! It's not because they personally benefit.
November 28, 2025 at 7:02 AM
Our information space is dominated by a system that demands and rewards continous and immediate emotional gratification, so you can't even begin to have a discussion about complex issues. It's a bright cancer that spreads and multiplies with every interaction.
Reposted by Rafe Smyth
I wish I didn’t have to share this. But the BBC has decided to censor my first Reith Lecture.
They deleted the line in which I describe Donald Trump as “the most openly corrupt president in American history.” /1
They deleted the line in which I describe Donald Trump as “the most openly corrupt president in American history.” /1
November 25, 2025 at 9:26 AM
I wish I didn’t have to share this. But the BBC has decided to censor my first Reith Lecture.
They deleted the line in which I describe Donald Trump as “the most openly corrupt president in American history.” /1
They deleted the line in which I describe Donald Trump as “the most openly corrupt president in American history.” /1
We're only just learning that Ultra Processed Foods harm all human organs: how long to work out full costs of AI?
"AI could be for human relationships what junk food is to nourishment"
observer.co.uk/news/opinion...
"AI could be for human relationships what junk food is to nourishment"
observer.co.uk/news/opinion...
Big tech has our attention and now it wants our affection. We must resist | The Observer
observer.co.uk
November 23, 2025 at 7:57 PM
We're only just learning that Ultra Processed Foods harm all human organs: how long to work out full costs of AI?
"AI could be for human relationships what junk food is to nourishment"
observer.co.uk/news/opinion...
"AI could be for human relationships what junk food is to nourishment"
observer.co.uk/news/opinion...
Reposted by Rafe Smyth
The deeper problem isn’t just misinformation, its the collapse of shared verification environments and the rise of influencer-led moral-epistemic systems that feel more authentic than institutions.
November 22, 2025 at 11:59 AM
The deeper problem isn’t just misinformation, its the collapse of shared verification environments and the rise of influencer-led moral-epistemic systems that feel more authentic than institutions.
Reposted by Rafe Smyth
Here is Trump's full 28 point plan for Ukraine. It would destroy Ukraine as a sovereign state and leave it helpless to face a Russian attack in the future. It would also give Putin full vindication and immunity from prosecution.
www.axios.com/2025/11/20/t...
www.axios.com/2025/11/20/t...
Trump's full 28-point Ukraine-Russia peace plan
The full plan was obtained by Axios and verified by Ukrainian and U.S. officials.
www.axios.com
November 21, 2025 at 1:41 AM
Here is Trump's full 28 point plan for Ukraine. It would destroy Ukraine as a sovereign state and leave it helpless to face a Russian attack in the future. It would also give Putin full vindication and immunity from prosecution.
www.axios.com/2025/11/20/t...
www.axios.com/2025/11/20/t...
Reposted by Rafe Smyth
Was Indonesia moving its capital the first climate migration at the state level? Pretty wild that we’re already at the point of multiple governments moving due to climate conditions making their capitals unlivable.
#COP30
#COP30
'Iran’s capital must be moved because the country “no longer has a choice,” President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Thursday in remarks carried by state media, warning that severe ecological strain has made Tehran impossible to sustain'
#Iran 🇮🇷
#Iran 🇮🇷
Iran president says capital move now a necessity as water crisis deepens
Iran’s capital must be moved because the country “no longer has a choice,” President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Thursday in remarks carried by state media, warning that severe ecological strain has mad...
www.iranintl.com
November 22, 2025 at 5:02 AM
Was Indonesia moving its capital the first climate migration at the state level? Pretty wild that we’re already at the point of multiple governments moving due to climate conditions making their capitals unlivable.
#COP30
#COP30
Is Oxford Street pedestrianisation a missed opportunity to cut car use and improve cycling in surrounding streets?
Despite Mayor Khan's rhetoric for a greener and cleaner London, the proposals have "no material effect on air quality" and cut CO2 by just 2%.
haveyoursay.tfl.gov.uk/oxford-stree...
Despite Mayor Khan's rhetoric for a greener and cleaner London, the proposals have "no material effect on air quality" and cut CO2 by just 2%.
haveyoursay.tfl.gov.uk/oxford-stree...
Oxford Street - proposals for transport and highway changes
Find out about the public consultation on proposals to pedestrianise Oxford Street and make changes to transport and highways in the area
haveyoursay.tfl.gov.uk
November 21, 2025 at 12:03 PM
Is Oxford Street pedestrianisation a missed opportunity to cut car use and improve cycling in surrounding streets?
Despite Mayor Khan's rhetoric for a greener and cleaner London, the proposals have "no material effect on air quality" and cut CO2 by just 2%.
haveyoursay.tfl.gov.uk/oxford-stree...
Despite Mayor Khan's rhetoric for a greener and cleaner London, the proposals have "no material effect on air quality" and cut CO2 by just 2%.
haveyoursay.tfl.gov.uk/oxford-stree...
Reposted by Rafe Smyth
I've tried to argue why I think the cut to affordable housing targets in London is a really terrible idea in a considered, rather than shouty, way here.
A clumsy patching up of a broken status quo:
open.substack.com/pub/peteapps...
A clumsy patching up of a broken status quo:
open.substack.com/pub/peteapps...
A clumsy patching up of a broken system: Khan and Reed cut London's affordable housing targets
PLUS: leaked audio reveals a Clarion manager encouraging colleagues to produce fake evidence of displaying fire safety notices
open.substack.com
October 24, 2025 at 2:35 PM
I've tried to argue why I think the cut to affordable housing targets in London is a really terrible idea in a considered, rather than shouty, way here.
A clumsy patching up of a broken status quo:
open.substack.com/pub/peteapps...
A clumsy patching up of a broken status quo:
open.substack.com/pub/peteapps...
Residential cycle parking standards in London are being slashed, as Labour's war on blockers to new housing takes an unexpected turn.
This deregulation was justified by the rise in e-scooters & dockless bikes. But planning rules don't yet require making space for them.
www.gov.uk/government/n...
This deregulation was justified by the rise in e-scooters & dockless bikes. But planning rules don't yet require making space for them.
www.gov.uk/government/n...
October 24, 2025 at 2:36 PM
Residential cycle parking standards in London are being slashed, as Labour's war on blockers to new housing takes an unexpected turn.
This deregulation was justified by the rise in e-scooters & dockless bikes. But planning rules don't yet require making space for them.
www.gov.uk/government/n...
This deregulation was justified by the rise in e-scooters & dockless bikes. But planning rules don't yet require making space for them.
www.gov.uk/government/n...
First offsetting was found wanting, now CCS. What will they come up with next to avoid cleaning up emissions?
Carbon Capture & Storage has less than 4% of the potential previously assumed says new study. on.ft.com/4nigq4Z
Carbon Capture & Storage has less than 4% of the potential previously assumed says new study. on.ft.com/4nigq4Z
Carbon capture set to be less useful in tackling climate change, scientists warn
CO₂ stored underground will be at risk of leaking back into the atmosphere, study finds
on.ft.com
September 3, 2025 at 6:37 PM
First offsetting was found wanting, now CCS. What will they come up with next to avoid cleaning up emissions?
Carbon Capture & Storage has less than 4% of the potential previously assumed says new study. on.ft.com/4nigq4Z
Carbon Capture & Storage has less than 4% of the potential previously assumed says new study. on.ft.com/4nigq4Z
Reposted by Rafe Smyth
This is a real photograph of Washington, DC this week, where the United States president has ordered military occupation in peacetime, and ordered the display of colossal portraits of himself.
www.wsj.com/politics/pol...
www.wsj.com/politics/pol...
August 28, 2025 at 10:24 AM
This is a real photograph of Washington, DC this week, where the United States president has ordered military occupation in peacetime, and ordered the display of colossal portraits of himself.
www.wsj.com/politics/pol...
www.wsj.com/politics/pol...
Insightful & important reporting by @carltonreid.com
Surely begs another question: whether sharing footage of what are now decriminalised traffic & parking contraventions is lawful? These are now enforced by councils rathern than the police.
Surely begs another question: whether sharing footage of what are now decriminalised traffic & parking contraventions is lawful? These are now enforced by councils rathern than the police.
Big news for dashcam/helmetcam users:
Judge Affirms Legality Of Public-Submitted Road Crime Footage In Landmark Ruling
www.forbes.com/sites/carlto...
Judge Affirms Legality Of Public-Submitted Road Crime Footage In Landmark Ruling
www.forbes.com/sites/carlto...
UK Judge Affirms Legality Of Public-Submitted Road Crime Footage In Landmark Ruling
A judge has ruled that motorists and cyclists can legally share videos with police, dismissing a lawsuit from a retired solicitor.
www.forbes.com
August 14, 2025 at 4:39 PM
Insightful & important reporting by @carltonreid.com
Surely begs another question: whether sharing footage of what are now decriminalised traffic & parking contraventions is lawful? These are now enforced by councils rathern than the police.
Surely begs another question: whether sharing footage of what are now decriminalised traffic & parking contraventions is lawful? These are now enforced by councils rathern than the police.
Reposted by Rafe Smyth
A number of politicians, "news" outlets and social media influencers have been actively trying to promote violent protest and an assault on law and order.
We shouldn't be complacent - they'll keep pouring petrol & lighting matches - but so far they have singularly failed.
That's a good news story.
We shouldn't be complacent - they'll keep pouring petrol & lighting matches - but so far they have singularly failed.
That's a good news story.
Calls for a "huge nationwide wave" of protests in last 48 hours saw about 300 people attend one locally-organised protest in Nuneaton (serious charges in local case) + 19 protests range from 6 peoole (Wolverhampton) with about four more reaching 100-200 people (Altrincham,Canary Wharf)
Total < 2000
Total < 2000
August 11, 2025 at 7:31 AM
A number of politicians, "news" outlets and social media influencers have been actively trying to promote violent protest and an assault on law and order.
We shouldn't be complacent - they'll keep pouring petrol & lighting matches - but so far they have singularly failed.
That's a good news story.
We shouldn't be complacent - they'll keep pouring petrol & lighting matches - but so far they have singularly failed.
That's a good news story.
Reposted by Rafe Smyth
It is very hard to see how the UK government can sign this statement, which makes it absolutely clear that it recognises that Israel is committing - as a matter of state policy - deliberate and systematic war crimes, without at a minimum cutting all military cooperation with Israel.
July 21, 2025 at 4:34 PM
It is very hard to see how the UK government can sign this statement, which makes it absolutely clear that it recognises that Israel is committing - as a matter of state policy - deliberate and systematic war crimes, without at a minimum cutting all military cooperation with Israel.
Reposted by Rafe Smyth
Good statement that makes clear Israel is deliberately massacring starving civilians.
"We condemn the drip feeding of aid and the inhumane killing of civilians, including children, seeking to meet their most basic needs of water and food. "
www.gov.uk/government/n...
"We condemn the drip feeding of aid and the inhumane killing of civilians, including children, seeking to meet their most basic needs of water and food. "
www.gov.uk/government/n...
Occupied Palestinian Territories: joint statement, 21 July 2025
The UK and 25 international partners gave a joint statement on the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
www.gov.uk
July 21, 2025 at 4:32 PM
Good statement that makes clear Israel is deliberately massacring starving civilians.
"We condemn the drip feeding of aid and the inhumane killing of civilians, including children, seeking to meet their most basic needs of water and food. "
www.gov.uk/government/n...
"We condemn the drip feeding of aid and the inhumane killing of civilians, including children, seeking to meet their most basic needs of water and food. "
www.gov.uk/government/n...
Reposted by Rafe Smyth
“If the world is to be healed through human efforts, I am convinced it will be by ordinary people, people whose love for this life is even greater than their fear.”
RIP, Joanna R. Macy (May 2, 1929 – July 19, 2025)
RIP, Joanna R. Macy (May 2, 1929 – July 19, 2025)
July 20, 2025 at 3:07 PM
“If the world is to be healed through human efforts, I am convinced it will be by ordinary people, people whose love for this life is even greater than their fear.”
RIP, Joanna R. Macy (May 2, 1929 – July 19, 2025)
RIP, Joanna R. Macy (May 2, 1929 – July 19, 2025)
Another 1990s revival! In the depths of today's Devolution Bill, Mayors in England are to be given a duty to consider setting traffic reduction targets for key routes.
This is resuscitates the Road Traffic Reduction Act 1997: its congestion & climate aims are surely more relevant than ever.
This is resuscitates the Road Traffic Reduction Act 1997: its congestion & climate aims are surely more relevant than ever.
July 10, 2025 at 4:14 PM
Another 1990s revival! In the depths of today's Devolution Bill, Mayors in England are to be given a duty to consider setting traffic reduction targets for key routes.
This is resuscitates the Road Traffic Reduction Act 1997: its congestion & climate aims are surely more relevant than ever.
This is resuscitates the Road Traffic Reduction Act 1997: its congestion & climate aims are surely more relevant than ever.
Well you can't say England won't fund rail electrification. Today's DfT announcement lists the "electrification of the Midland Main Line between Kettering and Wigston".
Except that went live a year ago ⚡🚄😳
www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/news/power-l...
As bad as Tory Network North debacle?
Except that went live a year ago ⚡🚄😳
www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/news/power-l...
As bad as Tory Network North debacle?
Power lines now live as latest section of Midland Main Line is electrified
A major milestone has been hit as Network Rail teams have successfully electrified the line between Kettering and Wigston, allowing for greener and quieter journeys along the Midland Main Line in the ...
www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk
July 8, 2025 at 2:43 PM
Well you can't say England won't fund rail electrification. Today's DfT announcement lists the "electrification of the Midland Main Line between Kettering and Wigston".
Except that went live a year ago ⚡🚄😳
www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/news/power-l...
As bad as Tory Network North debacle?
Except that went live a year ago ⚡🚄😳
www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/news/power-l...
As bad as Tory Network North debacle?
With obesity now costing the UK £126bn a year, how ambitious is the new 10 year health plan on physical activity?
- an annual city of physical activity competition, modelled on UK city of culture
- "identify simple changes" to boost active travel that can be shared as best practice
And that's it?
- an annual city of physical activity competition, modelled on UK city of culture
- "identify simple changes" to boost active travel that can be shared as best practice
And that's it?
July 3, 2025 at 2:06 PM
With obesity now costing the UK £126bn a year, how ambitious is the new 10 year health plan on physical activity?
- an annual city of physical activity competition, modelled on UK city of culture
- "identify simple changes" to boost active travel that can be shared as best practice
And that's it?
- an annual city of physical activity competition, modelled on UK city of culture
- "identify simple changes" to boost active travel that can be shared as best practice
And that's it?
Coming same day as figures showing obesity now has £126 billion annual cost to UK economy, this statement by mayors (inc one from Reform) on physically active travel is hugely positive.
www.gov.uk/government/p...
Hope to see more details and funding soon.
www.gov.uk/government/p...
Hope to see more details and funding soon.
Working together to create a national walking, wheeling and cycling network
Active Travel England and 12 mayors of England's combined local authorities' statement on creating a national walking, wheeling and cycling network.
www.gov.uk
July 2, 2025 at 10:59 AM
Coming same day as figures showing obesity now has £126 billion annual cost to UK economy, this statement by mayors (inc one from Reform) on physically active travel is hugely positive.
www.gov.uk/government/p...
Hope to see more details and funding soon.
www.gov.uk/government/p...
Hope to see more details and funding soon.
"Opposition leader Keir Starmer"
Freudian slip in today's Standard, as time runs out for PM after welfare vote debacle?
Freudian slip in today's Standard, as time runs out for PM after welfare vote debacle?
July 1, 2025 at 8:35 PM
"Opposition leader Keir Starmer"
Freudian slip in today's Standard, as time runs out for PM after welfare vote debacle?
Freudian slip in today's Standard, as time runs out for PM after welfare vote debacle?
While a great idea in theory, let's not lose sight of fact that the mayor still has no credible plan on how to deliver this in practice.
Westminster council has elections in May 2026, so relying on its consent (rather than GLA Act 1999 powers) is at best a risky move.
Westminster council has elections in May 2026, so relying on its consent (rather than GLA Act 1999 powers) is at best a risky move.
The results are in. The vast majority of Londoners and major businesses back our exciting plans for Oxford Street, so I'm pleased to confirm that we will now be moving ahead as quickly as possible.
June 17, 2025 at 7:59 AM
While a great idea in theory, let's not lose sight of fact that the mayor still has no credible plan on how to deliver this in practice.
Westminster council has elections in May 2026, so relying on its consent (rather than GLA Act 1999 powers) is at best a risky move.
Westminster council has elections in May 2026, so relying on its consent (rather than GLA Act 1999 powers) is at best a risky move.
The £15.6bn announced today to fund urban transport in England for five years is significant, even if more detail needed.
In particular, will the government follow its infrastructure advisors' recommendation to make funding conditional on demand management schemes?
www.gov.uk/government/n...
In particular, will the government follow its infrastructure advisors' recommendation to make funding conditional on demand management schemes?
www.gov.uk/government/n...
June 4, 2025 at 10:28 AM
The £15.6bn announced today to fund urban transport in England for five years is significant, even if more detail needed.
In particular, will the government follow its infrastructure advisors' recommendation to make funding conditional on demand management schemes?
www.gov.uk/government/n...
In particular, will the government follow its infrastructure advisors' recommendation to make funding conditional on demand management schemes?
www.gov.uk/government/n...
Reposted by Rafe Smyth
Campaign group Transport Action Network is appealing against the government’s decision to cut funding for cycling and walking schemes in England.
Leigh Day's Rowan Smith will argue at the Court of Appeal that the decision 'could set a dangerous precedent'.
leighdaylaw.info/436KHw6
Leigh Day's Rowan Smith will argue at the Court of Appeal that the decision 'could set a dangerous precedent'.
leighdaylaw.info/436KHw6
TAN appeal against cycling and walking funding cuts
Campaign group Transport Action Network (TAN) is appealing against the government’s decision to cut funding for cycling and walking schemes across England.
leighdaylaw.info
April 30, 2025 at 2:58 PM
Campaign group Transport Action Network is appealing against the government’s decision to cut funding for cycling and walking schemes in England.
Leigh Day's Rowan Smith will argue at the Court of Appeal that the decision 'could set a dangerous precedent'.
leighdaylaw.info/436KHw6
Leigh Day's Rowan Smith will argue at the Court of Appeal that the decision 'could set a dangerous precedent'.
leighdaylaw.info/436KHw6
Court of Appeal is hearing @transportaction.bsky.social legal challenge against Department for Transport cuts to funding for walking and cycling. And you can watch it live or on catch up!
www.youtube.com/channel/UCsh...
www.youtube.com/channel/UCsh...
Court of Appeal - Civil Division - Court 75
www.youtube.com
April 30, 2025 at 1:01 PM
Court of Appeal is hearing @transportaction.bsky.social legal challenge against Department for Transport cuts to funding for walking and cycling. And you can watch it live or on catch up!
www.youtube.com/channel/UCsh...
www.youtube.com/channel/UCsh...