Nicolas Balcom Raleigh
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spacefire.ca
Nicolas Balcom Raleigh
@spacefire.ca
390 followers 1.6K following 110 posts
Academic researcher in the field of Futures Studies, futures literacy specialist, and international consultant. I help groups explore transformation to innovatively address climate change. Photo credits: Skies and Universes- Uuchu (cfca-fig2-full) & Nasa.
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Reposted by Nicolas Balcom Raleigh
sandymdonald.bsky.social
Caledonia T'aÀas-aqsup Glendale
20 November at 07:02
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Understanding Aboriginal Title in Canada — What the Recent Cases Actually Mean

There’s been a lot of confusion and worry online since Indigenous Nations have been winning Aboriginal Title cases — including the Cowichan Tribes decision in BC.
There’s been a lot of confusion and worry online since Indigenous Nations have been winning Aboriginal Title cases — including Cowichan Tribes decision in BC. 1️⃣ Aboriginal Title does not affect private homeowners. Your home is still your home. Roads stay open. Communities remain as they are. In the Cowichan case, the Nation stated clearly: no one is being evicted. 2️⃣ Aboriginal Title only applies to Crown land — not private property. If no treaty ever surrendered territory, then under Canadian law, Aboriginal Title still exists. The courts don’t “give” land — they recognize rights that were never extinguished. 3️⃣ What Aboriginal Title actually does: Requires Indigenous consent for major projects Protects waters, salmon, and ecosystems Gives Nations fair economic participation Brings Indigenous back into decisions on their own territories 4️⃣ What it does not do: Take away people’s houses Shut down communities Remove municipal services Erase anyone’s rights The 2025 Cowichan ruling confirms this. The Court recognized Aboriginal Title over parts of the Fraser River region and noted problems with Crown-held titles there — but also gave an 18-month transition period and confirmed that private homeowners are not target of changes. The bottom line: Aboriginal Title is about legal clarity, shared decision-making, and protecting land for future generations. It isn’t something to fear — it’s Canada aligning with its own Constitution and truth of this land. If Cowichan Wins the Appeal — What It Actually Means If the appeal upholds the Cowichan title ruling, homeowners will not lose their homes. The decision is about Crown land, jurisdiction, and government responsibilities—not evicting families. What would happen is: Cowichan’s Aboriginal Title would be confirmed The Crown and BC would have to fix past invalid grants Homeowners stay in place during and after that process This is about legal clarity and shared decision-making, not removing anyone from their property
December 5, 2025 at 5:04 AM
Reposted by Nicolas Balcom Raleigh
whoi.edu
Dead sea creatures are washing up across South Australia—and residents are getting sick. But why?

Scientists, including #WHOI ecologist Don Anderson, have linked the mystery to the obscure algae Karenia cristata.

📲Find out what scientists know so far from @science.org: go.whoi.edu/sci-algae
December 3, 2025 at 4:59 PM
Reposted by Nicolas Balcom Raleigh
lenihauss.bsky.social
Norway hits the the pause button on #Deepsea Mining 🌊🦑🧪 www.wwf.no/nyheter/a-hi...
A historic victory: Norway halts plans for deep seabed mining in the Arctic - WWF
The decision establishes a four-year stop to any exploration or extraction activities in Norwegian waters.
www.wwf.no
December 3, 2025 at 7:17 PM
spacefire.ca
Today I am feeling proud that my kid’s first ever computer class was taught at Linus’s alma mater (his thesis was on display in the hallway) and on workstations running Linux (Ubuntu). May the next generation renew the spirit of FOSS in our world!
December 3, 2025 at 8:41 AM
Reposted by Nicolas Balcom Raleigh
aaronsojourner.org
#EconSky
aaronsojourner.org Aaron Sojourner @aaronsojourner.org · 2d
Thanks to these people specifically who govern the AEA, including president @lkatz42.bsky.social, a departmental colleague of Summers. Not easy or pleasant. Respect!
www.aeaweb.org/about-aea/le...
December 2, 2025 at 6:58 PM
Reposted by Nicolas Balcom Raleigh
ipbes.net
🌿 Indigenous wisdom offers many ways: 10 diverse philosophies from around the world demonstrate how human-nature relationships can shift from domination to care.

@IPBES #TransformativeChange Assessment

Read the report: https://www.ipbes.net/transformative-change-assessment
An infographic illustrating indigenous and relational philosophies about sustainability and ways of being. The design features a tree-like structure with curved golden branches, each holding a colored circle representing different cultural concepts. At the base, an arrow transitions from "Relations of Domination" to "Relations of Care," showing transformation in values. Ten cultural concepts are displayed with unique icons and locations: Ubuntu (Sub-Saharan Africa) with a turquoise bird Mino-mnaamodzawin (Anishinaabek, USA) Satoyama and Satoumi (Japan) with cherry blossoms Saffu (Oromo, Ethiopia) with a leaf Kawsak Sacha (Kichwa, Ecuador) with a figure by water Nanao ñu'u (Mixtec, Mexico) Birgejupmi (Sápmi, Arctic) with a reindeer Suma Qamaña (Aymara, Bolivia) with a drum Sumak Kawsay (Kichwa, South America) Whakakapa (Aotearoa, New Zealand) with traditional symbols Below, a legend explains each concept's meaning, focusing on human-nature relationships, respect, and sustainable living practices. The overall theme emphasizes transformation from anthropocentric approaches to ecocentric and pluriversal formations based on reciprocity.
December 1, 2025 at 7:50 AM
spacefire.ca
I recommend viewing these photos to all futures and foresight people. The human condition is so varied and specific, while so many meaningful cross-cutting experiences can be found in the details.
apnews.com The Associated Press @apnews.com · 4d
In over 200 locations globally, photojournalists with The Associated Press are trusted eyewitnesses to the world's news, and have won 36 of AP's 59 Pulitzer Prizes since the award was established in 1917. See their most striking photos of 2025.
Associated Press 100 Photos of 2025: AP photos that defined the year
In over 200 locations globally, photojournalists with The Associated Press are trusted eyewitnesses to the world’s news, and have won 36 of AP’s 59 Pulitzer Prizes since the award was established in 1917.
bit.ly
December 1, 2025 at 11:38 AM
Reposted by Nicolas Balcom Raleigh
davidho.bsky.social
The ocean remains the only true carbon sink. 🥲
Africa’s forests transformed from carbon sink to carbon source, study finds
Alarming shift since 2010 means planet’s three main rainforest regions now contribute to climate breakdown
www.theguardian.com
December 1, 2025 at 10:40 AM
spacefire.ca
Congratulations to Demos Helsinki for 20 years of making a difference in foresight, futures, design, research and societal impact. Lovely to see you and your ecosystem at the celebration tonight! #DemosHelsinki20v
November 28, 2025 at 10:29 PM
Reposted by Nicolas Balcom Raleigh
seaaroundus.org
Sea Around Us alumna, Rebeca Schijns, told CTV News that Canada's fisheries have reached a decisive moment and that it is essential to start rebuilding healthy fisheries.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4Aq...
A look at the annual audit of Canada’s fishery sector
YouTube video by CTV News
www.youtube.com
November 26, 2025 at 6:12 PM
spacefire.ca
The scientific consensus continues to be that childhood vaccination schedules are generally safe and reduce unneccessary deaths.
www.nationalacademies.org/news/stateme...
There is a substantial body of work, including expert reports from the National Academies, dating back decades analyzing data and providing guidance on the important question of childhood vaccine safety. That work has affirmed that childhood vaccines are safe for the general population with long-established benefits of preventing illness and averting death. The presidents of the National Academies have repeatedly issued statements* that call for application of scientific studies and public communications surrounding the safety and individual and public health benefits of childhood vaccination. It is essential for the health and well-being of American families that as scientific studies provide new evidence and insights, medical guidance shared with the public must be evidence-based, clear, and complete.
November 26, 2025 at 2:11 PM
Reposted by Nicolas Balcom Raleigh
blindeke.bsky.social
“Claire Lingon handed out water and tissue paper to people who were tear-gassed by St. Paul police. She said the home’s tenants have young children who are always playing in the yard.” sahanjournal.com/immigration/...
Council member criticizes St. Paul police conduct during federal arrest
Hundreds of demonstrators confronted dozens of federal agents and St. Paul police Tuesday as authorities arrested a man at a home on Rose Avenue on the East Side.
sahanjournal.com
November 26, 2025 at 3:34 AM
Reposted by Nicolas Balcom Raleigh
ipbes.net
Earlier this week, IPBES #2ndGlobalAssessment fellows received introductions to the program.

The young researchers from across the world got to know each other and started planning for the work ahead.

Learn more about the IPBES Fellowship Program: https://www.ipbes.net/ipbes-fellowship-programme
November 26, 2025 at 8:00 AM
Reposted by Nicolas Balcom Raleigh
icy-pete.bsky.social
Two miles of ice core on the shelf at our national ice core facility in Lakewood, Colorado. The WAIS Divide core from West Antarctica is a 3400m long (deepest US core, 2nd deepest ice core ever) 68,000 year old record of high resolution climate.
November 24, 2025 at 5:03 PM
Reposted by Nicolas Balcom Raleigh
src-rsc.bsky.social
On day two of #Taikura, Annie Pullen Sansfaçon (RSC College, @umontreal.ca) co-led a wānanga on how to create Indigenous research spaces.

Today, Marti Ford (@umanitoba.bsky.social) co-led a wānanga focused on actionable measures to transform academia for Indigenous Peoples.
November 25, 2025 at 10:31 PM
spacefire.ca
Eager to see what additional nations will join the fossil fuel phaseout coalition.
ciel.org Center for International Environmental Law @ciel.org · 12d
🚨 At #COP30’s closing plenary, Colombia refused to approve the decision on the mitigation work programme unless fossil fuel language was included.

Several climate-vulnerable states demanded more ambition & public finance for climate adaptation.

🔔This is a wake-up call🔔

A🧵
November 22, 2025 at 10:18 PM
Reposted by Nicolas Balcom Raleigh
worldwildlife.bsky.social
Flamingo. 🦩🦩 A flock of flamingos is aptly called a flamboyance. There are six species of flamingo worldwide. They are highly social creatures and often gather in large numbers. Awesome photo taken by Pedro Szekely #flamingo #naturephotography #wildlife #nature #wildlifephotography #pink
November 22, 2025 at 6:22 AM
Reposted by Nicolas Balcom Raleigh
timholtwilson.bsky.social
《With strengthened governance, equitable finance, and support for Indigenous communities, it could become a global model for sustainable development, but continued neglect risks ecosystem collapse, severe economic losses, and the unraveling of one of the planet's last great climate stabilizers.》
americangeo.bsky.social The American Geographical Society @americangeo.bsky.social · 13d
Congo Basin at Crossroads
New research highlights the Congo Basin's accelerating decline and immense planetary value as Earth's second largest rainforest and one of its most important remaining carbon sinks.
Read More: mailchi.mp/americangeo/...
This map depicts how deforestation in the Congo Basin is changing rainfall patterns across Central and West Africa from 2000-2024. Click on the map to learn more.
November 21, 2025 at 10:27 PM
spacefire.ca
A free and fearless press is essential for democracy. Journalists should able to do their jobs without being afraid of verbal or physical attacks.
‘As Trump berates female reporters, what's the breaking point?’ - www.cbc.ca/news/world/t...
'Quiet, piggy': As Trump berates female reporters, what's the breaking point? | CBC News
It's certainly not the first time U.S. President Donald Trump has insulted a female reporter, but calling Bloomberg's Catherine Lucey 'piggy' on Air Force One, then berating ABC News' Mary Bruce a few...
www.cbc.ca
November 20, 2025 at 11:26 PM
Reposted by Nicolas Balcom Raleigh
climatewwf.bsky.social
COP30 has been abuzz with conversations and debates about the possible permutations of various roadmap plans, with the transition away from fossil fuels and halting deforestation leading the discussions.

The science is clear that action must start now.

Read more here: lnkd.in/e2SYH4WU

#COP30
November 20, 2025 at 11:58 AM
Reposted by Nicolas Balcom Raleigh
megt.bsky.social
Good 🌎 news. "It became one of the leading facilities that transfers coal from rail to ships on the Great Lakes .... [T]he facility set a record loading 22 million short tons of coal in 2008" but shift from coal-fired plants led to 75 percent reduction.
www.wpr.org/news/wiscons...
Wisconsin coal terminal to close after 50 years as clean energy saps demand
Midwest Energy Resources Company, a subsidiary of DTE Electric Company, will not renew its 50-year lease with Koch Industries as of June 30 next year.
www.wpr.org
November 18, 2025 at 10:06 PM
Reposted by Nicolas Balcom Raleigh
gregpriest.bsky.social
Asa Gray was born OTD in 1810. A devout believer in a personal God, G was also one of Darwin’s greatest champions.

In a correspondence spanning 12 years, G and D minutely explored what evolution says about God and free will. D could not accept G’s God, but was deeply torn.

🌱🐋 #HistSTM #philsci 🧪
| Darwin Correspondence Project
www.darwinproject.ac.uk
November 18, 2025 at 6:15 PM
spacefire.ca
In 2022, I co-led co-design for a Futures Literacy Lab mainly attended by maritime / ship experts. In it, one of the lab’s several reframe assumptions about the future was that in 2050, ‘Europe is the only world region still using fossil fuels’. Sad to see this disturbing idea might come to be…
janellelapointe.bsky.social janelle 𓆝𓆞 @janellelapointe.bsky.social · 16d
Congratulations to Canada for winning the Fossil of the Day (even beating the European Union!) at #COP30 for their backsliding on climate, violations of Indigenous rights, pretending that CCS and “low-carbon oil” are real, and absenteeism from the conference itself!!!!!!!!!! #cdnpoli
November 18, 2025 at 10:18 PM
spacefire.ca
More tech news to watch:
andytseng.bsky.social Andy Tseng @andytseng.bsky.social · 16d
We must also think about the political risks here. If polls can be manipulated, policy can be nudged in whatever direction someone wants. This isn’t an “if” question anymore.
#AI #ResearchIntegrity #ResponsibleAI #ResearchSky #AcademicSky
A Researcher Made an AI That Completely Breaks the Online Surveys Scientists Rely On
We can no longer trust that survey responses are coming from real people.”
www.404media.co
November 18, 2025 at 10:05 PM
spacefire.ca
For those who know: Python language and ecosystem is a vital part of our computing world. The foundation behind it is trying to close a $1.5M budget gap. : Python Software Foundation News: Connecting the Dots: Understanding the PSF’s Current Financial Outlook - pyfound.blogspot.com/2025/10/conn...
Connecting the Dots: Understanding the PSF’s Current Financial Outlook
As the PSF heads into our end-of-year fundraiser, we want to share information to help “connect the dots” and show a more complete picture o...
pyfound.blogspot.com
November 18, 2025 at 10:04 PM